Are LPN's being Phased Out?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I have had other people tell me that going to school to become an lpn would be a waste of time because they are being phased out by CNAs. Is this true?

African queen, Ohio is not the only place telling LPN's that they need to have a year experience first. I am in Missouri and everywhere I call they say I need a year experience. So the old saying is " How am I suppose to get experience if no will let me get the experience". It sucks but all new nurses are having this problem LPN or RN. We have to just keep applying and applying ourselves. We will finally get a job that we like and stay at to get the full year experience.

NurseLil-lea

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This would never fly in the state and hospital were I practiced, as the scope of an LPN is very similar to that of an RN and nothing like that of a CNA.

I trained for 2 years in a long gone old fasioned catholic hospital based diploma program. That's as long as ASN RNs train for....and they don't do the slave labor that we did as student nurses. In order for a CNA to fill the shoes of an LPN with a full scope of practice....they would need to go to nursing school, pass state boards, and obtain a license to practice practical nursing.

This seems to vary widely depending on where you live and the ratio of RN's to LPN's. In some areas where there are not enough RN's, hospitals are THRILLED to have LPN's and LPN's do virtually everything RN's do except push IV cardiac meds and blood transfusions. RN's are still doing the critical care nursing (as well they should). But given the wait listing for RN programs and shortages in some areas, an LPN phase out. Ha. Not likely. :redpinkhe

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.
This seems to vary widely depending on where you live and the ratio of RN's to LPN's. In some areas where there are not enough RN's, hospitals are THRILLED to have LPN's and LPN's do virtually everything RN's do except push IV cardiac meds and blood transfusions. RN's are still doing the critical care nursing (as well they should). But given the wait listing for RN programs and shortages in some areas, an LPN phase out. Ha. Not likely. :redpinkhe

I totally agree because there are not many RNs going to work in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, or nursing homes. Those facilities are hard work. The patient load is very heavy. LPNs are not going to be phased out no time soon. They are phasing them out in hospitals. The organizations that have LPNs working are encouraged to continue education and most organizations are paying for it. It does depend on the location.

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I totally agree because there are not many RNs going to work in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, or nursing homes. Those facilities are hard work. The patient load is very heavy. LPNs are not going to be phased out no time soon. They are phasing them out in hospitals. The organizations that have LPNs working are encouraged to continue education and most organizations are paying for it. It does depend on the location.

I agree that LPNs are likely to continue to find work in LTC and assisted living, but hospitals are another story. In both hospitals where I work, LPNs are no longer allowed to work in critical care areas or anywhere there is tele, which leaves med/surg and transitional care. Those LPNs that are still working will be replaced by RNs when those positions are vacated.

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I agree that LPNs are likely to continue to find work in LTC and assisted living, but hospitals are another story. In both hospitals where I work, LPNs are no longer allowed to work in critical care areas or anywhere there is tele, which leaves med/surg and transitional care. Those LPNs that are still working will be replaced by RNs when those positions are vacated.

Well, where I live techs do many of the things LPNs used to do including patient care. LPNs do somethings RN's used to do --- really everything except critical care, surgery, tele, L&D. There are barely enough RN's to be charge nurses. I agree additional education is the way to go; however some folks are working because they REALLY have to work. Education doesn't seem to be an option (I'm not saying I agree -- just saying that's what I've heard them say). So I personally think we are years away from LPN's being gone. RN's doing ALL the long-term care & assisted living -- that'll be the day. When hell freezes over. :eek:

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Specializes in Sub-Acute/Psychiatric/Detox.

LPNS will probably never be in the hospitals like they once were in Massachusetts. I doubt there will be a phase out.. If anything all nursing jobs are at risk.. However 2014-2016 there will be another shortage like we had in the past of nurses. Its has to happen because the current nursing work force will simply be too old and people will have to retire. Plus as the economy gets "better" more nurses will leave, work less, etc.

The health insurance industry both public and private could be decimated under obamacare.. All I see is lower reimbursement rates... So do more with less..

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Well, where I live techs do many of the things LPNs used to do including patient care. LPNs do somethings RN's used to do --- really everything except critical care, surgery, tele, L&D. There are barely enough RN's to be charge nurses. I agree additional education is the way to go; however some folks are working because they REALLY have to work. Education doesn't seem to be an option (I'm not saying I agree -- just saying that's what I've heard them say). So I personally think we are years away from LPN's being gone. RN's doing ALL the long-term care & assisted living -- that'll be the day. When hell freezes over. :eek:

Did you read my post? You should note that I AGREED with you about LTC and assisted living.

I'd be interested to know what specific tasks that techs do that used to belong to LPNs, and what tasks that LPNs now do that only the RN could do.

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