Anger towards the traditional students

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I sit here studying in the cafeteria and eavesdrop on several conversations with my headphones on, music low, and nursing texts wide open. I listen to the excitement of these traditional students, students who are going thru nrsg school the first time, unlike myself who is an LPN -RN transitional student.

I hear the cockiness in their voices as they "study" (ie gossip) with their peers. They talk about what their first jobs will be, how hard their classes are, and how difficult their tests are.

I used to be just like that. I graduated, got my dream jobs, but found that being just an LPN wasn't enough. Now I'm back at school. The LPN and ASN students eat together and share several of the same classes. Their excitement and optimism makes me so angry and jealous! I want to tell them... "Ur going to hate being an LPN!!! And you... You think bc u may end up as an RN you'll be better off!? You're going the way of the LPN- to the nursing homes!! A mere Assc degree means nothing!"

But I keep to myself. I understand that I'm angry at myself and the choices I've made. I'm angry that I became an LPN first. I'm angry I have more skill and practical knowledge than all of these "students". I resent being here. I resent that I, too, am only in "just" an Assc degree program. I resent that I start IV's, hang blood (first time was this past weekend and monitored for the whole taco vs trali like I was trained when I was first hired in the ER 2 years ago), insert NGs, and foley's regularly. I resent that I'm still making less than $15/hr as an ER LPN. I feel like I shouldn't be here. I feel like when I'm done, I shouldn't have to go back to get a BSN.

I'm so over school.

I need to think positive. My hospital is paying my tuition. I have a weekend option. I have more technical skill than even my LPN-ASN peers and I'm currently one of the top if not at the very top of my current class. Im even guaranteed a spot in the ER after I graduate (again).

I'm not book smart though. I feel I work so hard to ingrain this knowledge in my head. I'm just over school. I really hate school.

Why didn't I do an LPN-BSN program? It was cheaper for the ASN. I wanted a brick & mortar school. I wanted all of my credits to transfer. One BSN program said I'd need to retake a PE class!! Seriously!? Sigh...

I find it so hard to bite back my tongue and try not to destroy these bright young students' dreams of LPN and RN glory!

Yeesh. It felt better to write that out. Thx!!

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

I think you're still better off than a lot of students in your program who are in for a rude awakening once they graduate.

Yeah, it's frustrating when you have to jump through dozens of hoops to get to where you want to be...

I would have given anything for a mere entry level RN job where I'd learn skills such as starting IV's, foleys, hanging meds etc. That was not meant to be. I'm good at school though so I ended up going straight through and getting a masters. Working at a nice office-based NP job now. Still missed out on the acute care hospital RN experience.

I'm learning not to look back and second guess your choices, or anybody else's choices. We make our choices in life at each stage according to the knowledge and insight that we have at the time. I'm in the place I'm meant to be now. So what if my journey is different from someone else's, or someone else has it harder or easier than I do. I'm the one living this life, nobody else. And I don't want to live anyone else's life.

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Give them time. It doesn't take too long for us dewey-eyed noobs to become jaded, tough old bats.

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Wow! I'm glad you got that off your chest. I'm rooting for you. Regardless of the negativity, you are a nurse. Whatever initials you have behind your name, know that you have provided great care and saved lives. Be proud that you are continuing your education. Some of those jerks making the comments probably won't even make it through the program. Best wishes to you, and stay encouraged!

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Just hoping to add to the thread:-)

I can relate here, however, my disappointment is with LPN's and traditional students alike (at least in my program). They all seem to gossip and speak negatively about the instructors and other students (each other). I suppose I hold myself and other LPN's to a higher standard of professionalism. We were all new at one time and it seems like we should be supporting each other by leading by example.

**To the poster of this thread, it sounds like you are leading by example by studying and not sitting around gossiping, hopefully the newbies will see you as a role model that they can learn from. It might take them a while though....or maybe they'll never get it.

Today, my disappointment is with the LPNs in

my class. I have witnessed LPNs in my program gossip about other LPN's that have fewer years of experience, placing themselves high on a pedestal. However; to make snide comments when a newer LPN answers a question incorrectly is just wrong and spiteful.

This is nursing! That moment could have been used as a teaching moment for that LPN to help a newer nurse gain knowledge and or a skill.

Unfortunately that newer nurse became quiet and didn't speak the rest of the class. How horrible that anyone much less a seasoned nurse would take a stab like that at a kind hearted nurse with less experience.

Personally- I am incredibly disappointed in my co-LPN's just as much as the newbies. Not sure if this is just my class? Or is this what nursing has become or will be?

Please tell me that this unprofessionalism doesn't carry into the hospital setting as well:-(

I'm new here on AN and on my iPhone.

Please excuse any typos.

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I enjoy your honesty and can tell that you are going to do great when you are finished.:) The beauty of us who have to work a little harder because we are not "book smart"- OUR COMMON SENSE KICKS BUTT! I ask myself the SAME things and beat myself up. but my question to myself-'WHY DID I NOT BRIDGE WHEN I GOT IN 16 YEARS AGO'. Then I remember- because I just had our first born son thee months prior. Now- 16 years later I am trying to get back in. Now I have enough pre-reques and and A.A. lol for my BSN. All I need is to GET IN! :)

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Specializes in tbi.

btw ur not just an lpn.....

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.
Just hoping to add to the thread:-)

I can relate here, however, my disappointment is with LPN's and traditional students alike (at least in my program). They all seem to gossip and speak negatively about the instructors and other students (each other). I suppose I hold myself and other LPN's to a higher standard of professionalism. We were all new at one time and it seems like we should be supporting each other by leading by example.

QUOTE]

Agreed!! I am in an ASN program and after the first few weeks I kept to myself a lot. I despise gossip. My clinical instructor was terrible, I will reserve the tales, but I still would not join in on all the gossip. There was no point in it.

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Sorry you're experiencing the same sort of issues in your class:-(

I hope you don't mind me asking:

Are you in a study group? Or do you have many group projects? And if so, what strategies do you use to study and for projects?

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

I was not in a study group (I am off for the summer). We had lots of group projects and for the most part we did our part online and did file sharing. I did have one group where every suggestion I had was shot down like I was trying to make everyone do way too much. It was a terrible experience and my grade slightly suffered because of it. I guess sometimes you just have to take some punches and nothing you do will change how other people are. I am glad it is over and am quite sure that I will refuse to work with those people in future projects.

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I was not in a study group (I am off for the summer). We had lots of group projects and for the most part we did our part online and did file sharing. I did have one group where every suggestion I had was shot down like I was trying to make everyone do way too much. It was a terrible experience and my grade slightly suffered because of it. I guess sometimes you just have to take some punches and nothing you do will change how other people are. I am glad it is over and am quite sure that I will refuse to work with those people in future projects.

That's unfortunate. Seems like it would be fair if each individual was graded for their participation rather than a blanket grade as a group. Anyway- at least you can take a deep breath this Summer and hopefully rejuvenate for the Fall.

Best of luck to you with the remainder of your program.

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So you are upset you didn't get your bachelors?

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