Are LVN/LPNs becoming extinct?

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  1. Do we still need LPNs/LVNs?

    • 5
      DEFINITELY!
    • 3
      We do, they are an integral part of nursing system
    • 4
      Half and half, they do almost the same thing as RNs.. But they can't do certain things without supervision.
    • 0
      Well... They're the ones who clean up poop right?
    • 0
      What the hell is an LPN? I thought a nurse is only RN

12 members have participated

Hello everyone,

My name is Evangeline and I've been a LPN/LVN for over three years. I've been working odd jobs for an agency, ranging from geriatrics, rehab, correctional, and LTC. The issue I have at hand is that, I am one of the last LPNS in my company. The pressure to become an RN from my company has put me on edge, since many of my fellow nurses believe there is no future for LPNS in the health care system.

I have to sit and wonder, are LPN/LVNs a dying breed in the health care field? Is our job easily thrown out the door because RNS can provide care without much supervision?

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Hi, I'm not a nurse just yet, but my professor gave a nice explanation of this "LPN/LVN extinction" idea. She basically explained that it's never a matter of extinction because they'll always have their place in the patient care world, BUT it really depends on where you are located. For the past 3-4 year our area hasn't been accepting LPNs in the hospital setting, so they've been used for clinics/LTC/Subacute/LTAC/Dialysis and what have you. Now at the same time, 45 minutes away, the hospitals are all over LPNS and there are many jobs in a multitude of settings for LPNs. With a recent "nurse shortage" in our area that has made the local news, she says that hospitals in our areas will begin to open their doors to LPNs once again. She's lived here for a good portion of her life and swears by this cycle. I've also heard this same idea from many others as well, it just depends of the need and timing I guess. Hope this was helpful, but I do wish you luck with your job. It's never too late to continue your education :yes: If that's not your cup of tea, then I figure things will still turn out well. Where there is a will, there is ALWAYS a way :) Best wishes

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Utilization of LPNs/LVNs is location-dependent.

In the very large metropolitan area where I reside, LVNs are utilized heavily in non-hospital settings such as nursing homes, clinics, urgent care, hospice, home health, private duty, subacute rehab, corrections, group homes for the developmentally disabled, and insurance utilization review.

Just because LPNs/LVNs are being phased out of many U.S. hospitals, this does not necessarily mean they're a dying breed of nurse. The almighty hospital is not the only viable workplace for nurses.

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Thank you for your post. I strongly think that LPN/LVN's are very important in our health care system. In fact, there is even research data that states the LPN status is rising and are needed heavily now and continuously in the 21st century. So, I would just consider what options that you have and the fact that you are needed is a great option to have and to be in. If the hospital still wants you to be an LPN, then that is great. If they want you to go back to school and get your RN, there are plenty of LPN to RN pathways available at many schools. In fact, most of them are online. LPN's are needed because they are the RN's eyes and ears. They are the ones going into the patient's room, checking vital signs, checking monitors, checking catheters, and so forth. If there are any discrepancies in what they saw an hour ago, then they will note that to the RN. LPN's are needed in this country. In fact, they are definitely needed in nursing homes where LPN's are hired a lot. They can even be case managers and charge nurses in a nursing home. So, there are a lot of opportunities and options. LPN's have a great future and will do so for many years to come. I wish you the best. Marcella 5/19/16

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