How do I explain that I'm "JUST" a LPN ??

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Specializes in LTC.

My LPN pinning ceremony is in 9 days and I'm very excited and proud of my soon to be accomplishment, however I hate always having to explain to people that I'm just a LPN. :cry: People automatically assume I'll be a RN and when I mention LPN they have puzzled, disappointed look on their face. However, if I was to say I'll be a RN new grad, its just congratulations and no questions asked. I not only have to do this with strangers but my family and friends. I've been telling my family and friends for the last three years that I'll be a LPN one finished in july and they are still confused. I was talking to my dad today and he doesn't understand how I've been in school for nursing for 3 years ( including prereqs) and still don't have an AA degree. I told him that once I finish the rest of my prereqs and the last year for NS then I'll be a RN with an AA degree(ofcourse after taking boards). The only person that does understand what I am and what my goals are is my mom. My mom has been a LPN for 4 years and is now a RN, so she's been through similair. I'm just so sick of explaining to people that I'll be a LPN for the next two years or so until I get my RN. I feel like I've made a great accomplishment. To be 20 and a nurse is pretty darn ok to me. I also have plans to get my BSN as well. Thinks for letting me vent. :o

Now, my question is how do I tell people I'm a LPN with out having to tell them my whole life story of why I chose to become a LPN first rather then RN ? How do I also educate people the on the differences between LPN and RNs (under 10 seconds ) with out sounding like I've cut myself short ? And telling them I'll be a nurse, is never good enough... they always say: " so you'll be a RN" ? right after I tell them I'll be a nurse.

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

you have nothing to be ashamed of... LPN's are wonderful nurses and you wear your LPN proudly. you owe no explanations to anyone if they don't accept you for who you are they are fools. as my grandmother use to say " stand tall and be proud of who you are " . being a LPN is a wonerful job , it's a honest job , you are a nurse and you are a pt advocate.

why should you explain yourself or act like your job is something to be ashamed of ... you are not a hooker or a drug dealer ... you stand tall.. congratulations on being a LPN , i send you lots of hugs and love...

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Specializes in LTC.
you have nothing to be ashamed of... LPN's are wonderful nurses and you wear your LPN proudly. you owe no explanations to anyone if they don't accept you for who you are they are fools. as my grandmother use to say " stand tall and be proud of who you are " . being a LPN is a wonerful job , it's a honest job , you are a nurse and you are a pt advocate.

why should you explain yourself or act like your job is something to be ashamed of ... you are not a hooker or a drug dealer ... you stand tall.. congratulations on being a LPN , i send you lots of hugs and love...

Thanks so much for the encouragement ! I guess I just need to stay excited and prepare for boards so that I can be that wonderful and proud LPN.

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To be a real hairsplitter here but you are a Graduate Practical Nurse. Your aren't a LPN until you pass your national exam.

And you are never "JUST" anything. The person rude enough to question your credentials doesn't have the skills or education to do your job.

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Well first of all DON'T SAY "JUST". Have you every read this book called, "Just a Nurse," I'm just curious because it is a really good book. Reading that book made me learn that you aren't the "Just" part of your job, you aren't. I totally agree w/ ohmeowzer RN

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.
Thanks so much for the encouragement ! I guess I just need to stay excited and prepare for boards so that I can be that wonderful and proud LPN.

yes !! that's what i like to hear !!! you will pass boards and you will be a wonderful LPN and think of all the people you will help and the lives you will touch... and the lives that will touch yours.... your on your way !!:yeah::yeah::yeah:

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Specializes in LTC.
To be a real hairsplitter here but you are a Graduate Practical Nurse. Your aren't a LPN until you pass your national exam.

And you are never "JUST" anything. The person rude enough to question your credentials doesn't have the skills or education to do your job.

No you are not a hairsplitter. I fully understand that I'm not a LPN. I'm currently having trouble explaining that I'll be a LPN grad. In a previous post I said I'm going to prepare for boards so that I WILL BE that wonderful LPN. Trust me I'm very cautious of saying what I am. I'm just wondering how to address people when I do get my license and do become a LPN. Thanks for the support.

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.

don't ever say you are "just" an LPN.

you worked very hard for that and you should be very proud.

we are a very important part of the patient care team.

here's a saying that i kind of live my life by:

"those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

think about it. :)

good luck on your boards and in your new career.

wear that LPN with pride.

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There's no other way but to just flat out tell them. Ur an LPN, not an RN. That you got ur LPN first bc it was quicker to get into working as a nurse, but you plan on bridging to be an RN soon.

I wouldn't think nothing of it. Probably people respond that way because they really don't know too much about nursing. Hey, and accomplishment is an accomplishment. Here in nursing world, we all know how great an accomplishment is whether you got ur CNA certification, LPN license or RN license. .. Then there are the advanced nurses out there striving for their master's and then such... talk about WOW! Hopefully I get there myself one day!

Congrats on ur graduating!

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Specializes in mental health.

Hey, I have to keep explaining to people why I am in "just" an Associate's degree program for my RN instead of a Bachelor's or Master's level program. And before that I spent years trying to avoid having to explain why I never finished my Ph.D. in Literature! It just never ends! :D

Just hold your head up high and say it was the smartest choice to make for various reasons and leave it at that!

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Specializes in Hospice & Geriatrics.

Ask yourself these questions:

**Did I work hard for my LPN?

**Am I proud of myself for what I accomplished?

If you answered yes then you are not just an LPN you are a NURSE dang it and it doesn't matter what letters are behind your name!!!

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The other day I was trying to convince someone that the RN program I am going into is an Associates, not BA. She insisted that all RN programs are bachelor's and no way would an RN program be "just" an associates-made me mad!!! You have worked darn hard and you have accomplished much in your young life! I am proud of you and keep learning throughout your life!!!!

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