Pinning tonight

[mrsmoo2]

Well, after dreaming of beiing a nurse my whole life I am being pinned an LPN at 7pm tonight. I don't think it's really set in yet, because I just feel kind of numb..I'm not even all that excited...is this normal? I have put in an application at the LTC facility I've always wanted to work at & the DON told me to call her as soon as I have a date for my NCLEX & she'll get my paperwork & all that officially started, I'm not overly worried about boards, so I don't know why I feel so "gloomy". For any LPN's....will people ever stop asking me when , why I'll go RN??? I might go on in a couple years, since the nursing home will pay for it, but I may not..I've always envisioned myself in the lpn role...money has never been an issue for me, I'm lucky enough to be able to do what I want, not what I have to do, but most people just don't let it be...I've even been told I'm too smart not to be an RN, and I'm just getting so sick of defending my decision....the lpn role is right where I want to be for now, but I've been made to feel I'm not really a nurse yet unless I'm an RN. I'm sure this is part of my feelings about pinning...are there any happy, content, respected lpns out there??? I'd love to hear something from you!!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Congratulations. There is plenty of room in the nursing community for LPNs too and taking care of the elderly is one of the noblest causes. I wish you the best. I worked in LTC as an LPN and was too young at the time to appreciate the wisdom of my elderly charges.

[FutureRN2005]

I've even been told I'm too smart not to be an RN, and I'm just getting so sick of defending my decision....the lpn role is right where I want to be for now, but I've been made to feel I'm not really a nurse yet unless I'm an RN. I'm sure this is part of my feelings about pinning...are there any happy, content, respected lpns out there??? I'd love to hear something from you!!

First, congratulations! Second, I work with an LPN who is excellent. She is very knowledgeable and well respected. Her reply to the question -you are so smart, why arent you an RN, is that she enjoys the time she gets to spend with her patients and does not want to be tied down with paperwork.

You should be proud of your accomplishment, Good Luck to you.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Still cherish the LPN pin and foundation it gave me. Many people find the LPN role fits them best, such as my dear MIL. Do whats best for YOU.

It takes a village to raise a child....well it takes a nursing TEAM to run a successful facility, especially when the parts compliment the whole.

You might be feeling mub cause you can't believe that year is actually over, all the blood sweat and tears along with exhaustion. May your pinning tonight top off the start of a great career.