Future of LPN?

freetopayattention · Jan 7, 2011

I hope the posters are right about LPN's not being phased out...personally I believe the association and friends are working harder than ever, especially the past 2 years to phase out LPN's (and you'd be surprised by some that are in their corner).

I keep hearing how LPN's have and can do so much that an RN can do, but look at the posters who say "I'm not allowed to assess, admit etc, anymore".

The long term care unit in the hospital where I work stopped their LPN's from even measuring wounds. To me that is changing my job content, but to the LPN's on that unit it's "just one more thing I won't have to be responsible for".

If LPN's are phased out it will be our own fault for allowing our "work" "at the bedside" to be taken away from us.

My state has recently passed a bill and named the state RN board and state LPN board to plan a pilot program to allow unlicensed persons to administer meds in nursing homes. (One of the bill's sponsors was an RN turned delegate.)Many LPN's have been forced from the hospital setting already (I think certain areas are targeted at a time). What will this mean to resident safety and to LPN's in LTC (where they thought they would always have work)?

If management can pay someone less to pass p.o. meds and if those managers are also association members wanting to eliminate LPN positions...then ADN nurses can give the injections, PRN's etc. Can you see the plan coming together??? Aides get a little more education to be able to pass po meds..ADN

nurses pick up with injections and narcs, etc., and LPN's are gone--sooner or later. That leaves acute care etc. for BSN's and on up the 'professional registered nurse' ladder.

Better wake up fellow LPN's! With this 'head in the sand' attitude we don't pose much of a threat to the ANA.

I've been searching legislative action and writing to delegates in my state regarding bills concerning my job. We can post all we want but it is probably safe to say that not many delegates or congressman read here (but I'll wager that there are ANA members who do!)

I hope to see a lot of response to this post...that at least a few are checking your state lawmaking website, if only to get your representatives' e-mail address and drop him/her a question about bills/votes concerning your/our jobs.

Gerry1888RN · Jan 8, 2011

I think "Freetopayattention" has a point. I work with some really good LPN's, and I can't tell the difference between them and the RN's I work with, but I think they should try and get their RN licence. I think sooner or later they will change the rules, and maybe do away with the LPN's. In the UK, there used to be "enrolled nurses" and they were the equivalent to American LPN's, but they were done away with about 10-15 years ago. I think there are some still working in some hospitals, but there is no new training. Also, I think Canada now requires their RN's to have BSN's, and all their LPN's to have the equivalent of an ADN. Maybe America will do the same in the very near future.

live&love&heal · Jan 10, 2011

I don't understand. If ANA is phasing out LVN/LPNs then why do LVN/LPN programs and schools exist? I'm here from California and it seems like there there are more and more LVN schools opening up here.

Some places I've witnessed where LPN/LVNs are no longer needed or responsibilites are being taken away....

1. Kaiser Permanente hospitals here in CA have completely phased out LVN/LPNs from their clinics.

2. Medical Technicians are dispensing medications at some SNF and LTC facililites instead of LPN/LVNs.

3. Doctor's offices and clinics are using Medical Assistants instead of LPN/LVNs.

I do see many jobs posted in SNF, LTC, and Home Care but, every posting requires at least year of experience. It is very frustrating for new graduates of LPN/LVN programs.

LongislandRN23 · Jan 11, 2011

LPN's are most certainly not going anywhere. In fact I heard that due to the new health care bill LPN's will be in greater demand! For a bunch of reasons, but mainly because it will be better for the wallets and coordination of the insurance comapanies and increased number paitents ect, ect, ect....Starting this Aprill 2011 the NCLEX exam will not only change its format, but will be harder to pass! There will be a larger demand for LPN's to care for more critical/acute patients and care! That is why they are raising the bar on the passing score!

freetopayattention · Jan 11, 2011

We need to deal with the facts. "I think" and "I heard" don't always qualify as fact.

I know that at my hospital I am the only full-time LPN on the acute care unit. That's down from 9 LPN's three years ago. I pay dues to a labor union (whether I am being represented is debatable). The RN's are not unionized but the term "RN" is actually mentioned in our contract! The elimination of LPN's here has been insidious--a little at a time.

You LPN's who have years of experience-how have things changed where you work? Did any of you start out in ER or ICU but can no longer work there? Did you suddenly get "dumber"?

I know where I work I see LPN's just accepting whatever is pushed on them with the usual complaining to co-workers or sometimes quitting. And there are those who recieved "mystery" money to attend an expensive non-traditional BSN program. I do not say that to reflect badly on an LPN or anyone who wants to further their education. It's just a little unclear where the reimbursement money came from. The union president says he don't know.

Time will tell.

ibmanda2000, LVN · Jan 12, 2011

You can work FULLTIME as a CNA in LVN school. Magic words: HOME HEALTH!

You can work nights and usually do your homework/study alllllll nighgt long! Also.. Home Health has great opportunities for LVNs and most likely ALWAYS will. I have only been an LVN for 1.5 years, I am a pediatric hoome health nurse and I make more than some new grad RNs do. You'll be fine.

However... Aim high! Why not go for your RN???

LongislandRN23 · Jan 12, 2011

Nursing is run state by state just like marriage and drivers license and all those other professions that require a license. So I would think that the ANA cannot declare the "phasing out". If it was to ever happen each state would decide. I think that makes sense.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2011

However... Aim high! Why not go for your RN???

Not everyone wants or needs an RN license to attain their career goals.

freetopayattention · Jan 12, 2011

OP, Ask about funds for help to get your LPN license.

When I asked for financial help for LPN schooling there was none, but there was $1,800 per semester for RN schooling (and signing a contract to work for a specified time).

I wish you the best.

rayshettabrown · Jan 13, 2011

very well said,I'm a new LPN and yes it has been hard but I have found Jobs here in Maryland and the pay is pretty good. They are not going to phase out LPNs,even my job at Kaiser Permanente has that rumor and we are also UNION and it has been confirmed by the MBON that isn't going to happen. I'm currently enrolled in a RN program.

coastalcattery · Jan 18, 2011

For as long as I can remember there has been talk of phasing out LPN's - I always thought that would never happen, but times have changed in the last 5 years. The areas of nursing that use LPN's has definitely narrowed. The local hospital in my area relocated all of their LPN's to the LTC facilities and Dr's office jobs - some had been at the hospital for 3 decades. My advice to someone looking at nursing school today would be to go for the RN. I can't even believe I said that - times have changed.

allnurses Guide · Jan 18, 2011

In my area it's much harder than it used to be to get a job in an acute care hospital than it was. LPNs are hired in LTC?SNF more now, and as someone mentioned private duty nursing for home health patients.

The ANA has no direct control of any laws or boards of nursing. They certainly have an agenda, and they really don't care much for LPNs or even ADNs but they are restricted to their very active lobbying and PR efforts.