LPN Information or rumor: Is this true?

**Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN** · Jan 14, 2008

I had no trouble getting a job in LTC 2 years ago when I graduated. The trouble was in getting a facility to provide me with a good orientation. I found one that gave me a month's orientation and for that I am so grateful.

Some places (like my current Home Health agency) want at least a year of experience before they will hire you. You may have to hunt around but places WILL hire you.

As for everyone becoming an RN, I haven't heard that one. A LPN I was talking to tomorrow said people have been saying that for 20+ years!

Butterflybee · Jan 14, 2008

It sure seems that way but what with them no longer hiring LPNs at hospitals, the tide seems to be turning in that direction albeit at a snail's pace. Also, im so scared because i have no background medical experience only from many many years ago. Really, i do not want to go back to school any time soon for the RN....

Lovely_RN, MSN · Jan 14, 2008

I guess it depends on what area of the country you live in. There are plenty of LPN jobs where I am at but mostly in LTC and clinics. There are hospital jobs and that is what I thought I wanted at first. Now I don't because the hospitals that I know of that hire LPNs pay less than the LTCs and the work is almost the same as what the RNs are doing.

I am going to work in the hospital once I get my RN but not now. I felt like I was looked down on during clinical in the hospitals. I also didn't like how when I was searching for jobs on various hospitals website's it would list RN jobs under the nursing category and LPN jobs under allied health as if we aren't even nurses. That was offensive to me and I don't want to work for an employer who does not acknowledge me as a nurse.

hikernurse · Jan 14, 2008

I got a job in a hospital without a lot of trouble; what helped, though, was that I already worked there as a CNA. I do think hospital jobs are harder walk into. They have been phasing out LPNs since the late 70's in this area, but obviously haven't quite gotten there yet :rolleyes: .

KaroSnowQueen, RN · Jan 14, 2008

No and nope.

I had no medical experience before getting my LPN, not so much as had a clue about anything before I went to school. Have had no troubles getting jobs.

And "they're going to make all LPNs become RNs" - that little story has been circulating for over 25 years that I know of, and haven't seen it come to pass yet!!!!!

PS: Quoting Elektra6: "A LPN I was talking to tomorrow" - that's a good trick!!!! I wanna know how!!!! :yelclap:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jan 14, 2008

I worked in the medical field in many positions before I became an LPN here in NY, so, I have no personal experience to share. I have had friends, though, that have not had much difficulty finding jobs, but as another poster mentioned, the issue may be the orientation, which is very important for the new grad. Thus far, in my area, they are still hiring LPNs in hospitals; maybe not as many or limited to work in certain areas, but they are being hired. I think it depends on what area in this country you reside in.

I have never heard of a mandate that we HAVE to become RNs. They have been saying that they want to have the entry level for a nurse to be BSN, but that is not really happening, either. The shortage of nurses and graduates from nursing programs is too great to do that at this time.

kat7ap · Jan 14, 2008

I've lived in the Seattle area and the Dallas/Fort Worth area and never had problems getting a job even as a new grad. For instance, when I moved to Washington, I applied for jobs and in one week I had interviews and 2 job offers and still more employers calling. Hospital jobs can be harder to come by, especially when you don't have experience. So sometimes you may have to start out in a less desirable place and work your way up. I started out in LTC and now work in a hospital that values LPNs as nurses, not just ancillary staff.

As for LPNs having to become RNs.... I don't think we will ever see that day. If that were to happen, there would be a major crisis in our healthcare system. While in some places LPNs might not be in great demand in the hospital setting, we are still in strong demand in other areas like LTC, clinics and Dr.'s offices, home health, hospice...etc

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2008

Im hearing that it is very difficult to get an LPN job without previous medical experience. Has anyone else found this to be true?

This was very untrue in my case. I received my temporary license in the mail, and found a job the next day. I had no previous medical experience.

Also, Ive heard that all LPNs are going to have to become RNs. Is this true and where is this rumor coming from.

In 1965, the ANA proposed the phasing out of all LPNs. 43 years later, and it has not occurred. The moral of the story is to not fret over silly rumors.

mrsraisinkain · Jan 14, 2008

PS: Quoting Elektra6: "A LPN I was talking to tomorrow" - that's a good trick!!!! I wanna know how!!!! :yelclap:

I saw that too and thought, "Wow, we must get crystal balls in LPN school!"!! :nuke:

Gavsmom · Jan 15, 2008

I've been applying for jobs as a CNA & everyone has told me that day shifts for CNA's are so draining from how incredibly busy they are..Is that true? Also, is it even worth it for me to start LPN school in June or should I go right for RN instead? I have a 2 year old & "other responsibilities" that make my schedule hectic. Any advice/comments?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2008

I've been applying for jobs as a CNA & everyone has told me that day shifts for CNA's are so draining from how incredibly busy they are..Is that true? Also, is it even worth it for me to start LPN school in June or should I go right for RN instead? I have a 2 year old & "other responsibilities" that make my schedule hectic. Any advice/comments?

1. In my experience, CNAs remain extremely busy during day shift, but nights tend to be more relaxed.

2. If you need to earn a decent income right away, pursuing the LPN licensure might be worth it. If you have the time and money to wait, pursuing the RN licensure directly might make more sense. We cannot make this decision for you.

Good luck!