Future of LPN career?

Published

I am a CNA in Delaware. I would like to pursue school in a month for LPN. I have heard all sorts of conflicting information about the position of LPN being phased out. I am 49, I do not have the time or money for RN. I work for hospice, mostly home care and sometimes in facilities. I enjoy what I do and would like to move on to another level.

Several LPN schools here have closed, the local hospital no longer employs LPN`s, I cant get a straight answer from anyone.

I just cant waste the last of my savings....please help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How much more is the RN program? How much longer would it take? How much higher would your income be if you completed it?

In my RN program, we had the option of taking the LPN test after one year. Some people did this and then stopped out of school. Is there a program like this around you so you could have the chance to stop or continue if you want?

LPNs are being phased out of a lot of hospitals. I don't see them being phased back in.... It really depends on your area and how great the need is for nurses. If the area is overrun by RNs, they demand for the lpn decreases even more.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Afternoon, mrsjeff:

I know what you mean - here's my take. As you've noted, general hospitals typically don't hire LPN/LVNs for floor positions. However, there are exceptions - public (e.g. county) hospitals typically do hire LPN/LVNs for the floor, and almost every hospital will hire LPN/LVNs for non-floor positions (e.g. outpatient clinics, sub-acute units, hospice, etc.) In addition, there's a class of facility known as LTAC (Long Term Acute Care - Kindred being one of the better known LTAC chains) where you work with medically fragile pts in a quasi-LTC setting. And, plenty of LPN/LVN gigs in hospice - went to have a chat with my former boss at a well-known hospice organization where I volunteered, and she was practically begging me to come work for them when I get my VN license (I live in CA, BTW).

In addition, there's home health, clinics, doctor's offices, corrections, public health, pharmacies, medical billing, etc., etc. and the list goes on & on. So - there are plenty of places to look for work for LPN/LVN types; and, between AHA and a slowly improving economy I'd say there's likely to be more work for us "worker bee" types in the future.

As far as the LPN/LVN phaseout - my mom was hearing that one back in 1981, and she worked as an LVN for 15 years. According to some posts I've read on here, that little gem dates back to at least 1965 and has never been proven valid. If anything, given the economic conditions of today I wouldn't be all that surprised to see LPN/LVNs being used more extensively, simply because we'll work cheaper than RN's.

While I can't comment on the job market in your immediate area (being exactly 1 continent away I don't usually look for work that far afield) what I would do is check out Job Search | one search. all jobs. Indeed.com and see what's out there. Just did this myself & got 85 hits for the state - so it would appear that there's work to be had.

Short version - it's worth the risk, IMO. Of course, being an SVN I'm a bit biased... :yes:

----- Dave

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with the other user, it depends on your area! Here in California, most LPN/LVN are being phased out of hospitals, but they are being used a lot in rehabilitation centers, clinics, long term care, home health and other areas as well! If you're working in a home health setting & sometimes faculties, is your company willing to hire you as an LPN? I don't think it is a waste of time for you to advance your education, phases of nursing are constantly changing, and you never know when a sudden rise in LVNs may be needed in your area! In the meantime while you look for an LVN job, you can continue working as a CNA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sorry about my typos, I am on my phone, but I say go for it! Good luck :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you decide to pursue an LVN you might as well go a little further and get your ADN/RN it will help you much better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all for responding.........I find hospice work very fulfilling and I hope there would be a place for an LPN. My company uses them but thanks to the Medicare cuts last year my company let go over 60 people (CNA, RN, LPN, Social workers, office staff etc)........not as much work in that field. But I like home care so there may be options there too. I just cant imagine doing away with LPN if even for purely financial reasons.

At my age I just don't have the years and money for RN......LPN will be a year and all said about 18,000.00 that's about as much as I can do and even that is going to be rough.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Omg 18k?!?! I paid less than 5k for a two year RN program at community college.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are MUCH cheaper options for both LPN and RN school programs. Please investigate carefully before making any firm decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion