Are LPN/LVNs a dying breed?

[Trophywife81]

Hi all....

I know this topic has probably been around before, but I was hoping some of you seasoned LPNs could comment on what you think about the future of LPN/LVN nursing. I'm planning to enter LVN school this June, and am both excited and apprehensive! I do plan to eventually earn my RN, but earning a paycheck within about a years' time sure sounds good.

Also, what are your experiences with stress in nursing? I used to be a high school English teacher, but got out of that after three years because of UNBELIEVABLE expectations placed on my by parents/administrators, and the fact that I felt I was little more than a glorified babysitter....

I know these topics are nothing new to you, but I'm a newbie and anything helps! Cheers y'all.

[mmravin2b]

first off what state will you practice in? you felt like a glorified sitter with too many expectation on you then you may want to review your reasons for choosing nursing.......it is a tough career in illinois. i can not speak for the other states. heck i can not even find a specific scope of practice for lpn's in my state. i have been an lpn since 1985.

[mmravin2b]

in answer to the scope of practice being lessened over the years in illinois.... i would just like to find the scope of practice for lpn's. i have practiced since 1985. frankly i have had about enough of references like are you an rn or just one of those pill nurses (as if that is all we do). we have been devalued in the publics eyes and it is a shame for we are more valuable than that. i am not inclined at this time in my life to go back to school and really do not feel i should have to. i have a question if someone would care to address it. in illinois is it within the scope of practice for lpn's to draw blood for lab work? i am hearing conflicting information and can not find anything in writing or articles....would appreciate the advisement...thanks

[lpnflorida]

http://www.idfpr.com/Forms/Memo/041508LPNIVissue.pdf Lpn link regarding iv's in the state of Illinois

the link below I think has the actual scope of practice I just don't have the time to go through them all

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/068/06801300sections.html

[kstec, LPN]

From what I understand as of this year all IV's are off limits to LPN's. We used to be able to be certified, but that is now null and void. The LPN's at my facility are no longer able to start IV's or hang any premade iv's. The scope is getting smaller and smaller and more confusing. I work in a LTC facility and am aloud to do admissions, discharges and assessments. I just took on a prn position doing homecare and I'm not allowed to do admissions. Why is that? Maybe I'm only competent in a nursing home? Heck, I don't know. That's exactly why I'm going back to school this Jan. I've heard one to many times, you're an LPN, you can't do that. I don't want to go back right now, but my sciences will expire soon and I sure in the heck don't want to take them all over again. So back to school I go.....

[NEVER3]

first off what state will you practice in? you felt like a glorified sitter with too many expectation on you then you may want to review your reasons for choosing nursing.......it is a tough career in Illinois. i can not speak for the other states. heck i can not even find a specific scope of practice for LPNs in my state. i have been an LPN since 1985.

I'm not clear on if you are suggesting that I insinuated that I felt like a babysitter...perhaps you were not replying to my post. I was making a reference to the differences in Nursing duties...to which there are many. I never felt like a babysitter never....I clearly stated that while working on the med surg floor we only had 5 maybe 6 Pt's with alot of common tasks to accomplish, in other words nothing really requiring an RN to assist an LPN....We worked together as a team. Many things that are allowed in the Hospital for a Nurse may not be in a LTC facility..and vice versa. I just recently had my 5th stick in my LTC on a very ill resident and it was a good stick, Ive attempted 5 and got all on 5 different residents. I pass meds, do tx's, alot of charting, alot of pottying when time allows....thus now I have 22 or more residents to care for, and whatever they need and whatever I'm allowed to do which is quite alot..I do and enjoy doing. I take phone orders, fax orders, talk to doctors and families, pass meals, etc etc...Im very fulfilled. Not mentioning new problems that arise...ie skin tears, open areas, changes in LOC, G Tubes, Breathing tx's, suctioining....my day is long and I chose Nursing because...I wanted to be a Nurse, I will continue to do all that is expected of me and learn everyday, and I'm also planning on my RN by 2010...to which I'm doing now, and hope I can continue on for a very longtime. I feel as is every Nurse is a vital importance to our ever growing population, and come to the table bringing their skills and dedication with them, so in closing I'm sure we will all be here for quite sometime.:redbeathe

[3rdparty]

If LVNs are dying out, then schools would probably have to drop their LVN programs. That would be unfortunate, wouldn't it?

[3rdparty]

I'm sorry.

[atlantagal]

What is a LTC Facility?

[kstec, LPN]

Long Term Care, aka: nursing home

[LPNbrea]

I would like to know if LPN's are in need in Columbus, Ohio and what the average pay is there. My daughter moved there from Florida a year ago and wants me to move there. I'm not sure that this is a good idea. Need Help. Thanks.

[straw_berryz]

Where in California are you?? I am in SoCal, and I know Mission Hospital is hiring LVNs and also lots of hospitals in LA, for different units....L/D, ER, etc...

I am going to get my RN, eventually, I think....but, I am going to get my LVN first, because it will cut out 3 years of waiting to get into school. I had been in school for my LPN and RN before, 2x, but we had to move overseas...hubby was in the Air Force. Now he is retired, kids are in college, and so I finally have LOTS of times for me!! My son is at Oral Roberts U. and he just changed his major to nursing from pre-Med, he had below a 3.0, and no way was he going to get into med school even with a high MCAT score, and he wanted to still do medicine. ORU, has NO wait list, and everyone who applies, gets in!!! I told my hubby, maybe I need to move to Tulsa, and get my BSN with my son!!

:)

Interesting to hear what you have to say about LVNs in Cali, the more info I can get, the better I am...I like to read everything!!

:)

Thanks for the info!!

Deb

--Deb I saw that you said your son goes to ORU. This post is pretty old, so I'm just curious what he thought of ORU? I am also wondering about his tuition- did he get any scholarships there? Thank you for all your help :)

[msjenie]

So true!! I really believe CA RN board and the California nurses association are on the hunt to rid the state of LVNs for good....When i got my LVN 15 years ago i worked hospitals, including ICU...now im lucky if i can get a shift or two a week working home care!! So frustrating!!