LPN (Phasing out for LTC?)

Hello All!

I am going to be starting school this January for PN. After tireless hours, and countless pre-requisites at local community college's, for Nursing (RN)...I just now have been accepted into a Nursing program (LPN) at a local school in Kentucky.

I am very thankful for this opportunity. However, I DO want to work in LTC after I graduate, but am hearing many rumors that my future job will be phased out in such Long Term Care/Nursing Home's.

I don't see why this would be, why schools would still be offering a program for students that won't have a career after they graduate. I see LTC facilities still hiring LPN's in years to come due to the significant less pay they have to offer them, rather than an RN with more education and a higher degree.

Boy I hope not but that just means I'll have no choice but to get my RN. But than you hear that there going to phase out ADN and than that you need your masters BLAH BLAH. Im starting to see alot more RN's working in LTC on the floor pushing a med cart, guess they never heard of the nursing shortage .

You would be grandfathered in anyway not that means anything either.

Don't believe everything you hear. When I was a new LPN 12 years ago (in Kentucky, I might add), there was a rumor going around that they were going to start phasing out LPNs altogether within 5 years, which, of course, hasn't come to fruition. My point is this: Don't believe rumor and innuendo. Stay informed through your BON and professional journals. Know the facts before jumping to conclusions.

The argument that LTC "needs" RNs over LPNs due to higher acuity is horsepucky. The LPN scope of practice is perfectly sufficient to be a floor nurse in a nursing home. The reason we're seeing more RNs pushing the med cart is purely economical. More and more RN new

grads are turning to LTC because the tight job market is keeping them out of the hospital. So LTC facilities are able to hire new grad RNs and pay them a couple bucks more than a LPN to be a floor nurse. Having more RNs on staff

looks good on paper. But.... as soon as the economy (hopefully) turns around these RNs will be long gone, or at the very least move to management positions.

I heard the same thing 4 years ago, and I am still working as an LPN with 2.5 jobs. I did increase my odds, I will be an RN May 2013. My point is you can always continue your education. Hugs and good luck with your program.