Eliminating the LPN position

[WCSU1987]

Probably not going to get a lot of love for this. Here is my dilemma I have my mind set on going into the accelerated nursing program. The next program starts in the Fall of 2016, but planning to do the program in 2017. Have my pre requisites and application completed by then.

The dilemma is LPN program starts in the Spring of 2016 finishes up in the Spring of 2017. I be a nurse about two year's earlier then if I did the Accelerated Nursing Program. I know being a BSN is the way of nursing now.

Now to the topic so our state decided that they wanted to not allow LPNs to practice in the state anymore. Went on for two year's and state run LPN programs were shut down until 2012. Now the state is back suggesting to shut the state run program's again.

I looking for feedback on the future of the LPN program?

Here is my thinking. The program ends in the Spring. You are off during the summers. You can apply for second year nursing school in the fall. Here is my thinking I was looking into becoming a CNA work night's over the course of the year of 2016 and part of 2017. Plan would be to work as a CNA for the state in corrections or at another hospital in our state I know hires LPNs. Then move into a day LPN program and they have this online class to complete over the summer prior to sarting the ASN program. You have to take Micro, but can do that during the summer break of the program.

They then have associate program for LPNs at night. The program is only two semester's long and if all goes to plan your a nurse with an associate's degree, be at the end of Spring 2018. There is three online RN-BSN programs in the state that takes 16 month's to complete. I be able to start in Fall of 2014 be a BSN by the end of 2019. It is an additional, six classes for the BSN.

The accelerated program would start fall of 2017 and finish by the fall of 2018.

I have this gut feeling it is a better option to go and start with the LPN. I feel financially it be a better option overall the program is an extra $10,000, but figure employer probably offer more tuition reimbursement for nurse's seeking to advance self. Currently making $22 an hour. Average CNA an hour in the hospital is $15 an hour. Average LPN is $25-$28 an hour in our state. Average ADN is $30-$35 an hour. A BSN is about $35-$40 an hour. MSN and above mostly salary. Did hear one nurse with MSN mention making $40 an hour getting an additional $10 an hour with MSN, so not sure.

Any feedback be greatly appreciated?

[StrawberryEssence81]

I say go by your gut feeling. If you are sure you will get hired as a LPN after you graduate and pass boards, go the PN, route. You will gain nursing experience and have $$$ while you pursue the rest of your nursing studies. If not, go the ASN or BSN route. Good luck.

[WCSU1987]

I know the money and experience as a nurse entice me then waiting another year for a program to start.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

What is your location?

Your decision will greatly depend on your job climate for new grad LPNs, RNs, and depend on where you land a job.

You may need to research what employers are hiring, and understand that that information may be fluid as well.

[WCSU1987]

I am from Connecticut. The market is changing and I am concerned a bit of most LPNs work day's the ADN programs run day's so how do you balance it out.

I saw 5 LPN openings with the state. Three with one hospital's VN service. Six at another hospital. Five at another hospital. I found a few at nursing homes and a few independent home care services. Only one night LPN job.

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

I feel like they've been taking about this for a decade, but it won't ever happen

[Cream and sugar LPN]

I feel like they've been taking about this for a decade, but it won't ever happen

I feel that OP and runnerD1987 are the same person and either of his personalities will make a decision!

[Cream and sugar LPN]

I am from Connecticut. The market is changing and I am concerned a bit of most LPNs work day's the ADN programs run day's so how do you balance it out.

I saw 5 LPN openings with the state. Three with one hospital's VN service. Six at another hospital. Five at another hospital. I found a few at nursing homes and a few independent home care services. Only one night LPN job.

LPN's only work days in CT? LPN's are all over CT... They usually work more than one night a week...I don't know where your getting your information from.

You've been contemplating many different titles for quit a few years now.. And meanwhile your not any closer..

[WCSU1987]

I looked on Indeed, but could only find one LPN position at night. I worry because I know they let about 30 to 40 LPNs go at a rehab place in CT because weren't enrolled in a bridge program.

Really am not any closer. I really don't know what to do with self ha. I am 27 graduated I'm 2011. After being laid off from a hospital in Connecticut been in a tail spin of where to go with life. I mean I been in Healthcare and patient care for four year's guess next logical step is to go into nursing. I an afraid of the leap. Been told a lot called a lot of names making me worry if going to nursing school will be a waste.

Now I want to get it done as I feel life is zipping by me. I just worry making the leap and if being an LPN is the right step. I am nervous as I seen the stability at hospitals and changes in the hospitals/nursing homes regarding nurses.

[Red Kryptonite]

I feel like they've been taking about this for a decade, but it won't ever happen

No, they've been talking about LPNs being eliminated for well over 40 years, and it hasn't happened yet.

*disclaimer: I am a current LPN student

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

I feel that OP and runnerD1987 are the same person and either of his personalities will make a decision!

Lol, I'm confused. :)

[fawnmarie, ASN]

I cannot imagine any state deciding not to allow LPNs to practice anymore. LPNs are the backbone of long-term care facilities. Who would work in nursing homes if LPNs were no longer allowed to practice? I was an LPN for 11 years.