Published Apr 5, 2011
RNHealer08, ADN
56 Posts
As of 2011 are LPN programs really worth the hassle? Should student just go straight into the RN programs? Are LPNs still as easily employed ? I am in a really intense 10 month LPN program and really am beginning to think I should have just considered the RN program initially.
Seas
519 Posts
It depends on where you want to work. LTC facilities are pretty much the only places that hire LPN's. Well, "some" hospitals hire LPN's as well. I read LPN students' posts saying they want to do ICU, hospital, home health, school nursing, such, but these places won't hire LPN's. there are always exceptions, but then you got to be lucky.
momtojosh
518 Posts
i am a LPN,when i graduated 3 yrs ago i could of worked in a hosp med surge floor or the hosp LTC unit....i chose to work for the state(great pay and benefits) with medically frail mentally and physically challenged individuals...home health is always looking for LPNs...infact....this summer i am going to work per Diem for a man who is brain injured,hes on a vent/trach...g tube..and is a quad...poor man...only going to do this one day a week tho...
i am also plugging away at classes for RN as well..as I do want to be able to do more....
jobs are out there..somewhere...
ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN
804 Posts
3 of my friends just graduated as LPNs.. two are working in LTC, one is in a hospital, and one is in pediatric home health..
Barbara Hessinger
54 Posts
I think it is a good way to get your feet wet and see if you like nursing. You can always get your RN later. I see many new RN's working in LTC right now because of the job situation.
Thanks everyone
DreamyEyes
474 Posts
I say it is worth it, depending on what area you want to get into. I love geriatrics, so LPN was the right choice for me right now.
LTC is not the only area LPN's can work in. In my area, I see a ton of postings for home health as well. You can also work in doctors offices, clinics, some psych facilities, and county jails.
MrsMig, BSN, RN
172 Posts
Oh it's definitely worth it!
I, too, am in a 10 month LPN program and did it this way because I'd like to finish by August 2011 - work for a year - then enter into the ADN program and finish up w/2 semesters instead of doing 2 years back to back. I've heard stories that when you have your Summer off in between a 2 year program, you tend to 'lose' skills since you haven't perfected them yet and are not using them on a day-to-day basis and another reason, I have small children and couldn't imagine going to school 2 years straight!
To answer your question, there are jobs for LPN's.....how can education not be worth it?
Where are you?
NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN
3,959 Posts
It is soooo worth it ! I been a LPN for over a year now and I love the pay and the experience while completing my RN. Go for it !
well, not so much the education. but the profession as an LPN. from my research most jobs are limited as an lpn here. many jobs are sending their lpns back to school to get RN
Thanks @nurselovejoy! what type of field are you currently working in?
and also, how long have you been in your RN program?