What can an LPN do besides LTC?

ZanatuBelmont · Jan 19, 2009

Thanks for everyone's responses, I knew going into this that the most opportunities belonged to the RN, but this book just had me annoyed. Not one creative idea for the LPN. I'm making the switch from elementary school teacher to nurse and the LPN program was the fastest way from point A to point B without bankrupting my family. Once I'm in with a company who will help me with tuition, I'll part-time it until I get higher. I am an activity aide in a LTC facility now and I love working in geriatrics, and seriously don't mind staying with them for a while, but I'm ambitious and bore easily. I have to settle down and bide my time. Thanks, everyone!!

Where on earth do you live?

LVNs (that's the name for LPN in Texas) can do just about anything where I live (close to Dallas), except work in ICU and ER. Unfortunately though, there is a national sweep to get rid of the LVN/LPN. In a city about 30 minutes from me, an entire hospital went RN-only for nurses. The only job an LVN/LPN can do there is clinic offices.

As others stated, it depends on where you live. For now LVNs/LPNs have great job opportunity, but that's shrinking even in this Texas city. I recommend going for the RN - they won't be able to get rid of LVN jobs THAT quickly, you'll have plenty of time!

PS - I will never work for LTC as an LVN.

CalNevaMimi, LPN, LVN · Jan 22, 2009

I'm switching from elementary school teacher as well. When I was looking for a teaching job, I saw that many schools hire LPN's as school nurses. Just to add to your list. Keep truckin!

I taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th! I will be an LVN in December. Wow. I wonder how many more of us are out there! :-)

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Jan 25, 2009

I had a few teachers when I taught at the PN level.

navvet · Feb 5, 2009

folks, i don't see getting rid of LPN's, here is why. If, the U.S. can go to UHC in maybe 10- 15 years (with the way our politicians/political system works eveyone's gotta get their palms greased). Then the need for any experienced health care worker will be in high demand. First you have the Baby Boom generation almost at retirement age. They will need LTC in about 7-10 years. If UHC becomes a fact, then you will have 300 million people who will go to the doctor/hospital for a little sniffle. Trust me EMT/b/p, LPN/LVN, RN/BSN/MSN, MD it will not matter. If you have these skills you will be in demand. But, don't work for Peanuts. Remeber you earned those skills, You deserve a living wage. $42,000 is minimum of what one should be earning in the U.S.A. 2009

imorfa23 · Apr 30, 2011

Very sad very sad,,,,,,, no jobs at all months looking nothing, nothing just frustration,

Medsport, LPN · Oct 4, 2012

What's pretty sad is I still haven't ever made that much with 4 years experience with a lot of OT and its now 2012, not 2009 to boot...

Kimynurse · Oct 4, 2012

LTC

Md office

Outpatient clinic

HD clinics

Home care with experience

CloudySue · Oct 4, 2012

Wow, cool to see this old post come back. I've been a nurse for three years now, the first year I did work in an LTC on an Alzheimers/Dementia unit. I really did enjoy it, it was the oppressive management, paperwork, work overload, and CNA attitudes that chased me out. I started working for a pediatric home health agency. I work overnights, I love my cases, my families. I work 4-6 nights during the school year and work as a nurse at a summer camp during the summer, where I take my two girls along for free. I'm easily going to hit the mid $40's this year, even with a lot of time off. I haven't started my RN yet, I'm still trying to enjoy my kids while they're little. Plus I'm pretty satisfied with the way things are. No need to muck it up with more school!