Why do nurses feel the need to put RN on their license plates?

Nurses Relations

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I have always wondered why RN's need to display their title on their license plate? I have never seen a teacher, lawyer, accountant, librarian, coach, housekeeper, CNA/PCT, chef, mayor etc....... put this on their license plate. Seriously, I don't understand it. I usually see at least 2 a day. Is this just in my area or does this happen everywhere. I would like to know what it is about RN's that feel the need to announce it to everyone what they do? I understand we have all worked hard for our license but come on these other professions have worked just as hard if not more. I know there are more important things going on in the world but I just want some opinions on this. :p

Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg.

I don't think having a vanity plate or personalized plate that's work related is an indicator of a person deeply entwined in nothing but work. Let's face it, it's a helluva lot easier to fit RN on a plate than it is to fit "woman with three awesome kids she adores who loves to hang out in the park and jam on her guitar". It's just a neat way to put a piece of yourself on your ride. I know there are nurses that only became nurses for the money but hopefully they are few and far between. No matter what you do...you should find joy and satisfaction in it...or what's the point?

Money is and should be a factor...a single factor in deciding what you want to do...along with finding it interesting, stimulating, fun, etcetera. If you choose a career based solely on income, then every day becomes a grind, doesn't it? I mean, who wants to go do something they hate for 12 hours. If we worked with inanimate objects, I don't think it would matter so much but we work with sick people. If every day is a bad day cuz we just want to collect our cash and leave...how does that affect the way we treat our patients?

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Specializes in stepdown RN.

I guess it's just where I live then. I only see RN plates, and a lot of them too! Just wondered how it was in other places. I still think it's strange though, don't know why I just do :)

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I don't think having a vanity plate or personalized plate that's work related is an indicator of a person deeply entwined in nothing but work. Let's face it, it's a helluva lot easier to fit RN on a plate than it is to fit "woman with three awesome kids she adores who loves to hang out in the park and jam on her guitar". It's just a neat way to put a piece of yourself on your ride. I know there are nurses that only became nurses for the money but hopefully they are few and far between. No matter what you do...you should find joy and satisfaction in it...or what's the point?

Took the words out of my mouth. I told my husband I want a decal for my car that's a teddy bear with a nurses hat. It's important that I do something for a living that I take pride in, and not just a paycheck. It doesn't mean they identify themselves only by their jobs. I'm the first in my family to go to college, so it's a big deal to me lol.

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

I've seen more MD or lawyer vanity plates where I live than RN ones, though I've seen a few of the latter as well. Seems like harmless fun to me. If I ever have enough money for a new car, maybe I'll get vanity plates that say PHN4KIDS . Hmmm, yes, I'm liking it already! :yeah:

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg.
I've seen more MD or lawyer vanity plates where I live than RN ones, though I've seen a few of the latter as well. Seems like harmless fun to me. If I ever have enough money for a new car, maybe I'll get vanity plates that say PHN4KIDS . Hmmm, yes, I'm liking it already! :yeah:

How about SRTASBR for a college kid? :lol2:

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Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

I don't mind all the RNs on license plates. I mentally wave at all my fellow nurses when I pass them in my car. I have a no frills plate.

Having said that, nursing does not define me. It barely breaks the top 15 of things about myself that I am most proud.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Never had a "vanity" tag on my car but as nursing is one of the most respected occupations in the world then I don't see the big deal. I'm proud to be an RN I just show it in a different way.

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Specializes in LTC currently.

I dont see it as a problem with a person displaying their profession on their license plate, especially seeing how hard they worked for it. My mom got RN on her plates as well. She has pride in the work she does and she doesnt bring her work life intoher personal life. She stictly keeps work and home life seperate. She has RN on her plates because she went through my challenges while first trying to become a LPN and then ultimately dropped out of LPN school, had to start all the way over when we moved out of state and went straight the RN path. In our eyes, its pride and a sense of accomplishment. In my area, which is in Chicago you see, RN, Nurse, NRSE, MD, Lawyr, Vet, PT.

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I have always had just a generic run of the mill license plate, but my husband put a plate on the front of the car that had "CRNA" on it.

I had a very common make of car at the time and often found myself trying to open someone else's car by mistake after a tiring day at work or if it were snowcovered. So, I think he just wanted me to be able to find my own car. We were newlyweds.:rolleyes:

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Specializes in ortho rehab, med surg, renal transplant.

Why does it matter to you what other ppl put on their license plates. Do you sit in a lot of slow moving traffic?

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Specializes in LTC currently.

Lol :)

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I've only seen one licence plate with an RN on it and i didnt think anything of it. I just thought that is someone i look up to as a nursing student! :nurse:

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