Any truth to the phasing out of LPNs?

I became an LPN in 1971 and it seemed shortly after that I started hearing talk about phasing out LPN's. Eventually I caved in. Between being asked "Are you a real nurse, or just an LPN?" and constantly hearing that we would be phased out very shortly, I returned to school for my R.N. That was in 1986.

So, the talk goes on. Then there is the talk of requiring all new R.N.s to have a B.S.N.

Imagine eventually, if we can ever get past the severe nursing shortage we have now that those may be the ideals hoped for.

Personally, if I'd had to get a BSN right off the bat to be considered a beginning nurse, there are many more professions that would have appealed to me. Ones not requiring shift work, holiday work, wearing uniforms, practically running all shift, frequently without breaks and being looked at as a servant by many patients and their families. Not to mention putting up with administrative staff who don't have a clue what it is that nurses do.

See you're in Illinois, but imagine it is getting the same way all over the country. LPN's seem not to be hired by hospitals very much. Limited mostly to LTC facilities. Even doctor's offices seem to use MOA's.

So.....if I were going to become a nurse today, I might use the LPN as a stepping board to becoming an RN - one with a BSN. One step at a time, but keep on stepping or you'll find yourself limited to areas you may not be happy in.

Hope you find a niche you'll be happy in. And welcome to Allnurses, Sara :)

I dont really believe that LPNs will be phased out. There may be some facilities that try to utilize only RN's thinking it will be more popular with the jury of public opinion but frankly i dont think they will find it does much good. If they have a reputation already going to all RN care isnt going to help that.

LPN's will be utilized in physicians offices, health departments and other types of facilities. I dont think it would hurt the demand at all and i dont think they will be phasing out LPN's as far as licensing is concerned.

I have been an LPN for 5 years now and that has always been the "rumor" however facilities who have tried it have failed in doing so. There aren't enough RN's out there for one and another is LPN pay is lower than RN's in most cases. Also RN's won't work the floor as much as LPN's. This is my experience. I have been trying for 5 years to get into RN school just because I want the respect and the pay to go along with my job duties. Hope this helps.

I work in Springfield. St.John's is shifting all LPNs off some floors, and is not hiring anymore.

Having worked in Iowa, I do know that many hospitals in Iowa do not hire LPNs anymore.

Many dialysis units and hospital do not use LPNs, but hospices and clinics still do. LTC will always need LPNs, imo.

Just a reminder- CNAs are not licensed.:welcome:

I just started LPN school in Springfield IL and I have been searching jobs online at my local hospitals just to see if they hire LPNs because that is where I would like to work and I am finding that none of them are hiring LPNs. I am a CNA and have only worked in Nursing homes and I do not want to do that anymore. I figured I would go to LPN school since it is so hard to get into any RN programs right now. I also figured with having my LPN it would be easier for me to get into a RN program. I am getting a little disappointed that I have yet to find a hospital that has any opening for LPNs.

My hospital has hired several LPN's in the last few months. Keep looking. I did hear about St. Johns and the LPN situation. Apparently they were offered either a Tech I position or were offered a good package to go back to school. I think there may be a shift for a while but i dont think it will last to long.

I graduated from LPN school in 1981 (yikes!!) We were told then to hurry and get our RNs as we would be phased out within 5 yrs....I did return to school and get my RN as i was doing much of the work without the pay..and then learned soooo much more!! If that is the best way for you to start then go ahead.... it will never hurt and it was a great advantage for me in my RN program to have the background of my LPN. Good Luck!! keep us posted!! Mary

Memorial Medical Center and Springfield Clinic In Springfield Hires LPN's.