LPN or RN?

[new_mom2005]

I know every state is differnt but I was just wondering for me to work in L&D , can i just take classes to be an LPN or do I have to go futher to become a RN??

Thanks for your help:wink2:

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

It may vary depending on where you are, but it has been my experience that hospitals hire only RNs to work L&D. Some places use LPNs to function as surgical and floor techs, but again, that seems to be dependent on where you go. There's absolutely nothing wrong with going to LPN school but I would want you to be realistic in your goals and be aware that L&D jobs are few and far between at best for LPNs. Hope this helps some.

[mytoon38]

I have worked in several states and all of the nurses that worked L&D were R.N.'s.

There might be some states that allow L.P.N.'s to work in L&D though.

I was an L.P.N. for years, and then went back and got my R.N. If you have the time and money to do R.N. school, I would just do the R.N. program now and then you will be done with school!

Good Luck!:wink2:

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

We do not use LPN's our our L&D department, only RN's. Our scrub techs for our c-sections are just that - scrub techs.

LPN's are actually a very underutilized position pretty much everywhere in our facility.

If you think you want to be an RN then by all means, go for it!!! Get the highest amount of education that you can afford not only $$$ wise but also time wise.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

The available jobs for LPN's are becoming increasingly limited, and often we are only used in rural areas and LTC.

If you wish to pursue POB/GYN I strongly advise you to go for the RN.

[Xbox Live Addict]

It may vary depending on where you are, but it has been my experience that hospitals hire only RNs to work L&D. Some places use LPNs to function as surgical and floor techs, but again, that seems to be dependent on where you go. There's absolutely nothing wrong with going to LPN school but I would want you to be realistic in your goals and be aware that L&D jobs are few and far between at best for LPNs. Hope this helps some.

Many hospitals in my area are hiring LPNs for every department - even after some of them tried an all-RN staff. Small-town hospitals will also hire LPNs for any position, although the pay is rather poor.

[beckersSN]

For me locally, none of the hospitals are even hiring LPNs only RNs. A few of the new LPN grads from my school have only been able to get jobs in LTC. Glad that I went with the RN program after hearing about that.

[nursejoy1, ASN, RN]

Even when hospitals in my area are hiring LPNs, the pay is terrible. A couple of years ago, an LPN with >5 years experience came to work at our facility because her hospital wouldn't give her a raise. ( after 2 years there). Being the nosy person I am, I asked what her salary was at the hospital and she said " $9.43/hr"!!!!!Most of our CNAs make that ! So my advice would be -Go for your RN if at all possible. I know we are not just in it for the money, but we do have to live on this salary. Also, as other posters have said not many hospitals are hiring LPNs for L&D. Good Luck.

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

LPN's in my state cannot give IVP drugs, so we don't hire them typically in L&D.

[GOMER42]

Whether or not a hospital will hire LPNs in a given department is one issue, but a lot of places are phasing LPNs out in hopes of having RN- only facilities. This way the facility is able to have a faster turn around in OR rooms for C-sections, there are less resources spent on RNs providing oversight of LPNs, CNAs, etc. (I'm not saying I entirely support the notion, but I can understand it).

If you want a higher degree of autonomy, and perhaps more job security, I would suggest an RN study track.

[CorgiMom]

It depends on the Nurse Practice Act in your state. In our state, the law specifically states that LPNs have only an assisting role in L&D.