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

Nurses General Nursing

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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.

Specializes in neurotrauma ICU.

Congrats!

Tell them it was quicker to go the LPN route first so you could start making some money! Then ask them how many other 20 yr olds do they know who already have a CAREER? That should shut them up!

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"I'm a nurse."

Short and sweet. You owe no further explanation that that with family and friends. Your scope only comes into play with your employment. And your not "just" a LPN. You are a licensed professional who will provide nursing care to those in need. Be proud!!

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
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.

First of all, congratulations! Being a nurse at age 20 is an awesome accomplishment---and a lot of responsibility but I have a hunch you can handle it. Good for you for making a sound career choice at a very young age! You have not cut yourself short; you are getting real-life experience in a demanding profession. Don't let other people's negativity get you down!

Second, I understand your frustration over trying to convince people the difference between RN and LPN. I did an ADN program at your age and remember feeling outright p***** because one acquaintance could not get it through his skull that a person could be an RN by going through an associate's degree program. When I did my BSN a few years after I finished the ADN, he congratulated me at "finally becoming an RN". :banghead:

BTW, good luck on NCLEX! Keep us posted on how you do!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I have been an LPN since 1994, I have NEVER been "just" an LPN. I train in RNs, I work under them. We are BOTH nurses. I also mentor nursing students, who will be RNs. The instructors are MSN, and they request me. Never ever think of yourself as "just" anything. If you do your best, have a good work ethic, and take pride in yourself you will do well. Be proud, it is not an easy road to become a nurse, and guess what, once you pass your boards, that "N" behind the LP stands for NURSE!! BE PROUD!!!!!!!

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Specializes in LTC.

Thanks everyone so much for your support. I will keep you all posted, and let you know when I take my boards. I have a better idea on how to reprensent myself and my soon to be accomplishments.

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

I would suggest thinking up a way to summarize your own reason in a one or two sentences, and learning how to speak with the kind of confidence that doesn't leave people likely to question your judgment. The way you say things is even more important than what you say.

For me (also an LPN student getting close to graduation), my usual response is usually something like "The PN program gets me into nursing one year sooner, and then I can work as a nurse while working on my RN." It's short and sweet, doesn't require getting into my life story, and usually leaves people agreeing that I made a sensible decision.

Admittedly, I do sometimes add in the fact that an LPN makes significantly more money than I was making with my BA in Psychology.

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Can't you just say that you're a nurse and leave it at that?

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

i had the same problem with my dad...i was a lvn to 10 years before i became a rn and for the whole time nurse =rn to him.. in his eyes there was no such thing as a lvn....everything i learned about nursing i learned as a lvn...it was the best career step i could have made.don't ever say you are just a lpn we are wonderful and strong nurses...pat yourself on the back for graduating and welcome to the wonderful world of nursing....

denise rn (i still have a lvn license as well)

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Specializes in neurotrauma ICU.
Admittedly, I do sometimes add in the fact that an LPN makes significantly more money than I was making with my BA in Psychology.

oh AMEN! been there, done that, could barely put food on the table!

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I've been an LPN since 1981. When people ask what I do for a living I just say, I take care of people, I'm an LPN. I like being an LPN and don't apologize for not having a AS, BS, MSN or anything. We all do our jobs because we care about others. I feel comfortable in my little niche...I have responsibilities that I carry out well, I love working with the elderly so nursing home and such are happy to have LPNs and hospitals give us more responsibilities as times passes. I also don't want certain responsibilities and I don't want to go to high up on the ladder because then I have to shuffle more papers...in the end we are all where we are needed and every type of nurse or health care worker is greatly appreciated. Hey, depending where you work, you also earn a good income. ;-)

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Specializes in LTC, SNF, PSYCH, MEDSURG, MR/DD.

hi

i have been an lpn for 15 years and have had the same thing thrown at me.

i just say im happy with my job, and remind them that people are more than their careers.

it takes a whole person to do our jobs as nurses & caregivers.

never say you are just a lpn, are you just a woman?friend?daughter?mother? no of course not.

be proud of what you do.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
hi

i have been an lpn for 15 years and have had the same thing thrown at me.

i just say im happy with my job, and remind them that people are more than their careers.

it takes a whole person to do our jobs as nurses & caregivers.

never say you are just a lpn, are you just a woman?friend?daughter?mother? no of course not.

be proud of what you do.

Blondnursey, your comment reminds me of how many women perceive themselves when they choose to stay at home and rase their kids, take care of their families and homes.

"I'm just a housewife."

Trouble is, even if the SAHMs (Stay at Home Moms) are happy with what they do and feel they're making a unique contribution to the world, SOCIETY says "You're just a housewife." :angryfire

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