Can LPNs Specialize?

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I am looking tobe a lpn and was wondering do lpns have the same oppertunity as RNs to chose a specialty? and if so what is required?

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Specializes in tele, oncology.

It depends on where you are geographically as well as what area you want to specialize in. On the whole, RNs have more opportunity for specialization. As a LPN, I'd recommend going the RN route if you're able to...more opportunities and more pay. Just my opinion.

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Many credentialing courses don't even permit RN's without a bachelor's in.

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

As an LPN in the US, you will be very unlikely to be permitted to specialize in the "higher risk" specialties such as critical care, labor & delivery, and so forth. While there are some LPNs working in these areas, their numbers in the population are few and far between. Keep in mind that hospitals in certain geographic areas are no longer hiring LPNs on many of their units.

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I would like to actually know the answer to this one also. Although I know that once you have many years experience in one particular field, it is hard to transfer to another. I don't believe they think you can handle anything out of your specified field.

Currently an LPN

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So what depts do lpns work at in the hospital? I currently live in Western NY and I know that Olean General does hire LPNs, we even had one in the ER the other day when we went for stitches, however I live on the border of PA and they dont seem to hire them in hospitals at all only LTC or Drs Offices as MAs.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
So what depts do lpns work at in the hospital?
Med/surg, acute rehab, and psych are the big three units that come to mind. Very few places will also allow LPNs to work in the postpartum unit.
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I think that it sounds good to me! I've always wanted to be a LPN but not an RN since I was little weird huh? I dont want all the responsbility of the RN at least not right away.

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions about the secret world of nursing! :)

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I have done; Same Day surgery, Surgery ( as a scrub nurse), Med Surge, Psyc., Acute and LTC of course. Now I am finishing a degree progarm as a NHP.

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