nursetnc

I am in my last semester of an ADN-RN program. In my state you have the opportunity to become an lpn after finishing the second semester of an rn program. Having worked at a SNF as a CNA for years, I jumped on that change. I studied hard for the nclex-pn and was ecstatic and proud when I passed and officially became a nurse. Today I was at the hospital doing a clinical for my rn program and I mentioned to a patient's family member that I was already a nurse, an lpn, but I was working on finishing up my rn. She replied that "that's good because lpns are just glorified cnas anyway." Um... that really rubbed me the wrong way. While I have mad respect for cnas and believe that it's an incredibly important and meaningful job, I could not have been an lpn and been good at my job with just a cna education and experience. I have attended many lectures, studied many hours, and done hundreds of clinical hours to be able to sit for, and pass, the nclex. I know she didn't mean it that way, but it made me a bit upset to be called a "glorified cna" after all the hard work I've put into obtaining my nursing license. I don't think people really understand what it means to be a nurse and how much critical thinking and constant learning is required. Does anyone else have any similar experiences or thoughts on the situation? I'm interested to hear other's experiences!