Are LPNs being phased out?

ladside, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Sep 4, 2011

Every state is different. Check with your board of nursing. Our hospital stopped hiring LPNs and it is just a matter of time, in my opinion, before they let them go. I've heard of some hospitals calling in all of their LPNs and giving them the pink slip right there on the spot. There are a lot of hospitals that won't hire RNs unless they have a BSN. I got my RN from LPN last year and am now back in school for BSN. It appears that the more education that you acquire, the more they require. LPN programs are nearly as long as the ASN. As a nurse who was an LPN for 24 years prior to becoming registered, I would strongly advise that you forgo LPN and go directly into RN. This is what I tell my daughter and anyone who asks about nursing school. As far as nursing homes, I think that the reason behind hiring there is purely an economic one for the moment....maybe they have a low census and don't need any more staff. But nursing homes are where I think 'they' believe LPNs are only fit to practice. I was proud of my nursing home experience and even prouder of my med/surg capabilities as an agency LPN long before I accepted a med/surg staff position as an LPN. But, like you, I was told that LPNs were going to be phased out a hundred years ago during my LPN education. The decision is yours....in today's world, unfortunately, a new grad is a new grad whether LPN or RN and, as such, will face almost identical challenges. The separation comes down to the title when the hiring decision is made: LPN or RN? Who do you think will get the job? It's the same with a new-grad RN pitted against and new-grad BSN-RN. My suggestion to you is to be heavily armed with the right rank when you get ready to tackle the job applications. Good luck! :yeah:

Christine2009 · Sep 7, 2011

LPN jobs are out there, you just have to look for them. I suggest you do the LPN program and when you finish, you never know what jobs will be open. I also agree with the previous poster that even a new grad RN is having trouble finding a job.

I would not cancel out becoming an LPN because of no jobs available, since you never know what will happen once you graduate.

geriatricsnursing4me · Sep 8, 2011

Open your local newspaper and check for LPN jobs. In my neck of the woods, LPN jobs are all over the paper (even in this economy).

I asked my Aunt (who is an LPN) this same question and her response was "Honey, they've been saying I'm going to be phased out for 30 years now!"

If you already planned on furthering your education and you see LPN jobs available in your area, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't go for it:)

jdvl · Sep 8, 2011

Before you take on any debt, check into the local job market. Talk to former graduates and see how they are making out with employment, preferably the last graduating class if possible. St Clares Hospital just eliminated all their LPN's which was a great shame, many people with years of experience. Administration feels that the role for LPN's is not in a hospital setting but in long term care. I don't know what to say, the job market is poor. Check out the employment opportunities before you pursue this in my opinion.

Lifeofanurse · Sep 18, 2011

I'm in Houston. We have tons of nursing programs here and a huge med center downtown. I graduated in Aug as an LVN and just took my nclex-pn today (praying...). I have been watching for jobs but it's hard to find one as a new grad no matter whether your LVN or RN. BSN's are having an easier time but even they struggle because (my opinion only) ....houston is overrun w/ new grads and recent grads. AND the fact no one wants to hire someone w/ only clinical experience.

I know a recent grad ADN who went back into the mortage business...now that says something. The housing market sucks but nursing is worse right now if your a new grad w/ no experience.

I chose to do LVN because I can spend the same amount of time in school and still come out an RN after I do the bridge program. Only difference is that I will actually be able to work and make a decent paycheck while finishing that last leg of my education rather than be struggling for the entire 2 yrs.

Another thing to remember is that while there has been a nursing shortage I really think that hospitals adjusted. they went to 12 hour shifts, eliminated positions, and made it work. Unfortunately now that we have full nursing classes looking for work...there just isn't as many positions...Hospitals aren't suddenly going to say "wow, we got lots of nurses again lets lessen the patient load and put more nurses on per shift". they are seeing what they did worked and it was cost effective so why change now. I say... you will find a job. I have faith I will but I'll go back to payroll administration before I take a job downtown and pay parking fees for the privilige of working there and driving in 3 hours traffic. Not worth it to me. I'll take a lower paying position out in the burbs anyday!