hello all, quick question (s)

[futurenurseOB]

1---- are lpns allowed to work in nursery

2---- will having iv cert, and als help my chances of working l&d as lpn

3---- what about the e.r. or pediatrics

4---- what advice can u give me as a new entry level lpn (student)

btw im in va:heartbeat

[heathert_kc]

1. where i live I have never heard of any hospital hiring any LPNs in the nursery at least not in the capasity of a nurse, some larger hospitals hired helpers/assistants, but very few, are paid less than nurses by far and who be difficult to hire an LPN just due to the fact that they would want you to stay within their specified job discription, which is lower than your professional ability or actions allowed by your license.

2. Any additional certifications/education is always a plus. States often put quite a few restrictions on even the IV certified LPNs, in my state LPNs cannot administer IV infusions to babies or children under 80lbs under any circumstance, nor can we give a great variety of types of medications including tocolytic agents, pitocin, or blood products, I believe (which, aside from fluids, are the ones most commonly used in L&D). I think some rural hospitals may still use LPNs in L&D, specialized certifications may be more helpful, such as certified breastfeeding educator or doula training, etc. It would help you stand out from the crowd a bit more, as a lot of LPNs are IV certified, perhaps even most are (from what I have seen).

3. Some ERs hire LPNs &/or paramedics, but again not as a nurse, but rather as a tech. Pediatric offices and clinics hire LPNs. Hospitals do too, though usually as poorly paid tachs (from what I have see). I personally worked in pediatric home health; they hire a lot of LPNs.

4. The unfortunate truth is that in todays job market most newly licensed nurse cannot afford to be too picky especially when it comes to their first job, so stay open minded. Keep in mind that you may have very strong feeling about what area of nursing that you want to go into, once you get into school and clinical, you may just change your mind. But if this is your passion, continue to pursue it.

[HazelLPN, LPN]

It depends on the state where you work, as LPN scope varies from state to state. Yes, it is possible to work as an LPN in OB, but it may be difficult to find a position if LPNs are resticted in scope where they are forced to function far below the level of their training.

ACLS would be no help to you, because you would be trained on the job if you worked in an area where you would use thoes skills. IV cert is certainly needed in any acute care setting these days.

If you truly want to do OB, the best way is to get your RN.

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

Not in NY

[BA.LVN]

As an LVN for 3 years in CA, I have only worked in pediatrics....mostly home health or school cases. But there are such places as day health centers for pediatric patients (kinda like a day care for medically fragile children)...and here, they hire LVN's for that as well. Hope that helps!

[momtojosh]

i am in NY and there is a LPN on the OB ward...and they were hiring about a yr ago as well......this nurse gets the baby after bonding with parents...she bathes him,does VS,gives first shots etc....she doesnt go on the labor and delivery side to do any nursing just RNs there..

[pink_shoes99]

I think in VA it is possible, and I'm sure having those things will help. You may have to have some experience though.