Lpn becoming obsolete

[TrinaftureNurse]

Ive been looking for a LPN program and its been hard but one particular school i had in mind told me that lpns will no longer be needed is this happening everywhere Rn was going to be my next step but ithought you had to be a LPN first Can i go to school for RN instead

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

LPN and RN are different degree programs. Yes, you can become and LPN and then enter an LPN to RN bridge program. This is a good option if: 1. You can't afford an RN program or 2. Your GPA doesn't qualify you for an RN program (which tend to be more competitive). But if your ultimate goal is to be an RN, it may be better to enter an RN program directly. You can either enter an associate's degree (ADN) program (about two years long) or a four year baccalaureate (BSN) program. The BSN degree is preferred among major hospital systems and in some cases required for hire. You will be a more competitive applicant if you have a BSN degree. However these programs take longer to complete and cost more money

LPNs have a narrower scope of practice than an RN. That means that while many of the skills and knowledge is the same, they can ultimately do less than an RN does. For example, in some places an LPN cannot administer IV medications without additional training/certification. For this reason, LPNs have been phased out of most hospital systems. They still can find employment in long term and skilled facilities and some clinics.

[jmanshutt, LPN]

Your going to keep seeing LPN's being pushed to the nursing homes from Acute care settings. Even now I currently working in a LTC facility and 8 years ago when I started LPN's were everywhere on the floor, even holding charge positions. Now the way the reimbursement is going the charge positions are now being filled with RN's to get the RN staffing up for the 5 star ratings. My suggestion go straight for your RN!

Good luck with whatever you decide.