Is LPN the right route for me?

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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Hello everyone, I am a student at Pensacola State College with about 50 credit hours completed and 10 from an AA in pre-nursing. My plan was to enter my schools ADN program but the waiting list is about 1 year or more. I'm looking to enter the upcoming January 2014 LPN program because I need to complete something so I can work for my 2 girls. My school also has a bridge program to RNwhich I can complete in 2 semesters based on my previous classes. I want to know if there is job opportunities for LPN in the panhandle of Florida. Does my plan seem like a good one? Is it worth it to become a LPN? Whar areas can I work in as a LPN? Any input about my plan or what it is to be a LPN would be greatly appreciated.

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Hello! I am currently an LPN student in Virginia, but my sister works as an LPN in Florida. In general, LPN's are mostly used in geriatric facilities or home health, as well as some clinics. Few hospitals hire LPN's any more, they prefer RN's...and even then they seem to prefer RN BSN's. One of the few hospitals that still hire LPN's is the VA.

Now, some people do not enjoy the geriatric world of nursing. There are lots of bodily fluids, declining health, and on occasion difficult situations. I, however, really enjoy it. Making their quality of life better can really be a rewarding thing, though many are blinded to that fact by the brief changing and bed baths. So basically, it's not for everyone. If you get your LPN license and then follow through with the bridge program to RN, your job possibilities will of course become much more varied.

To make a long story short, your plan seems good, just be aware that you most likely will be doing geriatric care as an LPN. Some people seem shocked by this, so be prepared. If you love it like I do, good for you! If you don't enjoy it, no worries. You'll have more job opportunities as a RN.

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LTC seems to be the more common place for LPNs. Maybe just do a job search for your local hospital systems to see if they have openings for LPNs. Some hospitals no longer hire LPNs but depends on your location. Granted it may change a year from now but atleast you can get an idea.

LPNs work in clinic settings such as allergy, dermatology, urgent care, out patient or other specialty areas. Primary care typically hire MAs.

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I forgot to mention hospice and home health.

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hey i have two children as well and i know the frustration with extensive waiting list for schools with the ADN. Im starting the LPN program this fall for that reason. When it comes to jobs i would definetly do my research as mention LPN are being branch out to LTC and in clinical settings in the long run its what best for you and your family.

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what does your "gut" tell you? (Your intuition.)

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Thanks everyone for your comments. I researched job openings in my area and it seems there are opportunities for LPN's here. I worked in a nursing home before but in the kitchen. I had interaction with the residents and I did like it so working in nursing homes or geriatrics isn't a problem for me. Also experience will definitely help when I do become a RN. I feel really good about what I've decided to do. Really being a nurse is what I've always wanted to do so by any means necessary.

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Just wondering how your plan turned out since it has been almost 2 years since this post?? I'm looking into the PSC LPN program right now.

Thanks!

Stephanie

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