eliminating the LPN role ?

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In the last few years LPNs are being phased out of acute setting. Most doctors offices are hiring RN. LPN programs are becoming few in colleges and universities. Is the possibly of eliminating the LPN role all together in the near future? Many students use LPN programs as a step to becoming an RN, if this is the case why not just eliminate the LPN programs in the schools.

"RN is certainly more desirable, but LPNs have a place as well"? Really? See comments like that are the reason why there will always be a gap between the two. Good lord, why can't we all just be nurses????

https://allnurses.com/lpn-lvn-corner/lpns-what-do-743176.html

Refer to article. I am in no way degrading the LPN role, as I am studying to be an LPN myself - and will probably stay in that position! We can't all be the same type of nurse, because we aren't all the same type of nurse. Did they not teach you this your first semester of nursing school? There are many levels of nursing. The fact is, RNs generally have a broader knowledge base and scope of practice. So yes - although we need LPNs, I would still say that RNs are more desirable.

No need to get your panties in a wad. :nono:

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I see this is your very first post. Did you look around AN at all to read some of the other hundred threads on this very same topic? You might find what you seek there without having to reinvent the wheel here....

In the last few years LPNs are being phased out of acute setting. Most doctors offices are hiring RN. LPN programs are becoming few in colleges and universities. Is the possibly of eliminating the LPN role all together in the near future? Many students use LPN programs as a step to becoming an RN, if this is the case why not just eliminate the LPN programs in the schools.
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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

LOL, I also see that OP hasn't been back!

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Specializes in Home health, Addictions, Detox, Psych and clinics..

I think it also depends on which providence you are from. Some of the Canadian LPN scope of practices are pretty unclear. And for instance provinces such as B.C is pretty restricted too and mentions LPNS caring for the clinically stable patients with expected outcomes. I know Alberta has a super wide scope.

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Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

I've been an LPN since 2008....that rumor is always going around..My state recently passed that LPN's are allow to now administer medications through PICC lines (Certain ones) and do flushes...so if they were phasing them out in reality, then there would be no need for the law.

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https://allnurses.com/lpn-lvn-corner/lpns-what-do-743176.html

Refer to article. I am in no way degrading the LPN role, as I am studying to be an LPN myself - and will probably stay in that position! We can't all be the same type of nurse, because we aren't all the same type of nurse. Did they not teach you this your first semester of nursing school? There are many levels of nursing. The fact is, RNs generally have a broader knowledge base and scope of practice. So yes - although we need LPNs, I would still say that RNs are more desirable.

No need to get your panties in a wad. :nono:

You mean specifically Bsn Rn's

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You mean specifically Bsn Rn's

Not necessarily, but also yes.

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Specializes in Medical and Behavioral Health.

We are already at a nursing shortage. A nurse is a nurse. I think they need to stop elimininating LPNs and even RNs from their roles. We need all the nurses we can get. Now some hospitals wont take you if you dont have a BSN. I think that is plain dumb.One of my good friend/and mentor was an LPN when my first job was an LTAC.She knew more things that even RNs didnt know.

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Makes me think if being a LPN is worth it !

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

The NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN are the only things that are a national standard. Everything else is done at the state level. They all have separate Nurse Practice Acts including scope-of-practice and Boards of Nursing to administer the laws, disciplinary actions, etc.

It is highly unlikely that any state will "eliminate" or phase out LPNs/LVNs because that would involve changing the statutes. When you propose to do that (and I don't think any state has seriously considered it) the people who hire nurses would most likely strenuously object to that, whatever the make-up of their current nursing workforce.

It is to their benefit to have a large pool of nurses to draw from (LPN or RN) They know the future is not always predictable and are always looking at the bottom line.

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Specializes in Med/Surg,Geriatrics, Pediatrics, and Family Med..

We are all at the mercy of individual state and facility regulations. No one is safe. As the profession progresses and medical discoveries are uncovered, we all will be required to do more work. Diploma RN were required to get degrees. Also, 20 CEUs every 2 years for LPNs and RNs. Magnet designation requiring ADN/ASN to get Bachelors preparation. NP who once only required Masters level education are now required to have Doctorate in some states. The one constant in this profession is that we should be prepared to further educate ourselves, or move clear for someone who will.

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Specializes in long term care Alzheimers Patients.
"RN is certainly more desirable, but LPNs have a place as well"? Really? See comments like that are the reason why there will always be a gap between the two. Good lord, why can't we all just be nurses????

I concur

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