[ALLYCAT4]

Hi Lpn's from ILLInOIs,

there is quite a group of us banging our heads wondering if its worth becoming a LPN. I think its mosty because we are hearing stories that they are phasing out LPN's and using MA's instead. Another reason is that will there be jobs out there for us after we graduate and where? Or is it just better to apply in the RN program instead. So I thought if I could just hear from some recent LPN's that have graduated and have started working. I would love to hear any story on becoming a LPN in ILL. Thank you soo much and I really hope to hear from someone.

[midcom]

Not in ILL but across the river in Iowa. We still have many jobs for LPNs, and yes, there are some in hospitals but not as many as in the past. Of course, there's lots of openings in LTC, which seems to be the case everywhere.
As far as MAs replacing us, I work in a large clinic. Not one MA in the place but lots of LPNs & RNs. The LPN & RN do exactly the same work. If their name tag didn't specify which kind of nurse they were you wouldn't know which was which. Obviously, the RNs make more money & deserve to.
But, you don't want to come to Iowa to work. We're the lowest paid nurses in the nation.
Dixie

[labvampire]

I am an LPN in Illinois. I graduated last year and work full-time in an ER. I do everything the RN does but push IV meds. I put in IV's and hang fluids and piggyback packaged medications. I am involved in all the codes, triage, assessment, diagnosis and care of my patients. My RN's treat me as an equal and if I am not sure about something I always ask and they always go out of their way to show me. I am very lucky. I plan to bridge over to RN, but the experience I am getting now will be invaluable when I return to school. I am proud to hold the title of LPN, I am a nurse and that's all that matters to me. I am helping people and making their visit to the hospital as comfortable as possible. It's not about the title, it's about caring for patients. I want my RN so I can push IV meds and learn more indepth about processes and medications, etc. The Doc told me I need to go to medical school, but hell, I am 40 and happy with being a nurse. It's always worth going to school, it just depends on the person with what they do with it!

[ALLYCAT4]

Thanks Midcom and Labvampire for ur honest responses.
It does kind of put my mind at ease a bit. I guess every state has different ways of needing a LPN and also their pay rate is different. But at the end of the day you guys are helping and caring for patients and thats what counts too.

Again thanks and good day...

[b.skinner]

I live in IL, but im currently and entry level LPN in MO. I'm going through the process of getting my License in IL also. Gateway Medical Center has LPN opening in their behavioral health department starting at 22.50/hr but that's without benefits. I always get great job offers. LPNs and MAs are very different for one MAs make what? $9-$12/hr. I make $20/hr as a new nurse. I think whoever wants to be and LPN go for it. I love it. It's great experience. I admit/discharge patients, administer injections/medication, i get experience with trachs, feeding tubes, wound care,transcribing doctor's orders. I love it!!!!!

[ALLYCAT4]

Wow that is awesome pay.. and that is just great to hear some positive attitude about being an LPN! I am glad ur happy and the best part is your caring for your patients. Everyone has a different story about being an Lpn and I totally respect everyones opinion.
There is always employment for LPN's.. I was on Career.com and saw of variety of LPN positions..mostly LTC but I also spotted them at a Dermatology clinic and few at a hospital. YOu just got to get lucky and keep searching for the right places and the right time. MA's are awesome too but if you plan to bridge as a RN i really honestly say becoming a LPN is a better way to start your nursing career.
But hey, thanks for your reponse and good luck with the being an LPN.
:n uke:

[godsgift2]

If I Might Ask What School Are You Planning On Trying To Get In I Stay In Illinois And I Just Got Excepted Into The Lpn Program In Redbud Illinois At Beck Career Center