What do/did you say when...

Trauma Columnist · Aug 29, 2004

When I did the LPN school - I knew that I would proceed right through to the RN...however, I too received the same (dumb) questions. I smiled and asked would they like to support my family while I went to school? Gee whiz - no takers! Good luck and congrats.

tawillia · Aug 30, 2004

what have you said when people say why don't you just be an rn? i've been telling friends/family that i am returning to college and should start my lpn program in jan. not everyone, but most always ask. so i feel like i have to explain how i'm not able to put 3 years into this right now etc etc husband etc. i don't mean to offend anyone i guess i understand why they ask but it's getting really old:stone so what have you said? :)

ha ha, i know exactly how you feel. i have a b.s. degree and i am starting lpn school in january and people treat me like i am moving backward. i just tell them that obtaining my lpn license is a stepping stone since i cannot afford to go back to school full-time for the next 2-3 years to become an rn. i also have gotten the "why do you want to be a nurse" statement. i don't let any of it discourage me because i have a plan. good luck!!!!

tam

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Aug 30, 2004

My answer was always "Because i made the best decisions for myself, despite the stupid questions people seem to ask me about it". It wasn't the matter of what they were asking, more than it was the tone of voice, and the look they had on their face asking it, which seemed to reflects "how stupid ARE you for doing that?" And i got fed up with people being rude and nosey, so my reply pretty much fixed that problem.

Nalini · Aug 31, 2004

Just wanted to say thanks for the replys :) It's encouraging to know that you got the same response. I've even had someone ask, You do know what you will have to do, right? :uhoh3:

Thanks

Nalini

LPNalmost! · Aug 31, 2004

here's my standard reply: "i've dreamed of being a nurse my whole life (i'm 32). and that's exactly what i'll be when i finish my program: a nurse! the initials after my name aren't what's important. it's having the job i've always dreamed of. are you doing what you've always dreamed of?"

if they persist on looking down on me because i chose to take the lpn route first, then i go on to explain that since i chose to leave a $50,000/year job in order to become a nurse and have a career that made a difference in someone's life, i could only afford to take one year off of work while i attended school full time. so i have to start out as an lpn even though i'm taking a tremendous pay cut. i lay a guilt trip on them about how money isn't everything if you aren't making a difference in the world and how i just needed to do something more meaningful with my life and how now when i know i've touched someone's life in a way only i can, that it is worth all that i've given up. starts them thinking about how meaningless their little job in a cubicle can be and they tend to lighten up!!! if they stop thinking about the lpn-rn thing as a financial issue only, and start thinking of you as someone who wants to devote her life to taking care of people that can't take care of themselves, they'll see you as the hero you are...not just a dollar sign! don't let them get you down. you're doing the right thing whether you're an rn, bsn, or lpn. you're going to be a nurse and that's what counts!!

what have you said when people say why don't you just be an rn? i've been telling friends/family that i am returning to college and should start my lpn program in jan. not everyone, but most always ask. so i feel like i have to explain how i'm not able to put 3 years into this right now etc etc husband etc. i don't mean to offend anyone i guess i understand why they ask but it's getting really old:stone so what have you said? :)

luv_be'n_a_LPN · Sep 6, 2004

I've dreamed of being a nurse my whole life (I'm 32). And that's exactly what I'll be when I finish my program: a Nurse! The initials after my name aren't what's important. It's having the job I've always dreamed of.

GREAT way to put it! also, ive told a lot of people what most RNs have told me when i come in contact with them: "you'll be glad you went the LPN route 1st, you get so much more hands on technical training than you do in RN school, and this will make you so much better at your skills".

Michelle

michelle95 · Sep 6, 2004

Great responses here.

When I went to LPN school, I was a single mother and did not have the time to wait for 3 years in order to make a decent paycheck. I was a CNA and we all know how they are undercompensated.

Of course, I knew that eventually I would get my RN. Now, I see how much being an LPN for 5 years is going to help me in RN school.

But, LPNs are nurses as well and should be commended. We need LPNs and there is nothing wrong with that being your career choice. :) Just like choosing to be a CNA. I loved being one...I just couldn't support myself on that kind of money without having to work 2 jobs.

Luv2Care · Sep 7, 2004

I have been asked that question so many times. I want to one day get my Master's in nursing but I'm taking it one step at a time. Nursing is just "nursing" no matter what title you have behind your name. I love being a nurse no matter what. So when people ask me "Why didn't you go for your RN?", I just tell them that someday I will. In my head I'm thinking, "Why, what difference does it make in your life?"

KacyLynnRN · Sep 12, 2004

hahaha! I got SOOOO sick of this question, I'm back in school for my RN!!! :)

When people ask me why I am an LPN 'instead of an RN', I just smile and tell then it was what was right for me at the time. I'm happy with the path I've taken and I wouldn't have done it any other way.

laughing weasel · Sep 12, 2004

Being a nurse is as far out of my experiences as exploring mars. I think that I will enjoy being a nurse but do not want to get an RN degree and find out that I do not like nursing. I would have wasted my time and the schools time. I will spend a little time figuring out weather being a nurse is the right career path for me before I jump it to it both feet. I have family that loves nursing and some that decided that it was not for them.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Sep 12, 2004

I thinl what bothers me the most about that question is the manner in how people ask that question. Kinda like "Um, WHY an LPN?" which sounds like half a sentence, the other half possiblly being "you idiot." Just my perception of it, i guess.