LPN's Are they really being phased out?

linzz · Jan 2, 2007

I too have noticed a definite decline in opportunities for LPN's here in Ontario, Canada in hospitals. This is a concern because according to the CNO and our professional association, 60% of practicing LPN's work in hospitals. So if they are phased out in hospitals, will there really be enough work in other areas? With the nursing shortage, you would think that LPN's would be used a bit more esp. in medical and surgical areas. I think that those of us in Canada need to work with our professional association to further the knowledge that there is a place in hospitals for LPN's. I do believe it is safe and more financially responsible to use both RN's and LPN's in our hospitals. Oh well, I guess dare to dream.

Fiona59 · Jan 2, 2007

No way could they phase LPNs out of hospitals in Alberta. The units would collapse. OK, don't work any of the ICU's, but we are on the stepdown ICU, and every other unit in the place. I've been on shifts where it should be 3RN, 3LPN and we've worked with 2RN and 4PN. The main difference is hanging IV meds, we don't yet (in active treatment), but have heard its a coming.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2007

LPN's are still in high demand in nursing homes and doctor's offices around here. Otherwise, not much available. Which is why I'm pursuing my RN.

serendipity13 · Oct 6, 2011

I've been a LPN for 4 years. I was an EMT-IV prior to returning to school. In the LPN program I was put through classwork and clinical in areas such as L&D, nursery, OR circulator. These are just a handful of examples, and not areas, at least from my experience, that LPN's typically work in. Rather, the RN licensure is preferred. I have the knowledge and ability legally in my area of specialization to do everything except pronounce someone dead and hang blood. However, I monitor after RN has initiated infusion. I write the time of death down, the RN signs off on the TOD I've placed on paper. There has been talk of phasing out the LPN since I can remember discussing as a child the desire to be a nurse. LPN's specialty is patient care because it's what we're geared for as the role of the job from the get go in the program itself. I'd think it more logical from a financial standpoint to up the amount of LPN's employed due to the fact it's more expensive to hire a RN in the position we're fully capable of handling. Unless a RN is just necessary for the administrative duties, it's logical for the LPN to be utilized instead.

TXNurse77 · Nov 14, 2011

Here in DFW, TX LVN's have been phased out to working in LTC. MA's are the choice for Dr's Offices and RN's are the choice for Hospitals.

The only reason LVN's have not been phased out of LTC is the facilities can not afford to convert to RN's, especially after this last 30% cut Medicare made. All they would be able to offer is $23-28/hr for RN's here in TX and really, why work as an RN in LTC with a ratio of 1:30+ when you can be in a hospital making more money with a

SDALPN · Nov 14, 2011

LPNs are being phased out of the hospitals. If you can't see that, there is something wrong with you. LPN's are not being phased out completely as some want to make it sound. There are jobs for LPN's, the jobs that most nurses don't want.

It would be cheaper for the hospitals to have LPN's on the floor and have an RN supervising/signing off as needed. In my state, LPN's can do quite a bit and have the training and education to do so. I understand not every state is the same. But in those states the education is slightly different too. I'm trained/educated to push IV meds and much more.

There needs to be more bridge options that are flexible for the working nurse. That would help the RN shortage and the "new" RN's would already have experience.

As a patient, I'd rather have a "new" RN with years of experience as an LPN than a new RN with no experience (sorry, clinicals aren't experience...you have a safety net). I'd also rather have an experienced LPN over a brand new RN. On top of that, I'd prefer a nurse who has been a CNA prior to nursing.

The title RN simply means a broader scope of practice and slightly more education. Where I went to school, the difference between programs was 1 semester. But experience is worth much more than a title!

I've been in the hospital and had to teach new RN's while they were signing with me to hang blood. How silly is that? I have the experience (I know many of you have much more than I do) and I caught them making major mistakes. But the hospitals don't want me anymore.

I may get my RN degree one day. But I'll keep in mind the hospitals that didn't want me then.

I had a very large, well known hospital in the area ask me to work in their PICU. I was with a private duty patient (just arrived) and an emergency came up. I responded better and quicker than most of their nurses. I did have an advantage of knowing what worked best for the patient. The unit director asked me to come work for them and was very impressed with my work. Then she found out I'm an LPN. She did everything she could to get the hospital to hire me. The hospital wouldn't budge. The accrediting agency would have docked them for having an LPN on staff.

If the hospitals are really that desperate for RN's they could create bridge programs for this sort of thing. Plus they could get "free labor" for the clinicals required. They are doing it all wrong!

bondoson88 · Nov 15, 2011

I have been an LVN for 30 years and I work in a critical care unit. At my hospital we were told to start getting our

RNs because we are going to lose our jobs if we don't. My advice for you especially if you're young is to just go

right to the RN program because you will feel unsatisfied by not being able to do all the things a nurse is supposed to

do and nurses( RNs) will always treat you like you're stupid.And even patients and families may not want you to

take care of them or their family members. And when your patient asks for pain med or has an antibiotic you have to

have an RN to push it or hang it. And everything that you do, an RN must sign after you. Even if you are perfectly

capable. Were I work we were told not to even read our monitor strips! I couldn't believe it! How can you take away

from someone knowledge that they already have? And if I'm taking care of a patient on a heart monitor shouldn't I know

what rhythm he/she is in? I'm luckey I work with the best RN's you could ask for and they know my capabilities, and

they know me, so they don't treat me like I'm an idiot. Thank God. Plus, I've been at my job for so long I get a little

respect for my experience. If you plan only to work in a nursing home then stay as an LVN but if you want to work

in an acute hospital which is more challenging and interesting, then become an RN. Good Luck to you in whatever

you do.