Is it true they are weeding out LVN's (Denton Texas)

Maxs · Feb 27, 2005

In illinois LPN/LVN's can only work in a Long term care facilities. If they want to work in a hospital setting, they would have to work as Patient Care Tech. And yes, that means they don't get paid more than patient care tech's do.

Maxs,

Nurseinthemaking · Feb 27, 2005

Working in Long Term care won't hurt my feelings any. Actually if you think about it, it is the wave of the future, with all these baby boomers, getting to be of age. But it saddens me to think that this will actually happen. I want to be on Med Surge for our County hosptial JPS in Ft. Worth for atleast a year, then from their who knows, maybe to RN school, I have no idea, but the thought of no LVN's makes my forehead wrinkle.

mattsmom81 · Feb 27, 2005

I worked with a very good LVN in a Denton ICU. He was only there because he was in school to become a RN, otherwise he told me he wouldn't be kept on....in ICU.

He could work medsurge if he wished; LVN's are welcome on medsurg.

In Fort Worth experienced LVN's are still utilized in many hospital medsurg units but with many restrictions, according to my LVN friends. So you will likely still be able to find hospital work in Fort Worth unless things have radically changed very recently.JPS has a strong education dept so they likely will take new grad LVN's...I would check with them directly so you won't be so worried.

Good luck to you.:)

Nurseinthemaking · Feb 27, 2005

I contacted JPS during the Christmas break, I wanted to work as a Tech. They will hire me once I have started my final Semester of LVN School which is in June and she did state that they do hire LVN's. Some people think I am nuts wanting to work there, but I know I will get so much experience and exposure at that hospital.

I knew that LVN's don't work in ICU and generally in the ER either especially trauma. I am doing my clinicals in Decatur and they do actually hire LVN's in the ER there, but it is somewhat of a drive for me and they pay a little less there then in Ft. Worth or Denton. Which doesn't matter to me other then the fact that because of the Gas prices you do have to consider that. I have to be able to pay off my school loans and childcare and still bring home enough to make ends meet. I have 4 kids and hubby works but we still need my income. I just cannot wait for the day I walk across that stage. It will be a night I will never forget. :balloons: This year has been long and indepth, but I am so glad I am doing this.

LorraineCNA · Feb 28, 2005

to find out if this is going to be a national trend?

I'm in MA school, I chose this because of the wait here to get into LPN school and also the fact that there is not a single LPN program local to me.

I do know that on at least one of the hospital network websites here, the LPN positions are listed as "tech" positions and they start out at a mere 12.00 and some odd change per hour, which also influenced my decision.

I do know that most office positions here are being filled my MA's, very rarely do I see an ad for a dr's office for a LPN anymore.

All that being said, even if I wanted to pursue nursing, I wouldn't want to go RN. I simply don't want the stress or the responsibility, not to mention the years of school. I'm no spring chicken.

If they were to phase out LPN positions here, that'd be the end of my wondering if I'd made the right decision.

Lorraine

CNA

almost MA

Rollins · Mar 3, 2005

When I was an LVN, I was allowed to work anywhere. I only spent 1 1/2 years on Med-Surg, and the other 5 years in the E.D., actually precepting new E.D. nurses, all of whom where RN's. I was also hired on in a Level I Trauma Center in the S.I.C.U. as an LVN and could do everything except take care of fresh CABG's. Title doesn't mean anything, it's all about knowledge & expereience. I've worked with alot of experienced LVN's who I'd rather have by my side in a critical situation than RN BSN's with less experience. Anyone can study to pass the boards, but not all can handle the work.

bobnurse · Mar 3, 2005

They will never get rid of LPN/LVN's..........But there is a national trend of relocating them to other areas... Mostly LTC and office work.

So dont get discouraged.......The LVN should be a bridge to RN.....and with most schools having bridge programs, its not very difficult to get your RN, and you dont really lose any time, since you can test out of nursing 1 and 2.

sleepless in norman · Mar 3, 2005

Yes, since 911, the Texas Homeland Security Office adopted a policy, declaring only Degree oriented personell were cleared to maintain and distribute nitroglycerin, especially being this is President Bush's home state.