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

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

My state you have to get a petition going for and vanity plate. Then they cost anywhere from $30 to $65 dollars. There are so many vanity plates out there I don't see how the troopers can catch anyone.

take a look:

http://www.google.com/images?q=sc+license+plates&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1440&bih=673

Juwon · Mar 19, 2011

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!

Same thing i say, it is someone i look up to, but as a pre-nursing student in my case.

mtdnk · Mar 19, 2011

Having some notification that you are a nurse can save you from traffic tickets.......not that I would know ANYTHING about something like that:nurse:

Juwon · Mar 19, 2011

Having some notification that you are a nurse can save you from traffic tickets.......not that I would know ANYTHING about something like that:nurse:

yes, this is the truth, twice in one week my mother was pulled over for speeding by the cops. When they seen the plates and seen the stethoscope around her neck, the lady cop in the first incident and the male cop in the second incident asked her where she worked, and then let her go. The lady told my mom, in a friendly tone, come on you know better, you work to serve the greater population of people. Yes, it does pays to have those initials on your plate at times:coollook:

86toronado, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

i don't think we're talking about vanity plates here. i know here in ny there are plates that have rn (or md, np, pa, vet, etc.) where the ny logo would be between the numbers. they cost a slight amount more, but they're not like vanity plates that might say (on mine, for instance) sexyrn. instead, they just look like this:

abcrndef

i think it's kind of cool, and i've been told it gets you out of tickets:o. i'd get them as a matter of pride, but i don't want the ugly new ny plates, so i'm sticking with my old ones! :)

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

Never seen one myself. Mind you, usually I'm too busy concentrating on driving to notice license plates, unless they're an unusual colour or something.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

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.

First the question should be, "Why do SOME nurses feel the need......".

And the answer, is "because they feel like it".

Why do some people have things that ID them as Jeff Mom, srvivr, a supporter of wildlife, saving the manatees, graduate of a certain college, or that they are the proud parent of an honor student?

Because they can and they feel like. They are called "vanity" plates for a reason.

caliotter3 · Mar 19, 2011

I like the color blue and pictures rather than nasty, stark white, so that is why I have had a CA whaletail plate in the past and signed up for one with my new car. For some reason, the dealer made a mistake and I didn't get my whaletail. So I have to make the effort again. I only wish they had one with California sea otters. I like critters. I would also go with squirrels or hamsters.

Calixan · Mar 19, 2011

I see more Teacher plates than anything. My aunt is a teacher and she has something on her plate about reading. I can't remember the exact quotes though. I think you are noticing more nursing "RN" plates because that's the field you are in. I'm sure there are many other people advertising their profession on their plates. You just don't get it because it's not your field.

Chin up · Mar 19, 2011

As a healthcare professional, be careful putting your title out there. I remember in the 80's you would see plates with MD, surgeon, etc... Well most of those MD's got rid of those plates, when they started getting sued for accidents, that were not their fault, or even for not stopping and helping out at an accident scene. There are predators out there looking for such info about you, and will use it to their advantage. Also, nurses who wear their scrubs to the grocery store, mall, in public, set themselves up for lawsuits, if they don't help someone in need. We are told, here in MA, to call 911 if you find an unconscious person. If you don't have the proper tools, don't do CPR. But, if you are wearing scrubs, you may be held liable, for Not starting it. Nursing pride is great....but we live in a world, that the good Samaritan law is moot in many places, you may set yourself up for disease, or litigation if your status is known. Do what you will, but when a predator causes you to hit them after they notice RN on your vehicle, you were forewarned. Peace!

Sorry for the choppy, poor written post...addiction has set in while I should be sleeping. Night!

Trauma Columnist · Mar 19, 2011

I am a pre-hospital RN with my rural squad. I have a blue light and special plates which do signify to law enforcement and fellow fire fighters what I do.

I've had them for 12 yrs. No problems. However I do NOT advertise the fact I'm an APN.

RNlauren · Mar 19, 2011

i'm proud of what i do, and i am proud of what i have accomplished! being a nurse is not "just" a job its part of who you are as a person. you can't be "just" a nurse, or at least that is how i feel about it. apparently some people on here do see it as "just" a job???

nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation, as any painter's or sculptor's work; for what is the having to do with dead canvas or dead marble, compared with having to do with the living body, the temple of god's spirit? it is one of the fine arts: i had almost said, the finest of fine arts. - florence nightingale

that is all!