Dwindling jobs for LPN's

[Poochee]

I notice the classifieds and employment websites post RN/LPN jobs at a ratio of 12 to 1. This saddens me greatly. anyone else notice this trend?

[missjennmb]

I wish I had the option to go straight through. I have no choice but to work as an LPN while getting my RN, just as I have no choice but to make close to minimum wage atm and work my way through my LPN. My job, while enjoyable, does not cover the cost of daycare and gas to/from said job...so I'm going into debt slowly but surely...and I would be homeless if I had to keep this up for another 2 years. As it is, we're going to be moving our family of 5 into a much smaller place in order to afford school (we wanted to move anyways but had hoped to wait until I atleast had my LPN).

I find school much more rewarding now than I did when I was fresh out of high school though, I'll admit. I get way more out of it than I did last time and I am glad that I've had the opportunity to go back. I can also guaruntee that I will NOT be one of those who gets my LPN and never "finishes" on to an RN, BSN, etc. It just does not make sense, unless you do it for more aesthetic reasons, to stay an LPN and not go on to get your RN when its only 3 semesters more (here in my area) and the pay increase is so substantial. As I am not interested in LTC of any sort, I don't see staying an LPN as a possibility.

I cant imagine going through LPN school to work as a CNA either. Isnt there some sort of nursing scope of practice/standard that would violate? I've heard often where CNAs finish their LPN/RN and suddenly are out of a job because of that kind of thing.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I work in a hospital and have not met an LPN in years. There were a couple of older LPN's at my med-surg job 10 years ago, and I believe they were replaced by RN's after they retired.

My nursing school dropped their LPN program shortly before I started. They said there was no point graduating many LPN's if there wasn't the job demand for them.

[Jules A, MSN]

I cant imagine going through LPN school to work as a CNA either. Isnt there some sort of nursing scope of practice/standard that would violate? I've heard often where CNAs finish their LPN/RN and suddenly are out of a job because of that kind of thing.

Yes, at least in my state you can not legally practice under your scope. I found out first hand when I wanted to apply for a NICU job. Since they didn't hire LPNs I was willing to work as a Tech to get my foot in the door while I got my RN. Went all the way to the BON and no dice.

Don't get discouraged because I knew that I would get my RN so it was only a matter of finding a program which I started investigating while I was still in LPN school. There were two in my area that require 6mos to a year of LPN work before allowing you to apply which I thought was bs but I found several that didn't. It sounds like you are very determined, willing to sacrifice and have put plans in motion to achieve your goals. It will happen. :)

[Mexarican]

Get the most bang for your buck! plan carefully and FOLLOW through or you WILL regret it later if your not into LTC...it stings but the truth hurts...

mex

[CareBayer]

In my hospital, LPN's are no longer allowed to work in crital care nursing areas (step-down units, etc.) We lost an LPN who has worked at our facility as a critial care nurse for over 20 years. She had loads more experience and knowledge than most of us RN's on the floor.

[AngelaLPN08]

In the hospitals in my area LPN's are only used as tech's too! The VA hospital LOVES LPN's so thats where I went!