DNA Reporter
DNA Reporter

My Journey as a Licensed Practical Nurse

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By: Christina Staten, LPN, Emergency Department, ChristianaCare, Member, Delaware Nurses Association

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) was not simply a career choice for me; it was a calling shaped by life experience, perseverance, and a deep desire to serve others. My nursing journey began with a fascination for healthcare and an understanding that nurses are often the steady presence patients rely on during their most vulnerable moments. Choosing the LPN pathway allowed me to enter the profession efficiently while building a strong clinical foundation grounded in compassion, skill, and accountability.

My early career as an LPN has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Working in the emergency department has exposed me to fast-paced, high-acuity situations that require critical thinking, teamwork, and composure under pressure. In this environment, I have learned the importance of thorough assessment, clear communication, and strong advocacy for patients and their families. Each shift reinforces the vital role LPNs play in ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate care.

Alongside my clinical practice, I am committed to professional growth and lifelong learning. I am currently advancing my education toward my registered nursing degree, driven by a desire to expand my scope of practice and leadership capacity. Balancing work, school, and family responsibilities requires discipline and resilience, but it has strengthened my appreciation for the dedication nurses bring to the profession. Continued education has sharpened my clinical judgment, enhanced my confidence, and allowed me to contribute more meaningfully to patient outcomes.

Advancing the nursing profession also means giving back and lifting others along the way. I strongly believe in mentorship, advocacy, and amplifying the voices of LPNs within healthcare systems. Licensed Practical Nurses are essential members of the care team, and our perspectives matter in conversations about patient safety, workforce development, and healthcare equity. By sharing my journey, I encourage other LPNs to pursue their goals with confidence and recognize the value they bring to nursing every day.

My journey as an LPN has been defined by growth, service, and purpose. I am proud of the work I do, the patients I serve, and the profession I represent. Nursing is more than a job; it is a commitment to lifelong learning, advocacy, and compassion. As I continue to grow professionally, I remain dedicated to advancing nursing and supporting those who answer the call to care.

I am grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and patients who have shaped my path and entrusted me with their care. Their guidance has reinforced the importance of representation, advocacy, and unity within nursing organizations. Through continued education, service, and leadership, I remain committed to contributing to a stronger, more inclusive nursing profession. My journey reflects the belief that every nursing role matters, and growth is achievable through commitment and dedication. By sharing this experience, my goal is to promote connection, professional pride, and advocacy among nurses across Delaware while highlighting the resilience and contributions Licensed Practical Nurses bring to patients, healthcare teams, and communities each day.

Content of this article has been developed in collaboration with the referenced State Nursing Association.

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