Lpns in the er

knittygrittyRN, MSN, RN · Aug 20, 2012

My hospital has phased out LPNs because they are seeking magnet status. However I do know that in order to become a flight nurse, you'll need your ADN/BSN, and typically they want you to work acute care for a couple years prior. Also in my hospital the flight nurse is a paramedic so you have to receive that training as well which will give you the ACLS and PALS training you need.

DogWmn · Aug 20, 2012

It will depend on the state you live in, many many rural hospitals still utilize LPN/LVN's. Especially those states who allow them to preform IVP's, hang blood etc.

brigirl246 · Aug 22, 2012

I live in a small town in west virginia. We will not be doing er rotations so im not entirely sure if there are any lpn's working in that department. I have however heard that there are lpns working in the local hospitals, but have had years of experience.

proud nurse, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2012

Where I live an LPN might get hired in the urgent care section of an ER (maybe that is what some are referring to as fast track), and that is a rarity. Even if you have the skills mentioned as an LPN, the ER probably won't hire you. I wanted to apply in the ER as a new RN grad, and they wanted a year or more experience.

CarliMoua · Aug 28, 2012

I worked in an ER as an LPN in Lancaster Pennsylvania. I was one of two in that dept. This is not a rural area. ACLS and PALS are necessary for this type of work. (also looks good on your resume)

I am an LPN right outside of Lancaster and would love to work in an ER. I am working on getting an RN and then I plan to get a PHRN certificate. Would you mind sharing which hospitals around here hire LPNS for the ER?

AngelicDarkness · Aug 29, 2012

Come up North, we'd take you in a heart beat. A lot of RPN/LPNs are using their full scope of practice up here, which does include IV meds, and does include working in the ICU/ER.

HazelLPN, LPN · Sep 6, 2012

It won't happen in USA. Maybe Canada. The only place I could think of LPNs getting hired in the ER would be in a VERY rural area. Hospitals don't want LPNs anymore due to most places seeking that coveted magnet status.
Advice: work in an LTAC (different from LTC) where you will get critical care experience and learn time management (essential ER skills) while you work on your RN. LTACs readily take LPNs from what I've read.
Please do research on LPNs and who actually hires them. Too often on this site we have LPNs that think they are going to work in ICUs and ERs when they graduate when in reality LPNs are even struggling in some areas to secure work in LTCs or doctors offices as magnet hospitals are even refusing ADN graduates only accepting BSN applicants.
It's sad but true. I'm not even american but through research on this site I've learnt a lot.

It is very important to realize that LPN scope is different each state of the USA. You are mistaken that "it won't happen in the USA". There are states where LPN scope is very similar to that of an RN, others where it is very restricted and they are forced to work well below their level of training.

It is rare for inexperienced LPNs to go into the ER, but it is possible. If one has valuable human connections (worked in the ER as a UAP, unit clerk etc) one always has an advantage.

My advice? Find out what your state BON says about LPNs. If the board allows LPNs a broad scope, then it is possible to work in the ER BUT you must stand out in a very positive way and you may be able to be an exception to the rule.

Your best bet is to get your BSN from a good nursing school for the best job opportunities. The BSN will not make you a better nurse (those were educated in the old diploma schools IMHO), but it gives you the most options and the best job security.

Best to you,

Mrs H.

HazelLPN, LPN · Sep 6, 2012

ER doesn't hire LPNs due to the fact that LPNs duties are very limited. They are not allowed to take some of the doctors orders, give IV push meds, give blood products etc. So getting your RN degree will help you get where you want to be =)

Again, this is from YOUR state and hospital. I am an LPN (retired) and I pushed my own meds, titrated my own drips, gave blood products and had very sick patients. Each state is different and despite that there have been excellent posts clarifying some of the misunderstandings about LPNs, many still do not understand.

Fiona59 · Sep 7, 2012

It won't happen in USA. Maybe Canada. . .
Please do research on LPNs and who actually hires them. Too often on this site we have LPNs that think they are going to work in ICUs and ERs when they graduate when in reality LPNs are even struggling in some areas to secure work in LTCs or doctors offices as magnet hospitals are even refusing ADN graduates only accepting BSN applicants.
It's sad but true. I'm not even american but through research on this site I've learnt a lot.

You do realize that Canada is a first world nation with some cutting edge medical/research centres?

Riac007 · Sep 7, 2012

I am recent LPN grad and I am pretty sure I would straight crap my pants if i went straight from a school to a real ER. But I suppose some people could handle it. I suppose the risk vs reward isn't worth it here in the states as that, i believe, is impossible to do as a new grad ( or as an LPN at all in alot of places). I suppose maybe the VA in rural areas might be something that takes new LPNs in the ER because they are slow and mostly just deal with homeless, alcoholic, vets looking for a place to stay for a few nights.

Nurse Lynette, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2012

I've worked in the ER, took my own patients, pushed my own IV meds etc....full patient care under my scope as an LVN, which is pretty broad in Texas, in my opinion.

dixeechicken · Oct 30, 2012

I am an LVN that works in an ER in central California. I do everything except iv meds and dealing with central lines/PICC lines. I can start ivs, hang fluids and blood, etc. I basically run the fast track area. I really think is varies state to state.