LPN Specialty

[whittwhitt]

After doing research for about a week I've decided I want a health care job that doesn't involve that much direct patient contact, so possibly something technical. I've looked into billing/coding and transcription but don't want a desk job either. I'm also extremely interested in helping with surgeries.

The programs offered at my technical college and careers that I think would be a good fit for me are: diagnostic medical sonographer, radiologic technology, and surgical technology.

From what I've read in all of those careers it is very hard to find a job. If it would be a good fit for me I'd go for it and take my chances at finding a job, but since I know there are so many opportunities for LPNs to do multiple things in several different health care settings, I was wondering if anyone knew of an LPN specialty that would be similar to any of those careers?

Do you know if an LPN can work as a CST (I believe it depends on the place you work). Possibly working in the PACU or the OR would be a good fit? Possibly first assisting?

Any other LPN specialty positions or other health care jobs?

Any help would be much appreciated! I've been getting on the computer every day this week for hours until my eyes burn trying to find something that would be a good career choice for me before I head down the LPN path

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

I'm not sure what the job market is in your area but most hospitals only hire RNs, moving more towards BSNs. Many hospitals are not hiring LPNs, even those with years experience. Many LPNs can find employment in LTC/SNF, rehab, home health, clinics (though seeing more MAs in some places). The positions that you mentioned would be an RN with specific additional training for PACU or OR.

[whittwhitt]

Ok thank you for clearing that up for me! Do you know what kind of work experience would aid in getting a health care job? I have about 7 months before starting the LPN program and am looking to get a job to add to my resume as well as some volunteer work. I was thinking housekeeping, preferably in a clinic or hospital environment, would be a good starting job. Or any kind of clerical work, also preferably in a health care setting.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

I would advise you to keep looking and figure out what the job market is like for the areas you are interested in. If you don't want to do direct patient care, then and LPN is not for you. Though there might be some jobs working for insurance companies, but may of those seem to want RNs