[srsrn]

I am a new practical nursing instructor. I would like any advice from other instructors. Also, I would like to know what you think about the future of Licensed Practical Nurse's. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[EricEnfermero]

Moved to Educators Forum for more responses.

[traumaRUs]

Hi and welcome. I am not an instructor, though I do have an MSN. I think in my area (central IL), the future of LPN's is pretty grim. The hospitals have quit hiring LPN's and are phasing the ones they do have out. LPN's can find jobs in NH's, some offices (although most prefer to have MA's beause they cost less) and home care.

I work in dialysis now and we have a few LPN's. However the company usually only hires RN's.

I think the LPN can effectively be used as a stepping stone to an RN. This would be my best advice for LPN's. I became an LPN in 1992 and worked for two years while I was in the ADN program.

[fgoff]

Hey! Welcome to Nursing Education!
I once worked as a LPN instructor in Va. The students back then usually had jobs before graduation. I think the Central Va area and the Triangle area of NC has a need for LPNs in LTC/NHs. Most acute care facilities hire only RNs in NC, but we have med techs/CNA II.

The hardest thing for me to keep in mind as I taught LPNs was that they are not RNs and the focus of their education needed to be focused on patient care issues not totally on nursing process like RNs. (What are the patients' needs and the skills to provide them?)The student will still need problem solving/critical thinking skills but geared toward reporting and follow-up not focused on patient functional assessments and nursing DX.

My 2 cents.

[CoreyRNeducator]

I am a current LPN instructor and here in MN we are still using them in the rural settings. Hospitals will go through phases and get rid of the LPNs only to realize that the shortage is still here and will need to hire them back at some point. I do think its a good stepping stone to the RN program but at times feel like the LPNs are so trained in skills that its hard to break them of that habit and get them to assess their patients once they become an RN. Just what i have seen being both an instructor and an educator in the hosptial.

[VickyRN]

Welcome to allnurses! LPN's are being used extensively in rural Eastern North Carolina. In the community hospitals in our area, you will see RN's and LPN's working side-by-side on the general medical-surgical floors. LPN's are also much in demand in area nursing homes and other sub-acute skilled nursing settings, including home health.

[Alexk49]

I just completed my first semester as a PN Instructor. I loved the experience.....the students have an intense experience. 2 Evenings of clinical. I live in MA and LPNs are alive and well although not used in acute hospitals.

[nurseangel47]

Have instructed nursing certified nursing assistants but not LPNs nor RNs.
Here is my advice: yes, LPNs are going the way of the dinosaur.
Everyone taking that route or teaching that specific nursing degree should definitely prepare in their career lifetime for alternate theories.
Been an RN for donkey's years!