A nurse called me a "little pretend nurse!"

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Ok, so i work as a PCT in a NJ hospital on a BUSY unit. I am currently 1/2 way thru LPN school and plan to bridge to my RN.

I had a nurse on my unit ask me why I want to be a "little pretend nurse" and why I didnt just go straight into RN school.

I constantly have nurses ask me "why" except the nurses on my unit who were LPNs and bridged to there RN.

It bothers me that she would say "little pretend nurse" I work VERY hard in school and LPN school isnt easy or for the FAINT of heart.

Also, I feel the clinical skills I am getting are way better and will help me succed as an RN one day.

Just venting! Lol

has anyone else had this issue?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Did you confront the nurse who made this snide comment? Did you tell her that you do not appreciate it? It is best to confront bad behavior as soon as it happens.

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I haven't started my LVN program yet, but if someone ever says something rude like that to me, I'll use the same response I use for any inappropriate, uncalled-for remark that comes my way: "Wow! Can you believe you just said that out loud!?"

It's simple, and lets people know that they should really stop and think before letting fly with a snarky remark.

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I told her that I dont know what a "little pretend nurse" is but i am in school for LICENSE PRACTIAL NURSING, and walked away. I had other things to worry about considering I am a PCT on A BUSY neuro floor in a hospital. She was actually the charge nurse so I didnt want to get into it with her because who knows what she can do. I love most of the other nurses I work with alot of them will allow me to watch them do things and explain it as they go and are a big help. My job is giving me ALOT of experience that I can use once I graduate.

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Wow that's rude as hell. Never experienced that particular incident, just wanted to give you kudos for taking it in stride. You obviously know you're doing what's best for you, and I hope you are a MEGA successful nurse when you finish school. :)

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Specializes in PACU, LTC, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Psych.

She might have been trying to say, "Why be an LPN that makes half a RNs pay but has to do almost all the work of an RN" which is a valid observation. I would respond that LPN is shorter and usually has less prereqs and a shorter waitlist to get in. The bridge to RN is a bit less obnoxious from what I hear, too.

But pretend nurse is kind of insulting.

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She might have been trying to say, "Why be an LPN that makes half a RNs pay but has to do almost all the work of an RN" which is a valid observation. I would respond that LPN is shorter and usually has less prereqs and a shorter waitlist to get in. The bridge to RN is a bit less obnoxious from what I hear, too.

But pretend nurse is kind of insulting.

I wouldnt say LPNs make half of RNs here in NJ most lpns i know start at 20-25 and new grad RNs star 25-32. LPNs have to take NCLEX just like RNs and i dont think anyone has the right to look down on an LPN.

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Wow that's rude as hell. Never experienced that particular incident, just wanted to give you kudos for taking it in stride. You obviously know you're doing what's best for you, and I hope you are a MEGA successful nurse when you finish school. :)

Thank you soo much :)

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Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

I've heard "little pretend nurse", "let's play nurse", "low paid nurse" ... I'm sure there are many more. I've heard just about as many for RN/BSN. I hate to disagree with everyone out there, but grow a little thicker skin.

I doubt the nurse you were talking with realized how belittling the comment was to LPNs. She could have said " Your goal to be a RN is commendable, but why are you taking a place in an LPN school if that isn't what you want to do for a career? There are many who want to practice LPN nursing for a career but cannot get into the program- I think you would be better served making the choice to attent RN training before you waste the schools efforts in training you for a career you don't intend to practice." Even you (at least by your stated education plans) seem to see LPN nursing as not what you want to do for a career, so I can understand the question. I find your goal of seeking an LPN licence to pave the way to your real career goal of becoming an RN much more insulting to the practice of practical nursing than some silly word play.

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Specializes in (Nursing Support) Psych and rehab.
I haven't started my LVN program yet, but if someone ever says something rude like that to me, I'll use the same response I use for any inappropriate, uncalled-for remark that comes my way: "Wow! Can you believe you just said that out loud!?"

It's simple, and lets people know that they should really stop and think before letting fly with a snarky remark.

I really really like this! Its short and to the point and it really makes a person think! Consider it stolen! Thanks!

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I've heard "little pretend nurse", "let's play nurse", "low paid nurse" ... I'm sure there are many more. I've heard just about as many for RN/BSN. I hate to disagree with everyone out there, but grow a little thicker skin.

I doubt the nurse you were talking with realized how belittling the comment was to LPNs. She could have said " Your goal to be a RN is commendable, but why are you taking a place in an LPN school if that isn't what you want to do for a career? There are many who want to practice LPN nursing for a career but cannot get into the program- I think you would be better served making the choice to attent RN training before you waste the schools efforts in training you for a career you don't intend to practice." Even you (at least by your stated education plans) seem to see LPN nursing as not what you want to do for a career, so I can understand the question. I find your goal of seeking an LPN licence to pave the way to your real career goal of becoming an RN much more insulting to the practice of practical nursing than some silly word play.

Seriously?? If going from LVN to RN is such an insult and a slap in the face to nursing, then why are there so many LVN-RN bridge programs out there? This is the path I'm planning to take too, and I see absolutely nothing wrong with it. There are many paths to achieve ones ultimate goal, and the time and work that goes into each journey should be supported, not discouraged. Your negativity and hostility are truly disheartening.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

It's disappointing to see people making light of the words here. "Little Pretend Nurse", is not just kind of insulting. It's very insulting, and I seriously doubt the nurse who said it is concerned about all the people who could be in amber's place. There are lots of bridge progams and bridge students. Since she's already halfway though her LPN program, giving up her seat as an act of charity would be rather pointless.

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