LPN Confusion - Tampa Bay Area

[cc33702]

Hi all,

I'm a little confused about something...I've seen a few times now people saying that hospitals aren't hiring LPN's and / or CNA's in the area. However, I took a glance at several of the local hospital websites (local being Tampa Bay / St. Pete / Clearwater / Largo) and with the exception of one, all of them had listings for LPNs and PCTs or CNA's in their jobs section. The only exception I saw was that I didn't see CNA's at All Children's. So I guess I'm confused.

I am testing for my CNA license in September, and planning on the year-long program for LPN so that I can get into a hospital (hopefully!) and continue on for my RN. I'd love to be able to just go straight for RN, but it's not an option for me right now -- I'll be doing pre-reqs while going for my LPN. The question is...are there really hospital jobs out there? Am I missing something?

LPN's in the Tampa area, I'd love to hear your feedback. :)

[luv4nursing]

I was in Orlando when I was an LPN and I found that the few LPN positions that were available required previous hospital experience as an LPN. A long time ago LPNs always worked in the hospital, so the older LPN's usually have plenty of hospital experience and usually they are who will get the jobs. I had friends in LPN school who were already employed as a CNA at the hospital and still were unable to get an LPN position so they had to look elsewhere for employment. The pay was also very low (not much more than CNA pay). In Tampa they seem to be trying to phase out LPNs and my hospital is even talking about phasing out CNAs and giving the RNs a lower patient load but total responsibility for their patients. As an LPN I used to apply to the hospital jobs but never got called back. That is not to say it is impossible to get hired, you will just have to talk to the right person at the right time to help your chances. I opted to just work in peds homecare while I went back for my RN and then I went to the hospital.

To be honest, the hospital is hard work and I don't think it is even worth it for RN pay so I would definitely not work for even lower wages. I'm getting ready to move again and will probably sign up to work pool so at least I can make a higher wage and feel like I'm somewhat being compensated for working my butt off.