Published
In AZ things are bad- one LTC place fired all LPNs, replaced them all with starving new grad RNs at $22/hour. (My last LPN job paid $26/hour- so they are saving big bucks, and don't need to deal with the weird LPN IV rules in AZ, so I suspect that will start a trend when other places find out). And, my former SIL is an upstate LPN working in a pediatric office, making a whopping $11 (ELEVEN) an hour. Not looking good.
I always encourage people who are interested in nursing to start out as a LPN. I did not do that, but if I had it to do over, I would've. I 100% also encourage LPNs to further their education later on by transitioning to RN, but that's my personal opinion. I think you're smart to go the LPN route as it only takes 1 year and IF you don't find a job you "only" spent one year vs. the 4 years so many unemployed RNs have invested. On the flip side, my hospital is no longer hiring LPN's. There are only a handful of LPNs working there and they are being encouraged to continue their education. So, I guess it also depends on your ultimate goal (do you want to work in a hospital?) and your financial goals bc RNs make more money in general and have more opportunities.
UpstateNyDollCna
107 Posts
I am a Cna, but am about to start an Lpn program and I was wondering if it is as hard for an Lpn to find a job as it is for an Rn?(specifically in NY state) I have no problem working in a nursing home or Md office, I am just afraid I will have spent almost a year in school and no job. I know there are alot of Rn programs and a lot less LPN programs and was wondering if that might help, if it is just as hard to find an Lpn job as it is to find an Rn job than I will probably just go straight for my PT degree and not bother with getting my Lpn and try to look for more steady work as a Cna.