Why are students going into LPN programs?

ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2011

where i live there re plenty of LPN positions.. not so much in hospitals anymore but I have several friends that are LPNs.

2 work in LTC

1 works as a prison nurse

1 works in a psych unit in a hospital

1 works at a pediatric drs office

1 works on an oncology floor in a hospital

1 works on a Peds unit in a hospital...

guess it depends where you live.

stephc1973 · Oct 6, 2011

There are plenty of LPN jobs where I live...including hospitals.

I wanted to be a nurse not a CNA. There is a big salary difference too and the scope of practice is NOT the same.

Becoming a LPN was the quickest way to be a nurse and start working and I also plan on bridging over to RN.

leo8686 · Oct 6, 2011

Not much of a salary difference ... few dollars.

stephc1973 · Oct 6, 2011

Not much of a salary difference ... few dollars.

Why did you delete your original response...the one one where you said that LPNs work for pennies? Yeah- I got the notification in my email.

They don't work for pennies. Trust me. How rude.

You asked why students go into the LPN program and I told you some reasons....sorry if you didn't like the answer. Good grief and good luck in the world of nursing with that attitude.

Clovery · Oct 6, 2011

I'm in NJ as well, and from everything I've heard, LPNs are being "phased out". There are currently no jobs for them in the major hospitals, and even LTC is shifting away from hiring them. The only place I really see them is at doctor's offices. In my school we have some LPNs and they have a lot of experience, and are confident and professional. I feel very fortunate to have these competent, experienced ladies in my clinical group :)

I wouldn't advise anyone around here to become an LPN... I do agree it'd be a better move to go for a CNA cert. then use that as your stepping stone to RN.

andrewschultz, LVN · Oct 6, 2011

Plenty of LPN jobs here in California. From hospitals, veterans hospitals and clinics, LTCs, schools, and doctors offices to name a few. Not to mention there are also plenty of LPNs in medical insurance authorization. I know an LPN that works for one and is making 82 thousand a year. Yes... 82 thousand as an LPN. I guess it depends where you live. Personally, do not judge people's decisions to be an LPN. Things vary from state to state, and this website is a reflection of that.

JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2011

Well there are places where LPNs are still in hospitals. Those are the areas that have community college programs for LPNs. My niece is going to LPN school and will be able to get through a very intensive program in about 9 months. She will do most of the same skills as an RN. It won't be a huge ordeal for her to get into the 2nd year of an RN program if she is able to meet their requirements. Not a waste of time where she lives. Plus, LPNs in her state get about 2/3s of the pay that RNs get. CNAs get only a little over a 1/3 to 1/2 the pay of CNAs.

Where I live, LPN programs are going away and LPNs are only used in doctor's offices and that's about it. Still necessary but not as much in demand.

LolaVenice · Oct 7, 2011

Yes, I agree with those that say it's a way to get into an RN program. I know of a really smart guy who I think would be an excellent nurse who was in an RN program. He was getting straight A's in lecture but his clinical instructor was a jerk and they butt heads. She told him he better withdraw in order to save his GPA b/c she was going to fail him. But, he couldn't get into another RN program right away so he enrolled in an LPN program so he wouldn't have to lose any time getting put on a waiting list for an RN program.

ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2011

Not much of a salary difference ... few dollars.

i get paid 10/hr as a PCA, the CNAs on the nursing home side of my building start at 11.50, LPNs get 17-18, RNs get 22-23. its more like the RN only gets paid a couple more dollars than an LPN.

:uhoh3: i dont know about you but i think a 6-7 dollar jump is worth it.

LTV950rn · Oct 7, 2011

I'm sorry but I feel like it is a waste of time and money. In my area in NJ you cannot find LPN jobs. If they want the patient experience why not become a cna? I am a cna and a bsn student. I just want to pull them all aside and say dont waste your money or time!

I am just wondering, if this doesn't affect you, why are you posting about it?

penaheather · Oct 7, 2011

I finished all my general ed classes and pre req. then was put on a waiting list, I was told I would probably be on for 3 years. I decided for me at my age 37 that I would go the LPN route(and I am loving the classes) and then bridge into the RN program. There are still alot of LPN positions where I live. I think anyone should be proud of their education and occupation. We as nurses should never put anyone down for their own choice weather you agree or not.

Everyone have a great day!!