I am (or I should say was) excited because on June 17th I got the call I had been waiting for....I got into the LPN program at Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans!
My happiness what short lived because as news starting spreading, I began to get these awful vibes from people. Here are some of the things that have been said to me:
1. LPN is actually a "nursing" program?
2. Please tell me you are planning on moving on the RN program
3. Why would you go the route where there is no money?
4. Why would you do such a dumb thing?
5. Oh, thats nice.......
6. You will Ace everything in the LPN program because it is such a "huge" drop from the RN program...way too easy.
7. You might as well just go for your CNA certificate....less expensive and you will do the same thing.
8. Do you know how little they make an hour?
9. Are you going into the LPN program because you couldn't get into the RN program?
10. So you are going to become a Little Pretend Nurse......
11. That's stupid
Okay, so from the things you have just read, you can see that I am so disappointed and upset. I can't believe why everyone feels that LPN's are not nurses. To so many people, RN rule the nursing community.
How could people say such things?!!!
When I tell people that I am going to be an LPN, you can see their enthusiasm just drop to the floor.
I became an LPN because it was a good way to transition back into school as a much older student. I've been an LPN for five years. When I told my 80 y/o mother that I was pursuing my ADN, she said, "Oh, so then you'll be a real nurse." Yes, even my own mother said that to me. I had to explain to her that an LPN is a real nurse. I'm proud to be an LPN. I'd encourage you to be comfortable with whatever decision you've made after researching your options. I believe that becoming an LPN prior to finishing my ADN has made me a better nurse. That's what has worked for me. Don't let others dissuade you or shame you away from your dreams. I wish you the best in your future career as a nurse. :twocents:
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Here is what I would reply with to those people.
1. LPN is actually a "nursing" program?- Yes it is. Very difficult actually.
2. Please tell me you are planning on moving on the RN program. If I want to. because theres nothing wrong with being an LPN. The world needs them too.
3. Why would you go the route where there is no money?- I am not disappointed with my paycheck.
4. Why would you do such a dumb thing? - Why would you ask such a dumb thing?
5. Oh, thats nice....... - Thanks.. I am very excited to be an LPN.
6. You will Ace everything in the LPN program because it is such a "huge" drop from the RN program...way too easy.- not true.
7. You might as well just go for your CNA certificate....less expensive and you will do the same thing.- I wouldn't last as a CNA.
8. Do you know how little they make an hour?- I don't make little.
9. Are you going into the LPN program because you couldn't get into the RN program- I went to the LPN program because I would like to get nursing experience while working towards the RN program.
10. So you are going to become a Little Pretend Nurse....... No I am going to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
11. That's stupid. -- You are stupid.
Overall. Its your career. Not theirs. Becoming an LPN was the best thing I ever did in my life so far. I will never regret it.
I loved these responses...did I say I loved those responses?
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I became an LPN because it was a good way to transition back into school as a much older student. I've been an LPN for five years. When I told my 80 y/o mother that I was pursuing my ADN, she said, "Oh, so then you'll be a real nurse." Yes, even my own mother said that to me. I had to explain to her that an LPN is a real nurse. I'm proud to be an LPN. I'd encourage you to be comfortable with whatever decision you've made after researching your options. I believe that becoming an LPN prior to finishing my ADN has made me a better nurse. That's what has worked for me. Don't let others dissuade you or shame you away from your dreams. I wish you the best in your future career as a nurse. :twocents:
People are amazing, aren't they? I have had to correct so many people that if I collected money, I would have been rich and not have to work at all, as any sort of nurse...LOL!
HI RN hopeful, I have had a similar thing happen to me. In the last week I have had 2 people tell me how being an LPN is a horrible job. Im applying for school soon and they say things like 'working in a nursing home is the worst job in the world', or 'are you sure you want a job in healthcare with 'xyz' going on? Bad vibes indeed.
All I have to say is they are not paying my bills so they can put a lid on it. Im finishing my education and If I start work as an LPN and hate it then I will work for $8/hr at Walmart knowing at least that its my choice and I can leave for better employment any time I want.
Do they think every time they go to the hospital or clinic that they are only treated by RNs? I know what you are going through because I am hearing some of the same things. People are so excited for me when I tell them I will start nursing school in August until they find out it is for LPN instead of RN. I don't let it bother me. I will finish the LPN first and then I will get my RN IF and WHEN I decide to. Keep your head up and be proud of becoming an LPN. Think of all of those that are trying to get into LPN school that have been rejected. Good luck to you!!
One thing I've learned as an LVN (in TX) is that don't always "listen" to what you hear. I've been an LVN for 4 years and my only regret is that I didn't go to nursing school 15 years ago. I get great pay (already grossed 33,000 this year) with overtime of course. I am ACLS and PALS certified. I work in a cardiovascular & stroke center ICU/PCU unit. The ONLY tasks I am not able to perform compared to that of an RN or BSN is initial admitting assessments. Everything else I have to do and is my responsibility. Just don't sell yourself short and go to nursing school... it's all worth it.
It was a great experience.. I went LPN first so I could do a bridge program for RN to make more money considering I was already working as a PCT tech in a hospital with my EMT-B...received the same discouragment...I finally had it and said to the RN (with an associates degree) WHY DIDN'T YOU GO TO BE A NURSE PRACTIONER...I received no remark..I said I wonder how the RN started without Florence Nightingale starting the pathway for nursing as an LPN today...and I told her by the way I really didnt care if I went for RN or LPN I just want to be a Forensic Nurse that does require me to be an RN that's the only reason I'm going for my RN... So if you are considering anything in nursing reguardless of PCT,LPN, or RN it's up to you.. Be proud of your self for any accomplishment...Ist accomplishment you got into nursing school....YEAH....CONGRATS:yeah:
It's just that it hurts when you want to share some happy news with family and "close" friends and all you get is, negativity.
I know what you mean. I told my MIL I was in nursing school and her first, and only, response was, "So it's going to be like 5 years before I get grandchildren!!"
Thanks, lol. I felt like saying, "With that attitude you will NEVER have grandchildren."
But my mom is very supportive and so is my hubby. I have a few supportive friends, and the ones that are not, I don't talk to them anymore. I don't need them.
My favorite response to stupid questions come from Ann Landers. She said when someone asks you a stupid question, look them in the eye, and say, "Why would you ask that?" About 10 years ago, when my then 30 year marriage was falling apart before my eyes, I thanked God, that I had become an LPN. I have been able to support myself, go on vacations, and take care of myself. Early on I had thought in my mind I would go on to RN, but it just never happened. As someone else mentioned, the same neysayers, who are trying to tarnish your happiness, will be the first ones to call you and ask for free medical advise. Be ready with a comeback, tell them why don't you call an RN, and then dismiss them. Smile, hold your head up, and be proud of yourself. I'm proud of you, welcome to the medical field!
Specializes in Md Office, Endoscopy, Mental Health.
I became a LPN after retiring from the Navy (worked in telecommunications). I've worked in several areas, my favorite being endoscopy (I worked at a endo suite in a hospital). The only reason I left that job was b/c being on call was getting to be a pain! Last summer I lost my job working at a mental health center (state job) b/c of budget cuts (let me say I'm 50+ years old). I was unemployed for about 6 weeks. I got a agency job working in a prison (not for me). The pay was decent, but the working environment was terrible. I then applied for the job I currently do, which is working in an opioid treatment program (I dose methadone). I have a great supervisor and working environment. Losing my job with the state was a blessing in disguise as it didn't pay very well. I'm making about 10K more a year. It's a county job and we get the same bennies as the folks who work for the state.
As far as going for RN, I was enrolled in a program at a local technical college and withdrew b/c I had the opportunity to go with my husband to Sicily for a month. I completed a few of the courses through Excelsior, but I doubt I'll finish. I purchased some books, etc. from The College Network and wanted to switch to on-line courses. They told me they were unable to do that and they can KMA. It's a pain hauling big binders around and I have moments at work when I could get online to study. Burns me up after all the money I paid them.
Don't get discouraged. Find your niche and you'll be glad you're a nurse.
One more thing...I went to visit with my former co-workers at the mental health center a few weeks back. One of them said a client told him that she missed me b/c "she gave the best shots." LOL...nice to be remembered for something.:)
Wow I feel like I'm reading something I wrote myself!! I was laid off from my full-time job and after coming to terms with the lack of self worth associated with that, I'm trying to make it a positive situation and follow my life-long dream of nursing. I am starting LPN school in 2 months! I was/am SO excited and proud of myself and my family and boyfriend support me and believe in me and that feels amazing. However, I have gotten SOME negative feedback about being an LPN or "butt wiper". But I do agree with the comments above about the TYPE of person I notice making these comments. They're always "bring you down" kind of people and being the OPPOSITE of conceited, I always felt like they were jealous. None of the friends I've gotten that feedback from have a 'dream'. They're all stuck in dead end jobs that they just happened to find. I'm following my heart and even though I'm starting at the bottom (already have CNA) I will work my way up through each step in my continuing nursing career. I think it takes a special person to be a nurse and I just can't wait to learn more and have this "gross" job!!
Getting into LPN school in my area, WA state, is a tough feat and taken me a few years to do so. You should be PROUD of yourself and your accomplishment!! Don't let anyone bring you down...and I do agree; those people making the comments will be seeking medical related advice from you which should further your feeling of self-accomplishment! Good work :)
Just think of the smile on your pt's faces, no of those who frown when you mention your dream of becoming a LPN!! Follow your heart, because only you can live yor life!! Ask yourself, if a friend said that they were going into a field that they love, would you say something negative or postitive- and why? Surround yourself with those like yourself; once you start school you will be surrounded by many with the same dreams and attitudes...and you will make many a good friendships this way... so enjoy the journey, and congratualtions on getting into the program!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:twocents:
TrixieRN1
65 Posts
I became an LPN because it was a good way to transition back into school as a much older student. I've been an LPN for five years. When I told my 80 y/o mother that I was pursuing my ADN, she said, "Oh, so then you'll be a real nurse." Yes, even my own mother said that to me. I had to explain to her that an LPN is a real nurse. I'm proud to be an LPN. I'd encourage you to be comfortable with whatever decision you've made after researching your options. I believe that becoming an LPN prior to finishing my ADN has made me a better nurse. That's what has worked for me. Don't let others dissuade you or shame you away from your dreams. I wish you the best in your future career as a nurse.
:twocents: