Returning to LPN....Help!

[rnoonkester]

I've had my LPN license for 7 years now. I've only worked 1 short term nursing job since then. My license expired in January because I didn't have enough CEUs to renew it. Since then I have gone back and completed them. All that's left for me to do is pay the fee and I can have my license back. The problem is I've looked around and most people won't give me a chance since I have no real experience. I recently accepted a full time position working m-f as an imaging assistant at a local hospital. However, I really miss doing hands on care. I thought about asking around to see if someone would let me work prn on weekends as a LPN. If not, I thought about taking a PCA or CNA course to get my feet back in the door. My husband is against this because he doesn't want me doing CNA work. He thinks I should wait a year or two and go to RN school. I would like some opinions from other people who may be in similar situations. Thanks.

[Cat365]

Are you wanting a hospital position? I'm asking because at least in my area of the country I'm not aware of any hospitals that hire LPNs. There are a few that are still employed on the floor because they have been at the same position for years but not new hires. It is Techs and RNs with a strong preference for BSN.

If you are wanting a direct patient care position in a hospital I would go for your RN.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Even if you don't want a hospital position, I think you should go for the RN, preferably a BSN. It opens so many doors that the LPN and ADN can't touch.

[caliotter3]

Concur that you should pursue a BSN. That would reset the clock on your "new grad" status as far as employment goes.

[rnoonkester]

I found a company that will pay for me to get my CNA/medication aide training. I thought about doing that until I can start the RN program next year. I have some prerequisites I have to do so I probably can't do the RN program until 2018. Do you think that's a good idea?

[mlbirkner]

First-off, I would definitely pay the fee to keep your LPN license. Some long-term care facilities will let you test out of medication aide training if you feel comfortable knowing your meds. I think it would be a good idea to work part-time until you have your prereqs done. But once you start RN school I would only focus on that. Will they let you bridge over since you were an LPN, since you have completed your CEU's? I think that would be easier.