Discouraged New LPN...

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I have had these thoughts since I graduated from school, and now, it

is coming to a head. When I decided to apply for the program

offered at my job to attend school to become a nurse, I specifically

wanted to become a practical nurse because I really have no interest

in the responsibilities of the RN. It is not because I have

disregard for RNs, it is because I did not really want that level of

responsibility. I went into this program what required us to take

pre-requisites on the RN level, such as Anatomy, Micro, ENglish 1

and 2, psychology, etc...and I have to admit, that even then, I

really didn't like school because of the game that they put people

through, the stress and competitiveness and such. I get into the

program, amass a great deal of knowledge, graduate top of the class,

pass the state boards with the minimum amount of questions, and now,

the reception I get from the majority of my co-workers is "is that

ALL you want to be...an LPN?" or those that have even gone as far as

to say that after all of the education I received, I am still not

a 'real nurse'.

I was made to feel that I am an underachiever because I 'only want

to be an LPN', even that I was lazy. I am not one to really care

what people think of my personal life choices, but, when I have

people come and tell me what they think I should do with my life and

offer uninvited advice is extremely insulting to me. I see that

when I introduce myself to someone as a nurse, the first question

they ask is "RN or LPN?" and when they receive their answer, then,

it is like I am almost disregarded. Others say "Well, go BACK". To

me, going back to school is not really the solution because I have

to be honest, as good as I did in school, I really hated the college

scene. I hated the stress. I am angered and embittered of the whole

state board process because NCLEX is not real world to me...it is a

game (in my opinion, anyway), to evaluate who should practice, yet,

it really doesn't prove a thing, based on the horrible practices I

have seen over the years. And, when I walked away from taking

NCLEX, I said to myself, 'win, lose or draw, I am out of this school

fiasco for good.

I don't believe that I or anyone should go back to school to 'earn

respect', it should be because one has decided in their heart that

they want to advance more and contribute more to nursing in a higher

capacity...not under peer pressure or approval. I knew that I wanted

to be a nurse to help people, wanted to become an LPN specifically

because I want to be the right hand to a competent RN who cares

about people, and bring people to a better state of wellness. I

feel that I, too, have acquired knowledge that can contribute to the

health care team for the better interest of the clients. And, the

more I hear it, the more I really would not want to become an RN. I

see most of ones I have encountered as stressed, angry, petty and

tired. This is not ALL of them (I want to make it clear that I,

personally, have nothing but respect for the RNs, physican

assistants, physicians, and such, it is just that I have had enough

of the college thing on ANY level to even walk in the door again).

Unfortunately, because my job sponsored my education, I do owe them

at least two and a half to three years of time, and can't just

leave. If I do, I have to pay back the tuition as well as the

salary they paid me to be out that long, and can't afford it.

I see that most of the LPNs that are at my job are embittered,

angry, or walk around with their shoulders slumped because they feel

disregarded. ANd, I see that all nurses, RN and LPN walk away from

the job exhausted, and have no lives because they are drained out.

Is this what I bargained for?

Sorry, I had to vent. Also, I want to reiterate that this is of NO

disrespect to the upcoming and incumbant RNs, I have nothing but

admiration and respect for anyone that decided to complete nursing

courses and dedicate themselves to health care. And, I don't want

to discourage those that are about to become LPNs. Maybe things

will get better as I learn the ropes and earn my personal respect.

[suebird3]

Don't be discouraged. I was an LPN for many years, and yes, did get my RN. Yes, there are those who "put us down" for being LPN's, but they are not worth my time and thoughts.

Continue to do what you do, and be the best you can.

Suebird :)

[TazziRN, RN]

I am so sorry you're feeling this way. I have a world of respect for LVN's because although they may not have the level of responsibility that RNs do, they are a very important part of nursing. And yes, YOU ARE A NURSE!!! If someone asked me if I was an RN or LVN I would ask why that matters. People have asked me why I don't go on to med school, and my answer is always "Because I don't want that kind of responsibility," same as you. Not a thing wrong with wanting to be an LVN.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Thanks for the words of support. :0)

[WahooRN08]

I am an LPN and honestly, I wouldn't change one thing. Yes, I am furthering my education. We are no different than an RN at the facility where I work. Just remember, your education has nothing to do with how good of a nurse you are going to be. I have met some "scary" RN's as well as LPN's, that is everywhere you go in every occupation.

I have also heard the many annoying questions: "Why are you just an LPN?" "Why didn't you get your RN first?" etc...etc..... YOU ARE NEVER JUST an LPN. I have heard these from my family more than my co-workers. On the med/surg floor I use to work on it was very LPN dominate. In the hospital I work at (530 bed facility) LPN's can work in Progressive care as well as our ICU's.

My advice, test the waters where you currently are employeed and seek out a facility that is very LPN friendly if you remain disatisfied. The horizons are endless.

Remember, you worked just has hard as anyone else. You are a NURSE. Our patients don't ask what our title is whether RN,LPN,NA when taking them to the bathroom, dispensing their meds, or strating their IV. Good luck with your career! Keep on keepin' on! )

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

again, greatly appreciated. and, i applaud your decision to further your education. what i see in my facility, is that those that want to become rns want to do it for the wrong reasons...to gain respect and that is all. they have not looked at the responsibility that the rn title actually has. whether all rns actually display the talents they are trained to do is a different story, however, the decision to go further has to come from the heart, not to please the nay-sayers. you will never be enough to them...it will then be "go for your bachleor's, masters, etc..." and be doing it because of that, not for the love of nursing and wanted to further contribute to the nursing profession.

i had to admit to myself that while i am happy to be a nurse, i literally hated the process...the classes, the competitiveness and the constant feeling of unrest that i had. i want to come to a happy medium and move completely away from that. i am open to the fact that my mind may change, but for me, not for others. now, i did graduate top of the class, and have most of the pre-requisites required to go further if i wish, and graduated on the dean's list. i am proud of those accomplishments. but, i really did not care for the game involved.

i think that what has happened is that i want to be respected for the knowledge and contributions that i can offer to the patients and to the health care team. thanks everyone for listening and respecting my feelings! it truly means a lot. i will walk in with prayer, and as i learn, i will show that i am a nurse