LPNs in the ER please respond

Jailhouse RN · Apr 7, 2004

There are very few hospitals that staff their ERs with LPNs. I was an LPN so I am not bashing. The fact is That as an LPN you will not have some of the necessary skills such as IVs, EKG/telemetry, ACLS and assessment skills to function in a major crisis. Yes these skills can be learned but at a higher level. Fact is even an RN with less than a couple of years experience will have a very hard time landing a job in an ER. If that is your goal, I invite you to join me and do as I did; when you finish your LPN roll right into an RN program. As any type of nurse I welcome you to the profession.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2004

We're the trauma ER for the area. Our ER only hires RNs. However, I have a friend working at another local ER, that's smaller, who works in the ER. She has ACLS, telemetry certified, etc. Good luck. Doesn't hurt to try.

Darlene K. · Apr 8, 2004

I live in FL and I used to work full-time (now prn) in a level II trama ED. Depending on your skills and years of experience, you can find employment as an LPN in an emergency room. They probably would not hire you fresh out of school (as a nurse), but get your PALS and ACLS, and start out as a tech in the ER to gain some experience. Good luck.

Brownms46 · Apr 8, 2004

I am an lpn student it is my passion to work in the ER will any hospitals hire LPNs for this? I love mental health to so if not I can steer toward that. :)

YES...You can work in an ER as an LPN! This includes Level I, II and III ERs, and I have not only worked in them as a traveler, and per diem, but have been offered a position in every one that I have worked in. I have excellent IV skills, done EKGs, been assigned to the Trauma bays, with major trauma pts., and transferred those pts. to CCU/ICUs, or surgery.

However,...it will depend on what state you live in, and how the hospitals in your area utilizes LPNs. I worked ER in S. C., Tx, and in Washington state. In some states and or hospitals, LPNs are used as techs. So if ER is your passion, I would encourage you to continue your education, as many have said, if you're going to do the work, you might as well get paid.

Good luck in your career, no matter what you chose to pursue.

hotrodrn · Sep 28, 2004

I am an lpn student it is my passion to work in the ER will any hospitals hire LPNs for this? I love mental health to so if not I can steer toward that. :)

Some hospitals still hire LPN's in the er. And then some hospitals dont hire lpns at all. Mine still hires LPN's for every specialty. So you have a good chance of getting hired especially if you go to a big city trauma center that really needs nurses. I work with LPN's all the time. They usually just want you to have your IV certification also. You might take an emt class. I know some of the LPN's I work with are also paramedics. It helped them get the job. Because if there a paramedic to, they can do the tasks that an lpn cant do under there paramedic licenses.

"Good Luck. Welcome to Nursing and Have a Fun and Valuable ride."

Rod RN BSN:)

flashpoint · Oct 1, 2004

Our ER uses LPNs instead of techs. The LPNs are allowed to do a lot of things that the techs aren't allowed to do (like give meds, start IVs, discharge instructions and teaching).