Can they just bump me up?

lpn954 · Nov 21, 2012

It all depends. Most hospitals do not hire LPN's anymore only RN's, CNA's, and PCT's. This has been my experience anyway. I did work in a hospital but in the sub acute unit. I got a lot of experience with patients on vents, trach care, and feeding tubes. If no other LPN's work there at all, then I would say no.

FaithGurl93 · Nov 21, 2012

I know that when I was first applying to the hospital they had openings for LPNs but there aren't any on the unit I'm on.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Nov 21, 2012

Around here, LPNs are limited to doctor's offices and LTC facilities.

elkpark · Nov 21, 2012

It also depends on whether there are any open positions for LPNs. Healthcare organizations' budgets are based on the staff consisting of X number of CNA positions, X number of LPN positions, X number of RN positions, etc., and it's a fairly big deal to get a new position created. In most organizations (in my experience), you can't just automatically get promoted because you finished school and got a different license -- there has to be an open position at that rank into which you can move.

FaithGurl93 · Nov 21, 2012

Around here, LPNs are limited to doctor's offices and LTC facilities.

Where are you from RunnerRN2b2014

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 21, 2012

I have a job at a hospital as a CNA and I'm currently preparing to take boards for my LPN. Will my job just bump me up because I hear that you can't work in a hospital as a LPN. If I'm wrong correct me. Thanks for the input :)

Most facilities will not automatically "bump you" into a new job class, which is what going from CNA to LPN would be. If you want to work as a LPN, you need to apply to a LPN position. If there's no open LPN positions, your facility may decide create one for you--but they are not obligated to. There's tons of threads at the forum with nurses (RNs and LPNs) vetning about being stuck in lower-level positions because there's no openings.

Mind you, working as a CNA may facilitate the whole process of getting hired into a LPN position...but that's also not guarantee either. They may just slide you into an open LPN spot, or they may make you go through all of the hoops that they'd make any other LPN applicant do.

IMO, don't sit there passively or you may find yourself still working as a CNA after licensure. Start searching for and applying to LPN positions now, both at your current facility and elsewhere.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Nov 21, 2012

Where are you from RunnerRN2b2014

Charlotte, NC.

FaithGurl93 · Nov 21, 2012

Charlotte, NC.

Oh. I'm from Chicago, IL :)

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Nov 22, 2012

I know that when I was first applying to the hospital they had openings for LPNs but there aren't any on the unit I'm on.

I think you just answered your own question. Your unit doesn't have an open position for an LPN. So I would not expect to be bumped up and I also wouldn't be surprised if they tell you, after you pass your boards, than you can no longer work as a CNA. That happened to a lot of the students working as aides that I used to work with. If they weren't hired into an RN position (hospitals in my area do not hire LPNs), as soon as the passed the boards they were removed from the schedule. Have you talked with your nurse manager about the future? If there are no open positions on your unit, you can look into an internal transfer if there are open positions elsewhere.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Nov 22, 2012

Oh. I'm from Chicago, IL :)

If there is an open position you will have to apply for it. interview and be considered for hire.....the will not automatically "bump you up".

good Luck!

KimPN · Nov 22, 2012

I have a job at a hospital as a CNA and I'm currently preparing to take boards for my LPN. Will my job just bump me up because I hear that you can't work in a hospital as a LPN. If I'm wrong correct me. Thanks for the input :)

Any luck finding a job? I'm in chicago, IL as well and I can't find a job anywhere.