Lpn programs...whats the point!!

Lovely_RN, MSN · Mar 21, 2008

I think that it's criminal the way these LPN programs keep misleading their students into believing that they will be scoring a hospital job. In my program working LTC was rarely discussed as an option. Instead the focus was on working in a hospital...it was a joke to me because I knew better. I would listen to the instructors asking students what they wanted to specialize in and I would just shake my head.

The hard cold truth about being an LPN in a lot of places, not all but a lot, is that we are not being hired in large numbers at hospitals....period. That's just the way it is and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about becoming an LPN to do a little research into what the job prospects are going to be before they decide what type of nursing education they wish to pursue.

I don't think that it's impossible to find what you are looking for but you gotta be realistic about the fact that you are a new grad and you are likely competing with experienced LPNs for a very limited amount of hospital and doc office positions.

Now if you think that the investment you made in your education thus far has been a waste then it is whatever you perceive it as. Personally, I have always looked at becoming an LPN as a stepping stone on my way to RN and beyond that. I know I have to work in LTC for the time being but I am looking at it as a learning experience. There are a lot skills that can be acquired in LTC and guess what? Those LTC residents are just as important as the hospital patients and they really need good nurses. So although I know that I will likely not be working LTC for my entire career while I am here I am proud of providing the best care that I am capable of for my resident's.

I wish you the best of luck.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2008

I'm sorry you're having this problem. My understanding, based upon reading here but not personal experience, is that most of the LPN positions are going to be in LTC. LTC residents need good care too, and not all LTCs are as poorly run as others. One can gain a lot of experience and learn a lot of valuable skills in LTC.

I'm fortunate to have been hired in a hospital, in a cardiac tele unit no less, as an LPN. Based upon my experience, I can understand why hospitals would be reluctant to hire LPNs. The limitations in the LPN scope of practice can place an additional burden upon the RNs that work on the floor, as an LPN simply cannot do everything an RN does. I was hired because I already worked in my unit as a CNA, and the LPN position I accepted was temporary, based on the condition that I will obtain my RN license this year. The hospital has an investment in me, as I have received scholarship money to help pay for school, and the NM who hired me had a strong belief in growing nurses. I have very strong doubts that they would have hired a new LPN with no experience off the street.

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2008

I'm so glad you started this thread because in some areas this is the reality of becoming an LPN/LVN and prospective students should know this. Half the people in my class of LVN students said they were sorry they had started at the school because they didn't know their opportunities would be so limited. But at least in my area we can get jobs other than LTC.

Upon graduation I applied for and accepted a job as an ER tech. I love this job and am very happy with it. But they do not hire LVN's at this ED. When I get my LVN I'm not sure where I am going to work. But in the meantime I am gaining valuable experience and making some much needed money. (well not as much as LVN) My friend did get hired at a psych facility as a CNA and they said when she gets her license they will hire her as a nurse.

Other than behavioral health, have you looked into a long term ACUTE care facility? They are all over. I worked at one for 8 months as a CNA and the nurses only had 4 to 5 patients each like in a regular hospital. My hospital did not take patients who needed PT but other hospitals specialize in that so you get lots of little ole' ladies who have broken their leg or hip and need PT or post stroke pt's needing PT, OT and ST. We did our clinicals in those places and some were quite nice.

Ask around and look on the web or or in the newspaper or just drive around. Most will have the word Hospital in their name but they are smaller. But I did do a clinical at a very large facility many stories tall that was across from a big Hospital and it was called something REHAB (a rehabilitative place) but most say hospital to distinguish themselves from LTC's.

The big hospitals may not hire you but there still might be some opportunities out there that are not LTC. Good luck in your job search and thanks for posting! :)

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2008

I am so sorry you are having such a hard time finding a job. I am apalled that your school would emphasize hospital nursing for LPNs. Our hospitals hire LPNs but we are mostly teaching hospitals. In fact, one of our hospitals has an PN school of its own...

I went into LPN knowing I would not be looking into acute care, but then I feel that I had enough options open to me that it wasn't a huge deal.

I think LPN is a great option for someone who doesn't have enough time to complete an RN program but can't survive off the CNA salary. I am so sad that you feel you wasted your time.

SillyStudent, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2008

It's a real shame how LPN students are mislead into thinking that hospitals will be dying to hire them. My MIL is an LPN with 25 years of experience and if she ever wants a new job, it will most likely be in LTC, as these are the only openings in my area for LPN's.

Fiona59 · Mar 21, 2008

I do think you need to be careful in generalizing. Not every area and school has these attitude.

PNs are active in all areas of healthcare in my province. We are utilized to full scope of pratices. Skills wise we are very good value for the healthcare dollar.

My scope of pratice has been expanded upon constantly since my graduation at the turn of the century. We have recently been told that it will expand yet again this year.

I work in a hospital where every shift is 50/50 RN/PN. Currently there is a very narrow gap in the scope of practice. We have a two year diploma programme for PNs which is graduating PNs with higher skill sets than the RNs of 15 years ago. We come to which ever facility hires us trained and ready to hit the floor.

Do not weep, wail, and decry a profession that serves some of it's members well. We are each responsible for researching our own careers.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 21, 2008

How about Home Health? I do not know where you live but Home Health will hire LPNs in most places without experience.

In any case, I really feel your plight. Just to let you know, RN New Grads are being turned away all over the country for lack of experience too. New Graduate programs designed to take new RNs are impacted and so you will not be alone in LTC or Home Health for very long. Students like myself and others who already work for our prospective employers have a better chance of being hired when we graduate. The rest have to take his/her chances competing against the massive numbers of nursing students graduating nursing school every year. On the other hand, the nurses who will continue to be in demand are those with experience (that is right folks, the nursing shortage no longer applies to new nurses).

BTW, I also understand how you feel about not wishing to further your education. I initially only wanted LPN behind my name. While working on my pre-reqs and co-reqs I met LPNs who spoke of the realities and limitations of being a LPN. So I changed my mind and sought to be a RN.

After being admitted into nursing school, I learned that RN has its limits without BSN attached. :rolleyes: So now I am in the process of applying to a local University to begin to finish nursing courses for my BSN. After I receive my BSN I will be working on my Masters in Nursing or Doctorate whatever because while participating in SNA, I learned that the true career climbers have advanced degrees in nursing or in administration. :bugeyes:

A few bright points in my journey are the facts that I already have an MBA and I will be paid very well while continuing my education beyond an ADN. Thus, I no longer have a problem with earning additional alphabets behind my name. GL! :nurse:

linzz · Mar 21, 2008

I can understand to a point what you are saying but even here in Canada where a lot but not all of our hospitals hire LPN's, new LPN grads often must start in long term care and pay your dues, so to speak. Even after a year experience, it is much easier to snag jobs at better facilities. In fact, at some of our hospitals, they are insisting that LPN's have that long term care experience esp. that which includes medication administration. It is really tough being a new grad because you are dealing with reality shock and the RN's deal with it also. Many of them get eaten alive in the hospitals. I wish the schools would really start being realistic about the job prospects in their area and spend more time dealing with the reality of being a new nurse. JMO.

Fiona59 · Mar 21, 2008

LTC is also a great provider of time management skills. You have to learn quickly to manage the workload in those facilities.

allnurses Guide · Mar 21, 2008

Ditto the home health option. Friend of mine couldn't get a job at a hospital but home health took her right in.

Other LTCs may well be different, the LPNs at my late FIL's Alzheimer's unit were great.

Are you willing to relocate? Smaller and rural hospitals have trouble attracting people to their communities.

Have you tried the prison systems? Several of our jails use LPNs (not just the big prisons, but the local intake before court).

Have you thought of alcohol rehab centers?

Just trying to throw some ideas your way. Hope you find something soon.

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Mar 21, 2008

Our prison system here ONLY hires LVN's not RN's and they make darn good money too! Yes there are many more options than first thought. And I now remember one of my clinical instructors saying that the VA hired her as an LVN and that they mostly hired LVN's. No CNA's so you did all the care and really worked your butt off.