ILL LPN's ..Please read and reply..

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:)Hi Lpn's from ILLInOIs,

there is quite a group of us banging our heads wondering if its worth becoming a LPN. I think its mosty because we are hearing stories that they are phasing out LPN's and using MA's instead. Another reason is that will there be jobs out there for us after we graduate and where? Or is it just better to apply in the RN program instead. So I thought if I could just hear from some recent LPN's that have graduated and have started working. I would love to hear any story on becoming a LPN in ILL. Thank you soo much and I really hope to hear from someone.

:):):):):):):):):):):)

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Not in ILL but across the river in Iowa. We still have many jobs for LPNs, and yes, there are some in hospitals but not as many as in the past. Of course, there's lots of openings in LTC, which seems to be the case everywhere.

As far as MAs replacing us, I work in a large clinic. Not one MA in the place but lots of LPNs & RNs. The LPN & RN do exactly the same work. If their name tag didn't specify which kind of nurse they were you wouldn't know which was which. Obviously, the RNs make more money & deserve to.

But, you don't want to come to Iowa to work. We're the lowest paid nurses in the nation.:banghead::banghead::madface:

Dixie

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Specializes in ER, Pulmonary.

I am an LPN in Illinois. I graduated last year and work full-time in an ER. I do everything the RN does but push IV meds. I put in IV's and hang fluids and piggyback packaged medications. I am involved in all the codes, triage, assessment, diagnosis and care of my patients. My RN's treat me as an equal and if I am not sure about something I always ask and they always go out of their way to show me. I am very lucky. I plan to bridge over to RN, but the experience I am getting now will be invaluable when I return to school. I am proud to hold the title of LPN, I am a nurse and that's all that matters to me. I am helping people and making their visit to the hospital as comfortable as possible. It's not about the title, it's about caring for patients. I want my RN so I can push IV meds and learn more indepth about processes and medications, etc. The Doc told me I need to go to medical school, but hell, I am 40 and happy with being a nurse. It's always worth going to school, it just depends on the person with what they do with it! :nurse:

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Thanks Midcom and Labvampire for ur honest responses.

It does kind of put my mind at ease a bit. I guess every state has different ways of needing a LPN and also their pay rate is different. But at the end of the day you guys are helping and caring for patients and thats what counts too.

Again thanks and good day...

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I live in IL, but im currently and entry level LPN in MO. I'm going through the process of getting my License in IL also. Gateway Medical Center has LPN opening in their behavioral health department starting at 22.50/hr but that's without benefits. I always get great job offers. LPNs and MAs are very different for one MAs make what? $9-$12/hr. I make $20/hr as a new nurse. I think whoever wants to be and LPN go for it. I love it. It's great experience. I admit/discharge patients, administer injections/medication, i get experience with trachs, feeding tubes, wound care,transcribing doctor's orders. I love it!!!!!

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Wow that is awesome pay.. and that is just great to hear some positive attitude about being an LPN! I am glad ur happy and the best part is your caring for your patients. Everyone has a different story about being an Lpn and I totally respect everyones opinion.

There is always employment for LPN's.. I was on Career.com and saw of variety of LPN positions..mostly LTC but I also spotted them at a Dermatology clinic and few at a hospital. YOu just got to get lucky and keep searching for the right places and the right time. MA's are awesome too but if you plan to bridge as a RN i really honestly say becoming a LPN is a better way to start your nursing career.

But hey, thanks for your reponse and good luck with the being an LPN.

:nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke::nuke:

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Specializes in orthopedics and telemetry.

If I Might Ask What School Are You Planning On Trying To Get In I Stay In Illinois And I Just Got Excepted Into The Lpn Program In Redbud Illinois At Beck Career Center

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Specializes in cardiac, LTC, postpartum.

I am going to apply for our LPN program at our community college this coming summer. I get worried too about the jobs available for LPNs and the issues about phasing them out. I don't think MAs will phase out LPNs by any means. I work with a girl who blew a ton of money on a rip off private school to become a MA and see makes less than I do with my CNA license!!! MAs can not work in LTC just like LPNs can't work administration positions. You will make more as an LPN. That is not to insult any MAs, its just the truth and if you do some more research you will see what I mean. If you go to Indeed.com and search LPN with your zip code you will see a number of jobs come up. I have over 600 jobs available within a 25 mile radius of my town!! Don't get discouraged!! :typing

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MA's either need to be paid more or be charged less for their training because as I've said before why pay $7000 to work in a $9 per hour field.

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babyscanner what school are you going to apply at coming summer 09? I was seeing some jobs in hospitals but they did ask for at least 2 yrs experience. So I am guessing most lpn have to start off at the long term care. I agree if MA's arent paid well enough they should lower the cost of their tuition and raise the salary. That even goes for CNA's... Everyone works hard in the medical field whether its mentally or physically. They should get decent pay!! Lpn is a start of a career and hopefully for many to become a RN.Check out the lpn schools about bridging over to RN because I am reading in some past posts here that you need lpn experience for a year or two before you even begin taking RN classses. Or something about ADN trying to get their BSN even need experience also.Ask those questions. Ma's or Lpn's... either way its a start for people who need to see if they want to pursue their career in the medical field.

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i have been an lpn for about 20 years-was working hospitals in iowa, moved to the chicago burbs and then pretty much just ltc since then. very, very competitive for the few lpn-rn advanced placement slots available, going to try again soon since the kids are on their own and i can study now. the fact that there is no lpn voice, no advocacy for lpn's has frustrated me.

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I am looking for an LPN for a Community Health Center in Watseka, Ill. Contact me at [email protected].

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