LPN - future careers

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Hello, I am a career changer interested in going into nursing, and I was considering starting with an LPN, so that I can begin working and then do an RN transition program. However, I have heard that the pay is not very good and that jobs are becoming scarce now that places are phasing out LPNs and giving the work to RNs and aides? So, is this something I should even pursue, or should I just consider going right to an RN program.

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Hi,

I was considering the same option and had exactly the same concern.

I did end up applying for an LPN program, but was put on a waiting list as they only take 30 students each fall. I changed my mind after I took the Anatomy class - I applied for the RN program and it turned out that I started at the same time I would have began the LPN program anyway.

My biggest concern was that I wouldn't be able to find a job. It seems like it may be easier to get a job as a CNA than an LPN. I don't know what to tell you, but I think your concern is valid.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Family Practice.

LPN's can always get a job, it just may not be where you want. I'm from Illinois and LPN's here don't work in hospitals. We do work in nursing homes, doctors offices, and homecare. Your scope of practice is very limited depending on which facility you work at. I'm a LPN and if I had to do it over again, I would of went straight for the RN. At present I do not have the time or the money, so a LPN I will stay. The money isn't that bad, but the respect is. When I'm with a group of nurses and they ask what type I say LTC or clinic and they say why not a hospital and I embarrisingly have to say I'm not allowed. (I don't know why my lettering became darker, oops) The sad thing is is that I was the first to graduate from high school in my family and the first to ever go to college and initially so proud of my LPN accomplishment, but society and the medical field put a cabash (sp) on that. Do whatever you want, but first check around and see where you can be utilized as a LPN, and if the list is small, try and get your RN. People won't look at you quite so funny. Sorry if this offended any other LPN's, but here in Illinois, LPN's are not at the top or even close the the top of the nursing hierarchy.

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I'm an LPN in the Grand Rapids area. I absolutely hate it! I chose to get my LPN back in 2001 to "bypass" a two year waiting list at GRCC. Unfortunately, they don't inform you that by taking the actual RN pre reqs, waives the requirements for the ADN. At 20, I wasn't smart enough to realize to take the real A & P, Micro etc.. Anyways, it was an intense full time, 9 month program. I finished and became distracted with fun, rent and other misc. bills. Now the waiting list for the ADN is 7 yrs (2 w/ LPN) I still would have to take Chemistry to even be placed on the waiting list. None of the ADN nursing classes are waived at GRCC for having your LPN. I'd have to test out and pay a portion of the tuition due. (Yes, I'm bitter about all of this!) What I'm trying to say is that I would have been better off at 20, waiting two years and getting into the ADN program. Now I'm 27 and enrolled in Excelsior.

As far as opportunities for LPN on my side of the state goes, it is very limited. They are employed in hospitals, but to me it appears as "glorified tech" positions. I have worked in LTC. I love caring for the elderly, but absolutely hate the politics and staffing in these areas. It's not safe and you constantly feel like you're doing a bad job. I work during the school year at a vocational high school as a designated CNA instructor. I also do part time med set ups for a homecare company. I am proud of accomplishing my LPN, but for me personally I hate telling people that is what my credentials are. So many people think we're not good enough and it takes a toll on your self esteem!

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I am taking my pre-reqs for LPN at Baker. I was told I could go from that to RN with another year of training. Was that just a ploy to get me in? I don't want to do this if I am going to feel like crap all the time, thats why I didn't do cena but I didn't do RN because I was told with LPN I could work a little first then go to RN make sure this is for me. I just hope I didn't make a mistake. I have looked on a few hospital websites for jobs and some have lpns and some don't. I am scared now from reading this.

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I had the same concerns regarding LPN vs RN. My situation worked out that I am now in an LPN program and very grateful due to the long wait for RN programs. I will begin working as an LPN and go for my RN online. This will allow me to make money and advance further in my nursing career. For me this was the best alternative as I did not want to deal with anymore waiting to begin my career. LPN's are being utilized in Michigan again, in fact there are multiple hospitals that have listed jobs in there employment adds. There will always be work for an LPN, check out salary.com to see the average median salary range where you live.

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I would like to add that having CNA experience is of great help when training to become a nurse at any capacity. The knowledge that some of my classmates have from CNA training has allowed them to help me in my clinicals. If I had known that now I would have gone through a CNA program and worked to get that most valuable experience.

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