[fozziebear]

I have read several articles where the inference was that LPN's are being phased out and replaced with R.N's in the hospital setting. Is this happening? Reason being - the RN needs to leave her own duties to assist the LPN in a clinical skill that LPN's are not trained in. It was suggested that in years to come that L.P.N's would most likely be predominately in the LTC setting. Any thoughts? Is this happening in some states?

[agldragon]

Originally Posted by fozziebear

I have read several articles where the inference was that LPN's are being phased out and replaced with R.N's in the hospital setting. Is this happening? Reason being - the RN needs to leave her own duties to assist the LPN in a clinical skill that LPN's are not trained in. It was suggested that in years to come that L.P.N's would most likely be predominately in the LTC setting. Any thoughts? Is this happening in some states?

In New Jersey YES. I did not even bother applying at hospitals when I got my LPN license in March.

There are many places an LPN can work outside of hospitals; mainly LTC/Nursing Home/Rehab. Plenty of jobs here!!

When I get my RN hopefully within a year, then I will apply at hospitals.

[Jules A]

I'm old enough to remember "them" saying this for over 20 years now. It depends on the area and definitely there are more RN positions but there are still facilities that realize the value of a competent LPN. I have LPN friends that work in L&D, oncology and a sports rehab hospital.

[Brownms46]

Originally Posted by Jules A

I'm old enough to remember "them" saying this for over 20 years now. It depends on the area and definitely there are more RN positions but there are still facilities that realize the value of a competent LPN. I have LPN friends that work in L&D, oncology and a sports rehab hospital.

So true! I started as an LPN in 1980, and I was hearing this even back then. But I was able to work agency in the hospital, and travel to ICU/CCU, NICU, Tele, ER units etc for over 12years. If I wanted to I could still be traveling to hospitals. But mostly in the southeast, and in the west So it does depend on what state you are in.

I no longer work at the bedside, but as an Analyst in I. S.. I have watched hospitals get rid of LPNs, only to hire them back again. This has more to do with money, than any issues with RNs covering for LPNs. It is cheaper to get a tech or CNA to work with an RN loaded with pts., then to hire a competent LPN to help even the work load.

You better believe that anytime a staffing change is made, TPTB are thinking money, and not how to make things easier for the RN. Sad, but true!

[happyloser]

Living in NJ I have realized that all LPN's in my hospital were phased out of floor nursing. I know of 5 that were trained to be wound care nurses by our wound healing center, the rest were transfered to the LTCF on the other side of town.

I spoke to many RN's and they said they feel less stressed now that there arent LPN's because it is one less person that they have to supervise.

[pagandeva2000]

I haven't really seen this in my area, but am hearing it more from these forums. I work for a city hospital, and because the pay is the cheapest, most new grad RNs don't stay long. I do wonder what would happen eventually, though, if my hospital tries (again) for Magnet. Magnet is totally PRO BSN-RNs that are certified in their specialties.

I see this as a phase. I heard that once, our hospital laid off many of the LPNs, and then, had to call them back a few months later. If the bedside shortage continues, I can see them eventually eating their words. It really depends on your area, and even if that area is not being affected, pay close attention to what is happening with other facilities in your geographical area, and prepare to either return to school, or find another position to still practice nursing.

[ggal2933]

It depends on the area that you live in. I live close to Savannah GA and they are phasing LPN's out of the hospitals. There is one particular hospital that if you are already working there as an LPN, you have to get your RN in order to remained employeed. Now in areas of Alabama, which I will be moving there soon, they hire LPN's in their hospitals.

[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

We have lots of LPNs working in our hospitals here in Florida. The duties are so similar that I have a hard time recalling who's an LPN and who's not.

[bhensley]

I work in KY and here we are just as in demand as the RN title. While there are differences, we are held accountable for our own actions and are directly supervised by the nsg. mgr for the floors that we work.

I don't think that we will be phased out anytime soon, all they do is train us, expand our practice and off we go. If LPNs are phased out, I believe that the nursing shortage that is nationwide will help us find a safe niche.

[LPN0207]

I am an LPN in a hospital setting and I don't think we are being phased out. In fact we are hiring more LPN's! There is very few duties that I can't take care of that the RN has to do for me, assignments are made accordingly and there is rarely a problem.