Future of LPNs

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Nurses Month 2024 | Discounts & Freebies AORN Celebrates Nurses Month

I've been wanting to become an LPN but I'm frustrated. I remember reading something a while back about LPNs being phased out. I thought it was true because there are no LPN programs in my area of Northern Nevada. I see a few job ads for LPNs. I want to start as a practical nurse and work on my RN while I'm working as a nurse. Anyone else have this problem?

Specializes in Volunteered in an ER.

Thank you, Amjowens, that is a huge help. I was just thinking about starting with a CNA while doing pre-reqs. I don't have an LPN program, per se, and I've been begging all the schools around here to start one. I like the bedside aspect. Thanks again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I hope your experience as a CNA is good and that you find a LPN or RN school that fits your needs. Working as a CNA can be very rewarding and a big positive step. My point of building up the LPN role to what I believe it to potentially be was because I get a sense that RNs don't always understand the wonderful aspects/knowledge base of LPNs. You can be an LPN and be with the capacity to use many skills that a CNA isn't able to do by law, and earn a nice salary doing it. Enjoy your process!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Urgent Care.
I've been hearing "LPNs are being phased out" for over 20 years. I don't think it will ever happen.

The hospitals in my area do not utilize LPNs. However, it's been said that they go in waves - ie: not hiring LPNs to deciding they will hire LPNs again.

That aside, you should do what is comfortable and works best for you. As others have already stated, there are many options out there. I personally wanted the foundation & hands-on experience of being an LPN before going on for my RN, which I just started last fall through Excelsior College.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It absolutely depends on your location and your facility! Here in California I have plenty of opportunities, and not in only LTC or assisted living facilities! After I graduated I worked L&D, then I worked NICU. I worked for Kaiser and I felt that I was very appreciated. However, the LVN program I went through was two full years, so we had an excellent fund of knowledge. Afterward I took an OB specialist course which also helped me work in the area I wanted.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I live in central illinois and i don't think we can function without lpn's. Now where I am originally from, which in Memphis, they are just about phased out completely. My friend just graduated in December and still cannot find employment. She is from Chicago and seriously considering moving back. I just hope they don't do away with lpn's,

Up Vote Up Vote ×

while there are a number of hospitals in the los angeles area that still hire lvns, the amount of RN jobs out there is still more than the amount of available LVN jobs. I have heard rumors of LVNs being phased out in the hospitals in favor of RNs and CNAs. while the pay for LVNs is cheaper, the RN is more versatile. it seems that assisted living and LTC are the places for LVNs to earn higher pay and more hours. there are plenty of private LVN schools, but the LVN to RN programs are slim and hard to get in to. had i known that, i would have sacrificed my full time office job i had during my lvn classes in favor of a part-time job so i could have gotten my RN instead. i encourage anyone who is a CNA, to just go straight for their RN, to avoid the situation i am in now. good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Don't bother going to school to be an LN first. It is a waste of both money and time. Yes, it takes longer to get your RN but it is well worth it. There is no need to pay twice to learn how to do the same thing. The extra money you make after finishing school for the second time will not even begin to cover your loans.

I dont know where you work at , but I am a LVN in Texas doing Home health and I make good money , , Oh by the way in texas the pay isnt that big of difference , LVN 18 /hr and RN around 20 maybe 22.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.
Don't bother going to school to be an LN first. It is a waste of both money and time. Yes, it takes longer to get your RN but it is well worth it. There is no need to pay twice to learn how to do the same thing. The extra money you make after finishing school for the second time will not even begin to cover your loans.

I wouldn't say being an LPN is a waste of time and money. I put 3 kids through school as an LPN and made just over 50K last year. Back in school now working on my RN, but I have NEVER regretted being an LPN. Good luck to you with your career.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go to the web site for US Labor Statistics (us.gov). I just looked, and it said the outlook for LPN's had a better than average employment outlook. Like some posters say, I think the naysayers have been and always will be there. Just ignore them and go for it!

mc3:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
while there are a number of hospitals in the los angeles area that still hire lvns, the amount of RN jobs out there is still more than the amount of available LVN jobs. I have heard rumors of LVNs being phased out in the hospitals in favor of RNs and CNAs. while the pay for LVNs is cheaper, the RN is more versatile. it seems that assisted living and LTC are the places for LVNs to earn higher pay and more hours. there are plenty of private LVN schools, but the LVN to RN programs are slim and hard to get in to. had i known that, i would have sacrificed my full time office job i had during my lvn classes in favor of a part-time job so i could have gotten my RN instead. i encourage anyone who is a CNA, to just go straight for their RN, to avoid the situation i am in now. good luck!

A peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one. ~Rita Mae Brown

:banghead:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, in my part of the world, no. The healthcare system would collapse without us. I work full scope in acute care. What I can't do is limited by my health authority, so basically it's hanging blood and the first bag of TPN. PNs work in all areas except NICU. If we were to phased out half the beds in my hospital would have to be closed.

I make $33K working less than half time. Not as good as in some provinces but nothing to sneeze at.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Well, in my part of the world, no. The healthcare system would collapse without us. I work full scope in acute care. What I can't do is limited by my health authority, so basically it's hanging blood and the first bag of TPN. PNs work in all areas except NICU. If we were to phased out half the beds in my hospital would have to be closed.

I make $33K working less than half time. Not as good as in some provinces but nothing to sneeze at.

It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment