Published
Speaking as an LPN with 10 years in emergency services in that title (and a previous 9 years as an EMT/Tech), I disagree. The worst moment of my career was when I showed up to work as usual and was pink slipped. Only then to learn through numerous contacts that they love my work, but cannot hire me. I went from team leader to jobless without prospects in a little under three hours on a Monday.
Resolving the license situation is simple. Just spend 6 grand and go back to school via Advanced Placement. Except, I don't have 6 grand. What I do have is a girlfriend with 3 kids, a sick mother I take care of at home, a sick father I need to send money to/pay bills for, and numerous other direct drains on anything I make. I work agency these days. So that means I get sent to LTAC's, SNF's, Vent Units, Subacute, and once and a blue moon Med Surg. It's summer, so the availability of shifts is low. I'm lucky to get 20 hours a week. And those hours come at pay rates that are 6-10 dollars lower than what I made before.
If I said I was angry about this, I'd be making an understatement. But from my perspective, going from working in Level 1 and Level 2 ED's to floor medpass is insulting. Particularly when they put me in charge on a regular basis as agency. With no extra pay and a full patient load (20-28 patients).
If I wasn't an optimistic sort, and if I didn't have so many people in my life dependent upon me, I'd quit.
Lpn's are valuable, but personally I would most definitely want to aspire to get my RN. I am a new RN grad and have learned a lot from the seasoned LPN'S in the LTC setting, but I see a lot of complacency also. I feel that just being an ADN nurse is not enough, therefore I have enrolled to get my BSN. Times are changing and I feel that we have to change with the times move forward and advance. There are most definitely more options for RN's with advanced degree's out there.
Me too, Scorpiochic. I'm going LPN first because I also have kids and bills and will have to continue to work full time while in school. I know myself well enough to know that I am most successful with "small bites." So I will use every rung on the ladder from CNA through BSN and possibly beyond, taking it in small pieces so I maximize my chance at doing each one well. It may also be because I'm a little older, I don't feel in such a hurry. I'll still get to my goal, it will take longer, and that's really okay. If I get to start in Spring 2015 as I expect, I'll become a LPN at 40.
Duskyjewel-
we are in the same boat!! I decided to change careers (from social work). So I am doing a community college program as I am working on other requirements for ADN. That way I can complete the bridge program for ADN. But by time I finish my lpn I will be 38!!!! I started taking classes last January. It's tough but hang in there! Good luck!!
Me too, Scorpiochic. I'm going LPN first because I also have kids and bills and will have to continue to work full time while in school. I know myself well enough to know that I am most successful with "small bites." So I will use every rung on the ladder from CNA through BSN and possibly beyond, taking it in small pieces so I maximize my chance at doing each one well. It may also be because I'm a little older, I don't feel in such a hurry. I'll still get to my goal, it will take longer, and that's really okay. If I get to start in Spring 2015 as I expect, I'll become a LPN at 40.
Yes that exactly what im doing although my goal is to be in the ICU r ER in my area you dont see the hiring NEW lvns in hospitals though.The problem is since they are requiring more educated nurse they aren't many jobs in those areas that i just mentioned. Lvn with yrs of experience is completely different than a new lvn ,they r held to the same respect as RN because of experience. I really suggest looking into where you want to work vefore deciding to be lvn r Rn .After i looked at most of the jobs that r hiring in this area its all ltc which i dont really want to work forever in i felt like i had wasted my time. Wrong !!know amount of knowledge is wasting time lvn r generally just better nurses as for as being able to deal with a pt . I'll be SuperNurse when i obtain my RN??. The RN graduates dont get as much as me but can push iv meds. I just think this route makes a better nurse.
lucrecole2009
7 Posts
Ok...so everyone knows that they are doing away with LPN'S right? Wrong! This is a common rumor and misconception. The hospitals are not hiring for LPN anymore because they want Magnate status. They also want RN's who have advanced degrees. In consequence, many RN's and LPN'S have to return to school to obtain their BSN in Nursing if they want to work in a hospital.
So...maybe you don't want to or have the time or money to return to school to obtain the degree. It's ok! LPN'S are still Nurses! There are plenty of job opportunities for them out there. There are also plenty of resources. Don't let anyone discourage you from following the path to be an LPN. It is a great position and very rewarding! There are pediatric LPN Nurses, Long term care and Assisted Living, and Home Care to name a few. Allergy Clinics, Methadone Clinics, and Prisons also hire LPN'S. Do your research and stay encouraged. ..