LPN phase out?

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Hi all - I'm finally getting into nursing and am trying to navigate the murky waters of CNA/LPN/RN/BSN....etc... I'll be finishing my CNA this fall in order to start working, and I'm thinking of getting my LPN cert next... however, I keep seeing things that say LPN's are being phased out, especially in hospitals, which is where I really want to work eventually...

Is the LPN a good step towards RN associates or is it a long side-step if I want to work in a hospital? I'm sure that, to a degree, this is regional - or is it? I'm in Washington state and am about to start dialing all the hospitals to ask them...

Any thoughts/ideas here would be hugely appreciated!! :heartbeat

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The ANA (American Nurses Association) has been advocating for the elimination of the LPN designation since 1965.

44 years have elapsed since the ANA revealed their position, and look at where we currently stand. LPNs have not been phased out. Actually, our overall numbers have increased in the workforce.

Some hospitals in certain regions do not hire LPNs due to scope of practice issues. However, I do know of an LPN who recently worked on a postpartum unit in the state of Washington.

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Specializes in Trauma & Emergency.

I don't know if they will ever be able to completely phase LPNs out--more than likely they WILL be phased out of most hospitals. I would suggest maybe working as a CNA in the hospital while you go to school to become a RN. I wouldn't suggest taking the LPN route unless your absolutely sure that you will be able to find work in a hospital (which is what will make you happy) upon graduation. RN is probably the best way to go.

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Thanks very much for the input - I really, really appreciate it!!

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Not in LTC but in most hospitals in this area

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Hi All,

I live in NYC....and I have been hearing about LPN's being phased out & also RN w/o a BSN being phased out!!!! This have been going on for years before I was born. There's nothing wrong with starting out has a LPN and gaining work experience and eventually pursuing your RN, BSN, MSN and so on......

Please don't let anyone back track you!!!!

Good Luck!!!!!!

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Specializes in RN.

I am currently in school for my LPN and have heard that for years as well however here in GA only a few hospitals do not hire LPN's and the rest do. However I choose this route because all the grants I received that only paid for a Technical College Degree, and I didn't want anymore student loans. I do plan to go back for my RN after I have worked in a hospital and receive their tuition reimbursment. Just do whatever works for you.

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I love it!! Thanks so much for all the thoughts! Keep 'em coming! (and wanna share about grants for technical college?? :) heh)

thank you!!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

In NC, Most hopsitals don't hire LPNs anymore but they are always gonna be in LTC. So If you can't get into a RN program then maybe try to do the LPN and phase into a LPN-RN. You may have to do this because getting to RN school is no easy task.

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