LPN'S are not going anywhere!

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2014

Love the double entendre of this post title. It says it all!

I'm with you. If some of these posts are to be believed, LPNs really aren't going anywhere. They're stuck, with little to no job mobility, the first ones fired, and Magnet (not magnate, a different animal altogether) and other hospitals are phasing them out for RNs (and BSNs at that). Lots of employers have stopped doing tuition reimbursement, too, or cut it back severely. Pay for LPNs isn't that much better than it is for an experienced CNA in many places; students might want to do the CNA-to-RN

route and get there quicker.

Wishing and hoping it ain't so don't make reality go away.

AdamantiteEnigma · Jul 14, 2014

I'm with you. If some of these posts are to be believed, LPNs really aren't going anywhere. They're stuck, with little to no job mobility, the first ones fired, and Magnet (not magnate, a different animal altogether) and other hospitals are phasing them out for RNs (and BSNs at that). Lots of employers have stopped doing tuition reimbursement, too, or cut it back severely. Pay for LPNs isn't that much better than it is for an experienced CNA in many places; students might want to do the CNA-to-RN
route and get there quicker.

Wishing and hoping it ain't so don't make reality go away.

From where I stand currently. The most viable option is to go back to school and finish the RN studies. As for Associates Degree vs. BSN, BSN wins. It may be possible still to get in on the ground floor with some companies if it's clear you are continuing your education. I'd imagine this door closing however.

Most of my friends who are RN's have been 'strongly encouraged' to go back to school for their BSN at a minimum. The humor in this is that I used to kid around with these friends in that there was no difference in pay or benefits when comparing an Associates Degree RN to a RN, BSN. This is no longer the case. LPN's are the first to go when the pressure comes in. ADN's are now on that same chopping block. Despite my bitter feelings regarding a 10 year employer not even having the spine to actually fire me - it's clear that the current push is pervasive.

I'd rather not go into my feelings on the Magnet Status advent. Let's just say I've had it in the same category as Press Gainey Scores for some time.

allnurses Guide · Jul 15, 2014

Ok...so everyone knows that they are doing away with LPN'S right? Wrong! This is a common rumor and misconception. The hospitals are not hiring for LPN anymore because they want Magnate status. They also want RN's who have advanced degrees. In consequence, many RN's and LPN'S have to return to school to obtain their BSN in Nursing if they want to work in a hospital.
So...maybe you don't want to or have the time or money to return to school to obtain the degree. It's ok! LPN'S are still Nurses! There are plenty of job opportunities for them out there. There are also plenty of resources. Don't let anyone discourage you from following the path to be an LPN. It is a great position and very rewarding! There are pediatric LPN Nurses, Long term care and Assisted Living, and Home Care to name a few. Allergy Clinics, Methadone Clinics, and Prisons also hire LPN'S. Do your research and stay encouraged. ..

There are a lot of people who don't have the time or money to do the BSN all at once.

There are so many options for bridge programs once you are an LPN or an ADN that the number of nurses who have earned their BSN through a bridge will most likely continue to increase. Hopefully that will result in a decrease in the actual hostility and thinly veiled put-downs some people can't help expressing along with their opinion. LPN students might as well learn early on that this occurs and start growing your ducky feathers and let it roll off!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 15, 2014

Yes, LPNs aren't going anywhere, however, it's a great foundation for the BSN.

mylove87 · Jul 16, 2014

This is so true. well said they are so stereotyped it's not fair

duskyjewel · Jul 16, 2014

There are a lot of people who don't have the time or money to do the BSN all at once.
..........
Hopefully that will result in a decrease in the actual hostility and thinly veiled put-downs some people can't help expressing along with their opinion.

Can I like this a thousand times and get an AMEN?!

futureLVN40 · Jul 16, 2014

duskyjewel OMG for a minute there I thought I had written your post lol That is exactly the same route I am going and the reason's why. I will be an LVN when I'm 38 (if accepted) and want to climb the ladder slowly so I gain skills, knowledge, and experience before moving up. I like to really know what I'm doing and be really good at it before going higher. I start my CNA program in September then applying to an LVN program. My ultimate goal is go gain an MSN and become a OB-GYN Nurse Practitioner. I will probably be 50 or so when that happens but oh well. Good luck to you!! I'm so happy to see someone else is doing the same and feels the same way I do. :)

medieval5879 · Jul 16, 2014

Can I like this a thousand times and get an AMEN?!

AMEN lol

PomMom65 · Jul 19, 2014

I am 50 years old. Becoming a nurse was a second career for me. I am an LPN. I became an LPN last year. I work for a Hospice provider and I love my job. With that said....I am going back for the bridge program in October. It will take me 9months as my prerequisites are completed. In Pittsburgh there are no hospitals that employ LPNs. There are plenty of LTAC, LTC, Home health and physician offices that do. I believe as an LPN there will always be jobs and opportunities. It really depends on what type of nursing you want to practice. This is my observation from my location.