I think i' losing my mind

[soulsearchin']

I was accepted to an LPN program, via the waiting list, have been planning on getting into nursing for the past several years,but didnt try to get in until recently

I am a Mom of 4 boys.. ages 18 down to 3

EVERYTHING about going has seemed to be "meant to be", it all has been falling into place (strangely at times), more confirmation of it being "meant to be"

Orientation is Aug. 30th..

Now I am starting to panic, I keep hearing/ reading that LPN's are

being phased out, limited on where they can work.....etc

My heart wants to be in L/D or nursery etc. I have had many experiences in life as a patient or the Mom of a patient, so I really feel those experiences could be beneficial in relating and caring for a patient.

But now am thinking that I am not going to be able to achieve that being an LPN.

Everywhere I look here the push seems to be RN.

I don't know if I should ditch my plan and begin the journey of RN ( many pre-pre req's..LOL) I am afraid of losing my chance at LPN... but...

I AM SOOOOO CONFUSED

I know you cant tell me what to do, but any rational viewpoint is appreciated.

I just sux to be feeling so uncertain so close to the start of school.

thanks for reading, Monica (future psych patient)

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Best wishes. The situation for LPNs varies around the country.

I'll be honest with you, here in the Tampa Bay area, new grads LPNs are scrambling for a few hospital jobs. LTC jobs are plentiful however, so there is work to be had.

Our hospital is no longer hiring LPNs, but keeping the LPN in their current positions, and we have many of those. Our L&D and nursery departments, because we do high risk ob, is an all RN staff. But our post partum unit uses LPNs (but as I said we aren't hiring LPNs at the moment).

My advice to you is to get your LPN, since you worked hard and waited for that spot. RN spots in schools are hard to come by and why put yourself behind. Then find an LPN to RN program, which are easier to get into, or start working on your co-req courses for the RN and follow your dreams.

Don't give up. There's lots you can do as an LPN, and you've started that path. That path in my opinion should continue with the RN goal, if you're interested in ob and nursery. Good luck.

[Someday-C.R.N.A.]

I agree with Tweety...........go for the LPN!!!!!!

You will ATLEAST be in a better position to go for RN later. (LPN-RN program)

If you can walk right into a RN program, then go for that. Otherwise, do the LPN thing.

I'm in a CNA program (pre-req. to RN).

Point is.............JUST DO IT.

I wish you the Best of Luck!!

[ARNPsomeday]

How funny, soulsearchin, my case is the other way around! I fought hard to get into the RN program (just like everybody else). First I did two semesters in one in the Accelerated program. Nearly got sick. Changed to the regular full-time RN program and finished up Med/Surg 1 clinicals. BUT I made the huge mistake of taking chemistry at the same time and did get sick. This semester I'm taking a break and thinking of going into LPN instead. For me personally the stress of being a RN is just plain too much. I also like to give patient care and all I see RNs doing is passing meds, charting, and stressing to the max. But that's just my personal take on things.

I agree that since you already have your spot, go for your LPN. Entering a transitional program from LPN to RN should be easier. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[z's playa]

I can't speak for the States but I can say LPNs are being phased out here.

Reason for saying this is all positions here require an RN degree. Many LPNs

are currently working here but no more are being hired for whatever reason.

So don't move here that's for sure. :chuckle

Good luck.

Z

[baby&mommynurse]

I've heard many statements about LPNs/LVNs being phased out ever since I became an LVN 7 years ago. The situation does vary from around the country, but the nursing educator at my hospitals says phasing out LPNs/LVNs comes and goes from time to time. Before I started working where I worked now, I was told that the department phased out LVNs, but then ended up rehiring them again at a later time. And since I've been there (6 years now), they hadn't hire LVNs for a while, but hired some more again after a few years. None of our LVN's have been phased out, there's just been a standstill at hiring any. Currently we're just hiring RNs. We have a high turnover rate with the RNs though because many are new grads who just want their experience and end up moving on to other places.

I agree with the others. Stick with going for your LPN. We have LVNs that work L&D in our hospital. And even if you can't find a job in L&D, you have a good chance at getting into the nursing program for RN a lot sooner than anyone else and you'll already have experience under your belt.

Good luck.

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

Go for the LPN. Life gets tough at times but you can do it and overcome it. Best wishes to you and keep us posted. :)

[sbic56, BSN, RN]

Maybe geting the LPN could be a short term goal. Like others said, it will make it easier to get into an RN upgrade program later once you have a few years on the floor under your belt. LPN's may not be phased out for awhile yet, but the opportunities are becoming more limited just about everywhere. If you really want to get into nursing, you may as well go for it since you are all set to start. Good luck!

[Maggie in NC]

You deserve a medal for raising that many kids and still being SANE enough to want to help others in need! Don't panic-you can handle it-heck you raised 4 kids! I wouldn't worry about the rumors about LPNs being phased out either. If it were true, they wouldn't keep accepting students. Besides, by the time you finish, you only need a year to get an ADN and never worry about it again!

The important thing to remember is to take everything one step at a time and don't let things out of your control make you feel overwhelmed. You'll be fine!

Now breathe and smile! You're doing fine!!