Are there any psych LPN's?

Specialties Psychiatric

Updated:   Published

I've always been interested in psychology so I'm considering going into nursing to become a psych nurse. I have the opportunity to do a free LPN program. However, can you work in psych as an LPN? How hard would it be to find a job in psych as an LPN? Or should I just skip over the free LPN program and pay to go into an RN program?

Specializes in Med/Surg.

My psychiatric hospital used to utilize LPN's - they were the med nurses - and the RN's did the assessments, ran the psychoeducation classes, went to team meetings, etc. Unfortunately, about 18 months ago the LPNs were laid off and the RNs now administer the meds. However, don't let that discourage you, many psych places still hire LPNs. I agree with other posters - take advantage of the free education! You may even get an employer to help financially support your RN degree.

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Specializes in Addiction / Pain Management.

Just start at a private psych hospital

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Specializes in none.
Just start at a private psych hospital

Good Luck and Best Wishes

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

The hospital I work at uses LVNs (same thing as a LPN) a lot...in fact, I see a lot more LVNs in public/government run facilities than I do in private hospitals. The LVNs usually pass meds, do vitals, handle transfers (as much as their NPA lets them) and work in a tech capacity.

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

I work county psych and we have lpns so go for it!

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I am in LPN in a psych hospital but I am a new grad (zero health care experience) so I am on the bottom of the pay scale. I am OK with that though, Im glad they let me get my foot in the door. I finish my RN program in a few months and then I will enter my masters program so I'm ok with being the low man on the totem for now. :o)

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Specializes in Psychiatric- Detox and ECT.

In West MI you are not allowed to work on the locked inpatient units as a LPN- there were some grandfathered in from when they used to hire them but they are care providers basically they are not allowed to do anything nursing what so ever. LPN's are hired in Detox and ECT here though.

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I think they do it in my facility because RNs are expensive lol

I'm not totally certain I am equipped to deal yet but my training is not over so we will see.

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Specializes in Psychiatric- Detox and ECT.

I think it might be because of all the hospitals here in high competition for magnet status. Most hopsitals here are starting to only hire BSN's and will accept only a handful of RN's.

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I think thats a sad day for LPNs who don't want to go ahead and get the rest of their education but in the long run the patients are probably better off for it. I'm an LPN right now working and going to school, but I am thankful that this place hired me at the same time even though I'm not a BSN RN yet

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Specializes in Psychiatric- Detox and ECT.

I have mixed feelings on it. I love psych but I also understand that we as LPN's don't have a specific course in psych nursing like RN/BSN's do. I think it is even sadder that they are pushing BSN and not hiring many RN's. At work there was talk about in the near future floor nurses would have to be MSN's, but I'm sure that was just a rumor...at least I hope it was. I can't see demanding a MSN from nurses to be bedside RN's.

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if they want masters degree nurses thats fine but they better be prepared to PAY UP

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