Apologizing for being "just an LPN"

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 30, 2007

I can comprehend what you are saying. I became an LPN last year and was invited by my best friend to my old school to her graduation. I went to say hello to my professors and told them what I am doing now. I am basically having a great time as an LPN (the work is hard for me, but that is because I am new as a nurse), and told them so. One of them says "Great, now, when are you going to school?" I said "I'm not" and she looked at me as though I grew three heads. I have been very articulate to people when I told them that I will not become an RN...this is one of my pet peeves that will throw me into severe tantrums. I can't tell you what you should do, but I know for myself, I decided long ago to advocate for my right to live as I choose, and will never apologize for being what I want to be. Be a rebel..."instead of apologize, make them recognize" that we are nurses, also, making a respectable living.

sassiebaz · Mar 30, 2007

I understand what you are saying and I totally agree! I too have decided to do an LPN program. I have 3 kids and Im not very good at math so that has caused me to forgo the hopes of becomming a nurse(atleast right now) along with the fact that I need to start bringing in some money. So, I will go to a 14 month program and in my area I can make between $20-$24 an hour as an LPN. Thats good enough for me for now. Maybe when my kids are older I can pursue my R.N....or not!

vamedic4, EMT-P · Mar 30, 2007

Just a thought to all of you...I share pagandeva's view...NEVER apologize for who you are or what you want to be. Long ago I tried a 3 year diploma RN program...it just wasn't for me, I became a paramedic instead.

Remember, just because you're "only" an LVN...it does NOT make you any less a NURSE.

Keep your chin up.

vamedic4

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 30, 2007

It is funny, I didn't attend my own graduation because I didn't get along with the program director and the class got on my nerves. I don't regret not attending. But, when I was invited to my friend's graduation from my same school one year later, I decided to go, mainly to support her. It ended with receiving closure for a few things. Out of all of the speakers (most RNs), a woman got up there, and her speech was so emotional and heartfelt. This is a woman that has been an LPN for 35 years, and also never decided to pursue her RN. She has worked in many of the arenas in the nursing field, and from there, she currently is a nurse recruiter for an agency. She mentioned all of the opportunities for the LPNs and she told the audience not to ever believe that there are no opportunities for us. Even in school, you may notice that they say "When you become RNs"...as if the current course of study means nothing. I always knew in my heart that I will have fulfilling opportunities as an LPN...I feel it to my bones. When this woman got up there and spoke, my soul said "stand and deliver...I AM a NURSE, and I have MUCH to offer". In the end, I will make them beg for me. The woman said that it is what you DELIVER is what will open the doors, and I believe that to be true.

If you wish to move up, I do not blame you. We each mature out of what we start out doing, it is a natural step to become an RN. Whatever you do, do it from your heart, not from someone else's opinion.

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2007

I think people don't understand that an LPN is a "Nurse" and the training we go through. If they did, we wouldn't feel like we should be so apologetic.

BigB · Mar 30, 2007

I havn't even started LPN school yet (will this September though!!!!) :monkeydance: and I'm finding that I'm already "apologizing" if you will for becoming "just an LPN"!!
I need to stop this! I'm CHOOSING to become an LPN, not an RN. If I had unlimited time, money and a great tutor to take the harder pre reqs, I would become an RN. But I'm 30, two kids, a mortgage, etc. I can't afford to take 4 years of school right now!
Plus, I want to see how much I love nursing before dedicating 4 years of time and money to a nursing degree.
I was getting a TB skin test required by my school and it was a nurse doing the test. I told her why I was having the test and then said "oh, but I'd like to be an RN one day". I shouldn't have even said that. I shouldn't be explaining to anyone or apologizing for becoming "just an LPN".
LPN's are in HUGE demand in my area and I know I will find a good job and be a GREAT LPN when I'm done, so I really need to be proud of that and stop making excuses to others as to why I'm not becoming an RN right now.

You are doing the right thing. Testing the waters of nursing by becoming a LVN first is great. Nursing is not for everyone and I read somewhere that 1 out of every 4 new grad RN's leave the profession completly within 4 years. Be prepared to hear comments like "When are you gonna get your RN" A LOT!!

antidote · Mar 30, 2007

Although LPN's are starting to phase out (in my area unfortunately) and even though I'm an RN, I never look down upon you guys' scope or practice! Honestly, If hospitals employed LPN's and allowed you guys to work to your educated and instructed ability, hospitals would be MUCH better places for both the other nurses and the patients as well.

Don't ever apologize for your status of skill! (especially in nursing) Be proud of what you do. Just by simply not apologizing for "not being an RN" you're standing up the thousands if not millions of other LPN's that are out there.

In a few years, I see LPN's being in a higher demand than RN's, since hospitals will soon realize (with the nursing shortage and what not) that you guys play a key role in the way a hospitals runs.

We'llSee · Mar 30, 2007

Today when I was at clinicals, a housekeeper asked me when I'm going to graduate. After congratulating me, she asked if I was going to be an LVN or a nurse. I tried to educate her, but I don't know if she got it.

ALF_LPN · Mar 30, 2007

When I began the nursing program, I told everyone I was going to get my RN. There was nothing in my plans to stop half way with my LPN. I wanted to be an RN in the Labor and Delivery unit at a local hospital, and at that time, I had not even thought about any other options. However, about two weeks before I had to make the choice to exit the program with my LPN or go on to be an RN, I lost a friend tragically to suicide. Due to this, I temporarily lost my ability to concentrate and I experienced extreme greif and fatigue. I decided to exit LPN, and maybe go back for my RN when things got easier. Little did I know that the decision to exit LPN would probably be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

The hospital in my area does not hire LPNs, however the Assisted Living Facility was hiring for an LPN. I have found a new passion, assisting the elderly. I love it!! I would have never known this passion, if my life had not taken this unexpected turn. I love being and LPN, and I love the relationships I have formed with the people that I help take care of. I truly am happy.

Don't let anyone ever tell you that your not a nurse unless you have your RN. We are nurses, and people need us! I have never been so proud, and when I am at work, I am in my element. There is nowhere else I would rather be. It is hard training we go through, but well worth it in the end!!

Lorie P. · Mar 31, 2007

i am a lpn and darn proud of it!!. never appologize for being an lpn.

i always introduce myself to my patients saying " hi i am lorie and i will be your nurse tonight" most of my patients never know if i am a lpn or rn, they don't even look at my id badge.

only every once in a while a family member will ask are you an rn? i smile sweetly and say no, an lpn and i am their nurse for the evening.

by going the lpn way, you will find out if nursing is for you or not. i personally know of 4 brand new rn's that now do not want to be a nurse and feel stuck because they "wasted their time and money" on a degree and have a job that is not for them.

good luck and know that yes we lpn's are nurses too!!!

jill48, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2007

Dear ogopogo, never apologize for what you are. Apologies are only necessary if you are sorry for something, and being an LPN is nothing to be sorry about. Be proud of what you are. I am. :kiss