LPN Student, Feeling lesser than

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So here's the situation. I just started LPN school. Next august, after I pass the nclex, I will be able to transition into rn and have one year left. My plan is, and always has been to become an rn (np after I get my bsn and I have worked a few years). I just decided to take this route so I could get the ball rolling. Same amount of time. At work this week I was telling one of my co workers about how intense my first week of nursing school was and every time I said "o and this week in nursing school...." she would say "now is it nursing school or lpn." I have told her a million times I'm doing lpn. It seems like she wants to point it out every time. It's like she feels like I shouldn't be referring to it as nursing school. BUT IT IS! It's just a different scope of practice! I don't know if she is trying to make me feel lesser than for taking this route or what, but it had my blood boiling and my feelings hurt.

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I would stop talking about nursing school around that coworker. Actually, I rarely talk about school around any of my coworkers. In the past, when I mentioned I am starting an LPN program in September the CNAs would downplay it or tell me that I'm stupid for going that route first. But I have mentioned it to two RN/BSN nurses and they have supported my decision. Just realize that you can't tell everyone everything.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I don't know if she is trying to make me feel lesser than for taking this route or what, but it had my blood boiling and my feelings hurt.
Don't talk to her about school anymore.

Some people in our lives are literal crabs in the barrel, which essentially means they're trying to hold you back at a time in your life when you're trying to climb/aspire to bigger things. If this coworker has nothing nice to say, stop talking to her about your schooling. It's as simple as that, unless you enjoy her reminders that you're "only in LPN school."

Good luck to you. Stop talking to her about school immediately.

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Thanks so much!! She just got into rn school so not sure if that makes a difference!! But that's exactly what I told myself! I would stop talking to her about it! Thanks again!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Thanks so much!! She just got into rn school so not sure if that makes a difference!! But that's exactly what I told myself! I would stop talking to her about it! Thanks again!!

It doesn't make a difference. :no:

Your coworker will learn soon enough in the REAL nursing world.

Run your own race and YOUR own career. :yes:

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

It sounds as though your coworker is insecure and is trying to boost her

ego by making you feel as though your program doesn't quite measure up to her program. Childish, but makes you feel bad. Don't discuss either

program in her presence or with her. It's absolutely no fun to battle or torment someone if they don't rise to the bait, and they stop and find a new target.

As my mom used to tell me sometimes when I was a kid, "Don't let anyone rent free space in your head. It's like giving them a key to a rent free apartment on boardwalk or Park Place." Good advice!

Remember, you will be a nurse because an LPN is a nurse. You aren't

"just an LPN." you're an LPN...a valued member of the team.

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It just sounds like someone wants you to be jelly but it's all the same you should be proud of yourself and good luck! and look At this way You should be finished school and working as a nurse and gain nursing experience before her and you can always bridge over to an RN program

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Thanks so much everyone for the encouraging words!! I'm learning and accepting that my journey isn't everyone else's journey. Many have down talked my lpn status but I just have to do what I can, the best that I can. People are going to talk regardless and not everyone is behind people 100%. I'm one that supports people in whatever they do, but I will go crazy thinking everyone thinks like I do. So I'm just trying to feel confident and worthy in the road I'm taking.

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Specializes in hospice.

What does the "N" in LPN stand for? That's right....NURSE.

I hope to start my LPN program in January. I chose this route for very specific and very good reasons. Anyone who wants to look down on that can take a flying leap from their high perch. ;)

Just don't even talk to her anymore.

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What does the "N" in LPN stand for? That's right....NURSE.

I hope to start my LPN program in January. I chose this route for very specific and very good reasons. Anyone who wants to look down on that can take a flying leap from their high perch. ;)

Just don't even talk to her anymore.

Well said, duskyjewel! I learned the hard way, over many years and in different jobs, that sometimes people don't WANT you to succeed, or feel threatened (if you become more educated than your supervisor) or just plain jealous, I suppose...

Good luck to you, ejones4!

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I agree with others, drop those conversations like a hot potato!

I chose the same path as you. You will be in practice as a nurse and working on an advanced degree before she even turns in her student parking pass, so don't feel 'less than'. Four years from now she will be asking you for advice on patient care because you will have 2 years experience already.

Be proud of yourself! Nursing in a wonderful profession. You have a made a plan that works for you and your life, and it doesn't matter what she thinks. Stick to it, and be a great nurse. That is all that matters.

On a similar note, you will encounter classmates that are boastful and judgmental, and sometimes cruel. Be like a duck, let it roll off your back. People are sometimes catty, but don't allow them to deter your focus or upset you. It is what they want. Your education is about YOU, not them.

I wish you the utmost success in your journey, student nurse ;-) !

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I agree with others, drop those conversations like a hot potato!

I chose the same path as you. You will be in practice as a nurse and working on an advanced degree before she even turns in her student parking pass, so don't feel 'less than'. Four years from now she will be asking you for advice on patient care because you will have 2 years experience already.

Be proud of yourself! Nursing in a wonderful profession. You have a made a plan that works for you and your life, and it doesn't matter what she thinks. Stick to it, and be a great nurse. That is all that matters.

On a similar note, you will encounter classmates that are boastful and judgmental, and sometimes cruel. Be like a duck, let it roll off your back. People are sometimes catty, but don't allow them to deter your focus or upset you. It is what they want. Your education is about YOU, not them.

I wish you the utmost success in your journey, student nurse ;-) !

Thanks so much!! You hit it right on the head. I'm easily irritated and offended, so this will be a lesson in itself to learn how to just let stuff roll off my back. It's not worth the extra energy worrying about what others think!

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