I am afraid to admit that I am a registered nurse!

Lovely_RN, MSN · Sep 18, 2009

I'm not afraid to call myself an RN, I just don't like to right now. :stone

I feel comfortable calling myself an LPN because that is what I'm employed as. It's not logical but it's just the way I feel. :no:

MissBrittanyRN · Sep 18, 2009

I understand. Were you an LPN before you earned your RN license? I am just curious, because I would like to work as an LPN, as the job market for RNs in my area is terrible, but I do not have an LPN license. I have an RN license. I should look into my state's regulations, but we as RN's can only work as a CNA if we also hold a separate CNA certification. I wonder if we need to hold an LPN license, and take the NCLEX-PN to work as an LPN.

Lovely_RN, MSN · Sep 18, 2009

I've been employed as an LPN for about 18 months now.

I wouldn't spend the $200 for the NCLEX and the additional fees for the LPN license.

Once you disclose that you have an RN license an employer would be hesitant to hire and train you because they know you will move on as soon as you find an RN job. Also you are held to the RN license no matter what position you work in CNA or LPN if something happens you have to respond as an RN. I wouldn't want to be in a hospital setting working as a CNA or LPN w/o the proper orientation (or pay) and have something happen that could make me lose the license that I haven't even been hired for!

I understand. Were you an LPN before you earned your RN license? I am just curious, because I would like to work as an LPN, as the job market for RNs in my area is terrible, but I do not have an LPN license. I have an RN license. I should look into my state's regulations, but we as RN's can only work as a CNA if we also hold a separate CNA certification. I wonder if we need to hold an LPN license, and take the NCLEX-PN to work as an LPN.

Meems · Sep 29, 2009

Part of being a good nurse RN or otherwise is researching a topic if you don't know the answer off the top of your head. You are a RN it doesn't make you a doctor, or a psychic! Give yourself a break! I am sure you learned something in nursing school or you wouldn't be able to even call yourself a RN at all. You can learn from books and clinical, but experience takes time! Keep your head up and be proud of yourself. You earned the right to call yourself RN:yeah:

sharpeimom · Sep 29, 2009

one phrase a good nurse (rn or lpn) learns quickly is, "i don't know but i'll be glad to find out and get right back to you with the correct answer." then do it!

sharpeimom:paw::paw:

caliotter3 · Sep 29, 2009

When I couldn't get a job and was applying for anything and everything during an interview I was asked point blank why I was applying for a minimal wage job when I was a nurse. I was embarassed to say I couldn't get a job, and this was with experience. The man interviewing me was very apologetic, completed the interview in a "I've got to get this over with" manner, and expressed his sympathy, whether or not it was genuine. I felt humiliated and could almost hear the words he didn't express, "What is wrong with YOU, that YOU, a NURSE, can't get a job?"

jnmoore02 · Sep 30, 2009

Britney,

Don't feel bad, do you remember that feeling coming home the first day after orientation from nursing school, or the first syllabus you received thinking, "what have I got myself into", your first critical thinking exam, etc... This is just another one of those feeling that will pass by in time. Just think a few months ago we all sat down and stressed out about finals, then the NCLEX...

Be proud and hold your head up high, you did it... I'm sure you know more then you think...

Sarah Hay · Sep 30, 2009

Just because you finish nursing school and pass your boards ... doesn't mean you are supposed to know everything. You learn more and more as you work the floor. c:

MissBrittanyRN · Sep 30, 2009

Thanks everyone. I do remember those feelings - first clinicals, finals, NCLEX, and they did get better. Those worries seem so small compared to now. It's just so embarrassing when family ask me questions that I feel like I should know. I'm sure that it will get much better when I start working - it's just frusterating not knowing when that will be! I don't like to tell anyone that I am an RN when they ask about me, because I worry that they will ask me questions lol. On the bright side, I had my first interview on Monday and they surprised me with a written exam, and I did "average" on it, but that includes experienced nurses thrown into the mix.

NewAggieGrad09 · Oct 1, 2009

I feel the exact same way!!! Sometimes I even forget I am even a nurse, because it doesn't seem real to me yet without a job. LOL Keep your head up and stay in prayer! Something will come...that is what I tell myself everyday.

EmilyLucille523 · Oct 1, 2009

Of course you are still a nurse and be proud of it. Think how many of your nursing school classmates didn't even make it through school alone, never mind also passing NCLEX and being able to call yourself a licensed RN!

I graduated in May and I just started as an RN in PCU this week. I know what you mean by not wanting to call yourself an RN until you're actually working as one (even though I did work as an LPN then as an RN in a nursing home before getting this hospital job).

I also had gotten a written test for this PCU job but luckily it was a take home test. It's amazing how much of it comes back to you, but I still had to look a lot of them up which has me a little nervous about starting on the floor next week. But like most people say, you learn and remember more once you're on the job.

And when family start asking you medical questions, tell them what I say "I'm NOT a doctor, I'm a nurse. You should have that checked out by your primary care physician!" and just smile! :specs: Seems to always work for me!