An LPN student vent--I have to ask

[Marie_LPN, RN]

How many people, after finding out you're an LPN student, immediatedly ask "oh, do you plan on going back for your RN?" This happens all the time. I used to reply "yes", but finally started saying "i'd like to finish THIS school year first before i decide anything like that".

I mean it's like they don't see anyone but an RN as a nurse when they ask a question like that. Granted it's their problem, but I wonder that once i am an LPN if i won't be asked the same stinkin' question. It's a little frustrating when i'm putting in 38 hours a week JUST for school, and people don't see it in the same light.

(ok off the soapbox, i want the wood for the fireplace, it's 32 up here)

[geekgolightly, BSN, RN]

i asked an LPN once why she wasn't continuing on with her studies to be an RN, not because i think RN's are any better but because she was single, pregnant for the second time, and asking around for ideas about money. im glad i asked her, too, because she's now living with her mom and taking the final course (micro) to get into an ADN program. when i first asked her about it, she said it was impossible and bristled at the thought, but i and a couple other RN's kept saying she could do it and now she is doing it. she will jump from 14/hr to 22/hr as soon as she is done. its just one more year of school... why not do it if it's feasible? (not a rhetorical question.. if someone has an answer, i want to know the rationale)

i think its a shame that LPN's work their butt's off along side the RN's and dont command a better salary. i guess the salary is so much lower in order to encourage the LPN to become and RN? (??)

[geekgolightly, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by peggysue

I am an RN student in a diploma program. When people ask if and when I am going to go for my BSN (and I'm sure many will), I'm just going to tell them, "I am very happy where I'm at, but thanks so much for your concern...so, what do you do?" :)

when asked about a BSN degree, i usually say "i'm not interested in administrative duties, but i might go the route of RN-MSN after i get a couple years of nursing under my belt"

there isn't much use in a BSN unless you are interested in administrative duties. i'm very use-value oriented.

[JuicyJem]

LVN's (as we call 'em here in Texas:)) usually bring so much experience to the clinical setting. Because let's face it, the one's who have been there a long time have spent more long days and nights there on the floor than the RN's who have been furthering their education. It takes all kinds to make the world go round. I have learned just as much from LVN's as I have RN's in school.

I have gotten the questions about med school and BSN and MSN too. It's just because the general population doesn't know anything about what it takes to be a nurse. My little brother even still makes comments about how easy nursing school must be, after the last 2 years I have been through. And if it's RN's asking, you could just tell them to mind their own.

Congrats on getting into LPN school, and good luck!

[Brita01]

I get the same question from my own mother. My answer is always the same. I have no desire to be an RN at this time, but if I change my mind, I'll let you know. She also wants me to find a husband and have a kid just so she can call herself a grandmother. No thanks.