I'm really getting nervous here!!!!

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Hello all.

Today, I posted this same question in the general section of this site. While I was very impressed with the feedback, I would really like to hear from some of the nurses located in Florida. You see, I am planning to start school in January. My original plan was to go to school for lpn. Then I would get a job in the field while I continue in school for my rn. I know this is a pretty normal path which many have taken in the past.

So, After reading the numerous posts about job shortages in the field, I have started looking through the want ads, hospital sites, and job sites to check on the job market for lpn's. Based on what I have found, and from what I have read here, it would appear that lpn's are being phased out. Is this truely the case? If so, there would be no point in my current plan.

Is this going on in my area? I live near Tampa. So, while any replies will help, anyone from the Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, or Citrus county areas would really be helpful. thanks

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hi there. i'm in clearwater. i was worried about that exact same thing ...just from reading that lpns were being phased out. but i am growing tired of trying to get into the rn program at spc, so i elected to get my cna (done) and now moving on to get my lpn, then bridge to rn. i figure it is quicker for me at my age (46) to go the quickest route possible to the rn. i did not want to wait another year to apply and hope to be accepted.

i was hired by baycare/morton plant hospital to go thru the lpn program on their dime via the eayl (earn-as-you-learn) program. i've heard from someone on this board that works at bayfront, that they still use lpns, just aren't hiring new ones.

eayl also puts rns thru their program .... you can learn more at: www.baycare.org click on careers, then education for more info.

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Around Jacksonville that seems to be the case, at least from the people I talk to. One friend of mine is a LPN for hospice and she lost her job this month due to the phasing out. I can maybe see the benefit of going that route though, if you're not able to get into the RN program right away.

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Specializes in hospice, pediatrics, substance abuse.

I am close to you (in Lake County). I just graduated in July & am having a difficult time finding a job. Not sure that it is necessarily a "phasing out of LPN's" so much as the economy in general. I can say I have put applications in & sent out resumes in Pinellas, Pasco, Lake, Osceola, and Orange counties all with no luck. It is becoming very frustrating to say the least.

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FLg8r, can you tell me more about this EAYL program? Do you have to be hired by the hospital first and are they hiring often? And I see you have to go through St. Pete College, is it really hard to get into?

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flg8r, can you tell me more about this eayl program? do you have to be hired by the hospital first and are they hiring often? and i see you have to go through st. pete college, is it really hard to get into?

there are several ways.... if you go to www.baycare.org and click on careers, then education ... you will have most of your questions answered.

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Specializes in hospice, pediatrics, substance abuse.

rayk1021,

I just wanted to let you know that I got a job today :yeah:for Hospice here in Lake County. It is exactly what I wanted to do even before I started nursing school. I was told that LPN's are desparately needed. They have even began a new preceptorship training program just for new grads. I start mine next Monday. As for the "phasing out LPN's" I can tell you that I have been hearing that saying for over 25 years now. So far it hasn't entirely come to pass. I say go for it. It will just be another stepping stone for you on your way to becoming an RN. Best of luck to you.

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