LPN Information or rumor: Is this true?

[Butterflybee]

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

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

Please any information would be appreciated. thanks

[Starr1966]

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

this is true, night shift is more relaxed. i just wanted to add that as a night shift nurse and a former night shift cna, its also very busy at night or can be. many people have the misconception that all the residents sleep all night and all night shift workers do is sit around. this couldn't be further from the truth. in my current position i'm a night charge nurse in a ltcf and i seldom have much down time. i think i work harder and am on my feet more in the ltcf then i ever was at the hospital.

i once worked night shift in a hospital and over heard someone from the dayshift say that people that work night shift are lazy :angryfire. that is untrue. many of us just prefer to work nights plus you don't have to put up with all the administrative staff, etc.

sorry i rambled on and got off topic a bit. just wanted to express my thoughts.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

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?

In most cases, it is true. The day tour is very hectic because administration is around, patients have to be dressed and ready for activities, programs or clinic appointments. Visitors come during this time, there are two meals to be responsible for; breakfast and lunch. I found that the evenings were much better, because the patients had to just be placed in the bed after evening ADL care.

Like TheCommuter stated, I can't answer the question of whether it is worth your time to enter into the LPN program in June. It may depend on many things: Are you already accepted into the LPN program? Are the RN programs in your area more competitive? Did you take the pre-requisites for the RN program, and if so, are the grades and the GPA high enough to guarentee acceptance? The RN program is longer, and this may make your hectic schedule a bit harder, most LPN programs are all day 5 days a week (unless they have evening classes). Only you can make that decision. Good luck.

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

I live in Southern Indiana and the very first place I put in an application hired me the next day! The recruiter nearly fell over herself to get me hired on, and I wasn't even licensed yet! I worked as a CNA, then they trained me as a QMA until I got my license 2.5 months later. They bent over backwards to make sure I stayed on. Most of my classmates had similar experiences at their places of employment as well. Most of us are in LTC. At least until we get that "magical" 1 year of experience in. There are opportunities around here in other types of medical care, but most want LPN's to be IV certified, a real plus if you can find the class.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

i just wanted to add that as a night shift nurse and a former night shift cna, its also very busy at night or can be. many people have the misconception that all the residents sleep all night and all night shift workers do is sit around. this couldn't be further from the truth.

i already know this. i've worked every shift in ltc (days, evenings, night shift, and weekend doubles).

[Butterflybee]

Thank you blue. good luck w/your position.