Re: Are LPN's being phased out in hospital setting?? Originally Posted by Jules A
I'm old enough to remember "them" saying this for over 20 years now. It depends on the area and definitely there are more RN positions but there are still facilities that realize the value of a competent LPN. I have LPN friends that work in L&D, oncology and a sports rehab hospital.
So true! I started as an LPN in 1980, and I was hearing this even back then. But I was able to work agency in the hospital, and travel to ICU/CCU, NICU, Tele, ER units etc for over 12years. If I wanted to I could still be traveling to hospitals. But mostly in the southeast, and in the west So it does depend on what state you are in.
I no longer work at the bedside, but as an Analyst in I. S.. I have watched hospitals get rid of LPNs, only to hire them back again. This has more to do with money, than any issues with RNs covering for LPNs. It is cheaper to get a tech or CNA to work with an RN loaded with pts., then to hire a competent LPN to help even the work load.
You better believe that anytime a staffing change is made, TPTB are thinking money, and not how to make things easier for the RN. Sad, but true!
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