Do you say you're a nurse...

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

or do you say you're an LPN when talking to people? Is it common to make a distinction? I know I have friends who say "I'm and RN" when people ask what they do for a living, but it is standard to distinguish between the two, or do most people just say "I'm a nurse"?

When I start LPN school in August, will I say "I'm in nursing school" or does that imply I'm in RN school?

Sorry, probably a dumb question but I just wondered what is normal.

Specializes in Nursing Home, Dementia units, & Hospital.

:yeah:I call myself a nurse, I work in a hospital along with RN's and I know I have an important role in the hospital, but there are times when the LVN's are excluded from nursing surveys it is very frustrating. I have returned to school to continue my education, I only hope that I make it through without losing my mind. I AM A NURSE!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just say "nurse". I have worked as a CNA, LPN and Rn and we all do nursing, taking care of the sick.

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

This thread has reached 15 pages, basically discussing whether we refer to ourselves as 'nurses' when asked about our occupations.

We've reached a very sad state of affairs when any person questions the validity of the LPN/LVN as a nurse in U.S. healthcare. We have an important place in healthcare, and we are licensed nurses.

Please leave us alone, and let us provide healthcare without the ridicule. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I just say "nurse". I have worked as a CNA, LPN and Rn and we all do nursing, taking care of the sick.

I just say nurse as well - to attach the title RN seems to be seeking status.

Status seekers rub me up the wrong way.

:smokin::coollook::heartbeat:lol2:

cute smileys

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in I think I've done it all.

Saying you are a nurse if you are an LPN is definitely not misleading. I say I am an LPN with pride, I've worked hard at it for many years, if I wanted to be an RN, I would certainly be an RN, but being an LPN does not make me less of a "Nurse", it's apples and oranges really.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A nurse is a nurse sweetie no matter how you look at it, U CANNOT put nursing assistant and LPN on the same level an LPN have to go through a very hard and frustrating program then has to get licensed just like an RN both are nurses just different levels of nursing and any RN in her right mind would let you know that>If you had to get a license from the state board of NURSING you are a NURSE don't every forget that just like how there is a physician assistant or a doctor just higher levels of education and I think you should respect that sweetie!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, Tel, ER, Onc, Clinic, MH, Corrections, CC.

A Nurse is a Nurse is a Nurse..... If you have a license to practice nursing in your state then you are a Nurse. Yes there are two types of Nurses... RN's and LVN's/LPN's. I get tired of dealing with this issue: at work, other nurses, my friends, my family and the public! I am a Licensed Vocational Nurse in California, working in DOU. The State Board of Vocational Nursing and Pyschiatric Technicians states that I am a Nurse!...However, I work with people who refer to me as an "LVN" but the RN's are "Nurses". Ex: The Lab Tech came to draw blood from a patient of mine and noticed that the pt. had a PICC Line. He stated to me, "Would you like me to get a nurse to draw from the line?" I replied, " I am the patient's nurse but yes, you can get an RN!" Or the Charge Nurse says, "We have 6 licenses on the floor; 5 Nurses and 2 LVN's"......Whatever!....I am proud to be an LVN...Proud to be a nurse...With the exception of RN's having more schooling and the legal authority to perform some more licensed nursing procedures than LVN's, there is no difference. A Nurse is a Nurse is a Nurse.. So whether you are an LVN or an RN, you are a Nurse...so be proud!....and forget about what others say/think.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

This thread has certainly incited the frustrations that LPNs have been feeling for some time...goodness, now it is 16 pages long! As TheCommuter stated, we should be able to practice without ridicule and disrespect.

One of the things that everyone should remember is that there is ALWAYS someone who wishes to be you. There are plently of CNAs, housekeepers, unemployed people, etc that WISH to be LPNs, there are Home Health Aides that would give their right arms to be a CNA, a migrant worker wishing to be a Home Health Aide, a homeless person that envies someone that found a cardboard box. And many times, the grass looks greener on the other side, but when you get there, you see that there are stresses and aggrevations and the green can turn gray. Bottom line is that you have to do what is best for yourself, what you can handle, considering your level of determination, current lifestyle, finances and interests. If you are ready to go further, GREAT! But, don't bother a person who is earning an honest living.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, Tel, ER, Onc, Clinic, MH, Corrections, CC.

Couldn't have said it better myself, Pagandeva2000! :):yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i think we have beaten a dead horse on this subject. lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Licensed practical NURSE. clear enough.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am an LPN. My husband is an RN. I tell people I am a nurse. My husband tells people he is a nurse. My husband can work anywhere in the hospital. I work med-surg. My base is $17.50. My husband's is $32. I can't push drugs, sign care plans, or pull piccs. My husband can. So in a nutshell... that's what being an LPN instead of an RN means to me. Yet at the end of the day...my husband and I have a whole hell of alot to talk about... even if I'm an LPN and he's an RN. To debate LPN RN titles back and forth is absurd. The fact of the matter is when the doctor orders a suppository both of us get to stick a finger up a butt.... that's humbling....haha!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment