LPN in PCU or ICU??

Its been my experience that the hospitals here in Charlotte prefer to hire RN's and reserve the LPN positions for LTC and doctors offices. But even now most doctors offices are not hiring nurses they are hiring MA's.

We have LPNs in my hospital, but not in our ICU.

My hospital only employs LPNs in Mother-Baby, Med-Surg, ER, Telemetry, and Oncology. I only once saw an LPNs in ICU and that was in Texas in a LTAC hospital with an ICU. I would say go for it and ask lots of questions about the position.

LPN practice is governed by each invididual state. I live in a state where LPNs have a full scope of practice with few restrictions. In my facility we do use LPNs in the critical care units...but we do not have that many. Most of the LPNs have been here for 15+ years. Occasionally they hire a new LPN, but most of the time they need an "in" of some sort. I've done ICU nursing for most of my career...and can't imagine doing anything else.

If the PCU and ICU share the same staff, you will be able to ease into it....starting with the stable PCU patients who are ready to go up to the floor before you tackle the critical patients in the ICU....probably a good thing coming out of LTC which I imagine is a completely different set of challenges.

If you are a fast learner,excited about critical are and willing to ask a lot of good questions....you may have found a very rewarding career.

Best to you
Mrs H.

50+ years in nursing...