Lpn Demand In Middle Tn?

[wrd62279spn]

LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING MY LICENSE IN THE FALL ( PRAYING I SUCCEED IN GRADUATING& PASSING N-CLEX) ANY TN NURSES KNOW WHAT THE NEED FOR LPN'S IN MIDDLE TN IS? WHERE WOULD A GRADUATE LOOOK TO GET "FEET WET"? HOPE TO BRIDGE TO RN WHILE GETTING EXPERIENCE. WHAT'S MY BEST BET?

[MamaG]

I moved back to TN from AR about 9 years ago. In AR, I was a clinic nurse ~ family practice and finally landed in cardiology. Loved it. When I came back to TN - I had a hard time finding work in a "clinic" setting. I found that most clinics didn't want to hire LPN's -they preferred MA's. The only work that I could find (besides a hospital which I had no experience with) was Assisted Living and LTC. I really liked the assisted living side of it. I ended up managing a dementia unit in an assisted living community. We actively recruited new graduates because the pace was manageable and they could get their feet wet in a not so critical atmosphere. The pay scale was comparable to working in a clinic.

I'm currently in my 3rd semester of RN school now and during clinicals I have an opportunity to visit some of the larger hospitals in Nashville. I would say the majority of the hospitals are moving toward RNs rather than LPNs and some are exclusive to RNs.

All things considered, including the nationwide nursing shortage, I don't think you'll have a problem finding a job - it will just be a question of finding the right fit for you. Best of luck to you!