LPN'S the new "DINASOUR" ?

[NJMEDguy48]

OK OK No bashing here just trying to find out the TRUTH. I would like to pursue a career in health care and I thought it was as a LPN (to the path of a RN) . However as I read the posts on this and other sites, call LTC facilities, speak to career advisors and persons already in the health care field I am not so sure if I am on the right track. YES! I want to be in a career that I can make a difference etc etc etc. BUT here in NJ jobs are in short supply, newer RN's are taking LPN positions due to the economy, CNA's are in facilities in great #'s (Cheaper labor).

Are there so many persons getting health care educations combined with new health care initiatives coming down the pike, more efficient methods and technology in health care having a labor impact. I even see new RN'S having a tough time getting jobs and the 5-10 year nurses seeking "specialties". Is that it? Are we finiting health care and just creating positions that are part of the "chain of health care" and are they so specific that one person can be pulled out and another cheeper one just plugged in? What about all the TECH positions? I see surgery, lab etc. and all the schools that teach for these positions.... They are full as well. Local affordable state colleges are jammed with backlogs while the private and well overpriced ones are bustling as well. How can they all promote the way they do? PLEASE ... I hope to hear from LPN'S here. Recent grads, those with greater years of experience and RN's that migrated from LPN licensure. What do you think? AM I GOING DOWN THE RIGHT PATH or can you the experienced ones, can you offer any other solutions ? I am open to all!

Reality check for me.... Even the Jail/Correctional Lpn's are being shuffled and replaced by CHEAPER agency nurses because of cost concerns. I used to see new LPN's $25-$27 an hour days ...... Now much less..... CNAs I see now 12.00 an hour. I must be missing something or are we now in the ICE age of nursing.

Lastly, LIFT ME UP I really always wanted to enter this field but other responsibilities took presidence. I thought it might be my turn but did I stay in the cave to long?

[marilyn jenkins]

everything you say is true. i only graduated 3 years ago as an lpn; while in school, teachers, classmates, people i passed on the street--everyone tried to discourage me saying that it was too hard to find a job as an lpn---not true, though. I think that what it boils down to is would you be willing to move to another state? here in az, the prisons, nursing homes, schools, doctors offices, etc all utilize lpn's. They're cheaper than rn's and usually the lpn's training is more than adequate for the position. bottom line is that every state is different. good luck and don't get discouraged!