"Just" an LPN

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

Published

I am so tired of getting this question. "Why are your going to school to be "just" an LPN?" At church when I announced I was going to school for LPN one of the ladies came up to me after and said, "you're going to get your RN after right?" as if being an LPN is not good enough. Well, that's the plan, but so what if I don't? I'm doing this because I have an insane love for learning about the human body, & working with people, not only to have a career. In fact, my current job (non-medical) pays more than most of the LPNs start out at around here. If i start working as an LPN and love it, I may not bridge to RN.

I'm not sure what kind of reply I'm looking for, just needed to vent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't let the words of the ignorant get to you. Those people who put lvn down can't even tell you what the lvn does. I let those people delay my going to the lvn school because I was listening to them. I have now applied for the program. If lvn is what you want to be, go for it. It's only you who knows why you want to be an lvn.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

From what i've read here that will be a common comment from many. It possibly will be annoying but it definately won't detour me from doing what I desire. Just as you mentioned, it is possilbly a start to get to the next step, but if we're happy where we are years from now it's a personal choose and no one can decide for you.

Some people just don't deserve a response! Keep doing what you love!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When people make comments like that it is rude and irritating. I am working on my pre-reqs for an Associates Degree RN program and people will say "Why are you only getting your ADN, why don't you get your BSN?" It is annoying. No matter what, people always feel the need to give their opinions, even if they are inconsiderate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I get that too. I've realized you can't share everything with everybody and everyone is not going to be happy for you. When people come out the side of their neck like that I ask them if they plan on financing my education. That shuts them up real quick.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

People who make those statements have either no idea of what an LPN does or they remember LPNs of 20 years ago who functioned basically as NAs.

A brother in law said the same to me. I asked him if he could deliver a baby, prepare an IV med, start an IV, change a wound vac dressing, and/or hold the hand of the dying. He has never raised the topic again.

Up here it's two years at college to become a PN. It's the old RN coursework, while our RNs are all four year degree holders. The sad thing is that RNs who completed the two year diploma course are still working as RNs and are the ones who make the most derogatory remarks.

You are never "just" an LPN. I don't define myself by my job. Nor do I go around mention my degree in another discipline.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If it is fulfilling to you then it is not "just an LPN." It is your life's work and it is a blessing to be able to help others.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks everyone! I feel confident in my decision and I am excited to be an awesome LPN!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's ok OP. I have been told the same and had to reprimand my boyfriend (who learned his lesson) after stating I was just going to be a "Low Paid Nurse" (LPN). I told him "where's your license?" I love what I do and I'm in the LPN-RN transition program. I'm still proud to say I'm a nurse when a patient asks me if I'm a newbie. Gets a smile from the older patients seeing a young person being educated. Just ignore the rude comments! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I hear you girl! I am starting an LVN program in the fall and I am THRILLED! It is the start to a lifelong career/journey! I have received similar remarks as of late...

"Oh an LVN? Isn't that just an assistant nurse?"

"Why didn't you just apply to the RN program?"

"You do realize LVN's don't make as much money as RN's?"

"Don't you know that hospitals are phasing out LVN's and RN's with their ADN?"

What I want to say to those people:

ENOUGH!!!!!!!

You don't think I know the difference between an LVN and an RN? Trust me, I've done my research. I also volunteer at a hospital and experience first hand what the differences are. And yet I'm still satisfied with my choice of becoming and LVN first. My goal is to work at a rehabilitation center the first few years. I know that being an LVN will give me a great foundation for my future nursing career. Eventually, when the time is right, I will go back and get an ADN and eventually a BSN since I'd like to work in a hospital eventually as well. Nursing is awesome like that. There's lots of room for growth for people like me who never want to stop learning!

Bottom line:

Don't listen to the nay-sayers! You go do what YOU want to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CNA/HHA 1995-2009.

^5 "))

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yeah. When I went to EN(LPN) school it was a FULL TIME 2 YEAR program! And intense!

All the RN have 4 years of education. No 2 year RN programs! Also as an EN we had to have 2000 clinical hours before we could graduate nursing school. And when we graduated nursing school we EN could work in ANY department and we were well trained and prepared. I worked in ICU from Respiratory ICU,Cardiac ICU, Cardiac-Thoracic ICU and NICU as EN. I also worked Labor and Delivery, Operating Room, Burn unit, Pediatrics, Medical/Surgical, Surgical short stay, Gynea/OB surgical unit, Outpatient - adult and peds.I even helped in a cath lab.I helped Gyn/Ob deliver breech babies. I circulated as an EN in OR as well I got amazing experience working in these departments as an EN (LPN).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment