Getting scared of all this talk about LPNs not in need/phasing out/"good for nothing"

no, LPN's are not a joke, they are being phased out of hospitals becuase of their limitations. however, LTC is a huge opportunity for LPN's. you will learn sooo much while you are going back to get your RN.

besides, with the economy the way it is, and the shortage of nurses will only worsen, i think that LPN's will be more cost effective for facilities.

I think LPNs will be used mainly in LTC, clinics, schools and etc. I do plan to become a LPN first, and I won't let no one make me feel bad about it ! Please don't get discouraged, I graduate as a LPN in July and Can't wait !

i am an lpn student, 8-08/8-09 my local workforce (employment office) paid 1/2 of my tutition with a federal wia grant, because the government considers lpn a "high in demand" job. so i feel pretty safe in my chosen profession.

now mind you i may not get hired on at my local hospital on the med surge unit (but for $13.00 an hour, don't think i would even apply if they hired lpns) but i have already been told by 2 of the ltc centers that i have did clinical rotations on, that i have a job waiting on me as soon as i graduate, and of course pass the nclex.

also the va hospital hires lpns all the time, many of them have standing job postings for lpns, they pay pretty well and have great benefits, just a long hiring process, but you can apply before you graduate and be all set and ready to start when you do.

so don't worry about finding a job, you will just gotta know where to look, and when you are doing your clinicals, just be aware you are being scouted out, so always do your best....

good luck

jq

You would be fine in a "medically underserved area," meaning poor and rural. LPN's are still in use in the country. However, the money is also poor and rural, but it is for RN's, too.

Good luck.

I have been a nurse for over 30 years and this talk has been around all this time. LPNs are being phased out in hospitals but I don't think the health care system can function without them.

Don't let anyone discourage you....You're in LVN school and you should be proud that you're on your way to becoming a nurse....Yes, LVN's are being phased out in the hospitals, but not in the nursing homes...If your dream is to work in the hospital then I would encourage you to go on for your RN...Good Luck and congratulations!

I hear this all the time and I admit it scares me also because I don't want to complete this progrma and not find a job. I personally think that because the nursing shortage is so bad right now that eventually hospitals are going to have to start hiring LPN's again. I will be finish with the program in September and my plan is to work for a year or so then go for my RN. don't get discouraged and don't give up but like a previous poster stated if you want to work in a hospital right now then your best bet is to go for your RN. But LPN's are definitely in demand in LTC and home health. I wish you much success with your goals.

Crystal

Future LPN on the road to becoming a Neonatal NP

I hear this all the time and I admit it scares me also because I don't want to complete this progrma and not find a job. I personally think that because the nursing shortage is so bad right now that eventually hospitals are going to have to start hiring LPN's again. I will be finish with the program in September and my plan is to work for a year or so then go for my RN. don't get discouraged and don't give up but like a previous poster stated if you want to work in a hospital right now then your best bet is to go for your RN. But LPN's are definitely in demand in LTC and home health. I wish you much success with your goals.

Crystal

Future LPN on the road to becoming a Neonatal NP

Depending on the area is where you'll find your shortage of nurses.....There is a slight shortage when it comes to experienced nurses, but for new grads there more gradutes than new grad positions available....Plus you have a flood of foreign (mostly new grads) trained nurses trying to find jobs here in the US....I wish I would see LVN/LPN's back in the hospital, but I don't see that happening anytime soon....Although it makes sense to bring them back because they have skills that the CNA's don't have but I just don't see it....that puts too much responsibility on the RN.....which I think is stupid, but I can understand from an RN's point of view too...

I am about a month into my RN program, but finished the LPN in December. I AM SO GLAD I DID MY LPN FIRST!

Like you, I was concerned about the talk about LPNs not getting jobs, and as I live in an area where hospitals generally aren't considering hiring LPNs, I was seeing it first-hand. Because I was so concerned, I started applying for jobs right after I graduated. I ended up finding a wonderful position about 45 min. from me, and because I'm willing to travel a bit, I'm not having to worry about all the competition in my immediate area. The nursing shortage is regional, and even if you're in an area that is challenged, focus on yourself, and don't listen to all the talk. For example, start volunteering somewhere (I volunteered (and still do) at hospice), and try to work at least contingent (a few days a month or so) as a nurse aide. Try to do well in school, and develop communication skills (SOO important to employers, and you can't exactly hide this if lacking) now. Learn to at least respect what your instructors are teaching you, and try to develop a style of professionalism (don't join the ranks of complainers/gossipers). In essence, look at your weaknesses, focus on school, and develop your "professionalism". This is the kind of stuff that you'll bring to an interview when the time comes.

I'm working as a "graduate nurse" until I pass my NCLEX. So far, it's a lot of aide-type work, but the nurses know I'm joining them soon, and in a weird way, they include me in what's going on. My employer gave me a rate of pay midway between a LPN and an aide, at $13/hour. When I pass my NCLEX, I'll get LPN pay and work. So, I'm definitley putting in my time, but learning so much. I believe the experience of an aide is really valuable, as you'll likely be a better manager and have compassion for the aides when you're a nurse.

My LPN program was awesome. I learned to think critically, develop real nursing wisdom (as much as possible this early on), and strong basic skills. My RN program so far is "cake". I've learned to study and think as a nurse in the LPN program, and so I can focus on adding to this base in what I'm in RN classes. I'll be a better nurse all along the way because of my year of LPN, and that's what education for me is all about. As for the job, I'm thankful, but even if didn't get it, I'd still have done the LPN first if to do over again.

The demand for LPNs in Louisiana is still kicken like a chicken.

I'm still a little confused about the LPNs are so limited bs.. We can't hang blood and we can't give a push... OK, That's about 0.5% of nurse work.

I live in the nursing home capital of the world. The world around here would come to a screeching halt if there were no more LPNs. In fact, a second LPN school opened up in the county just to supply the nursing homes. I'm not at all worried. I'm going for my RN because my kids are eating me out of house and home and I need the income.

Well I am assuming this is just depending where you live. I live in Indiana and new graduates start at 19/hr in LTC and there is a desperate need for nurses here.