LPNs

lovedk · May 26, 2010

I should add that I have an interest in behavioral health. Do LPNs work in that field? My aunt has been an LPN since 1975 but she's worked in OB/GYN and Ped's, so I don't have anyone else to ask. Thanks.

rzyzzy · May 26, 2010

I was wondering what kind of jobs are available to LPNs? I am currently taking my last pre-req for the RN program at GCC. I am thinking about applying to the LPN program at Estrella because it looks like I'll be waiting for awhile to enter an RN program. Do you think experience as an LPN would help me find work when I become an RN? Would it be irrelevant?

I've seen a couple of postings that said (some) facilities don't count lpn experience as "experience" for rn jobs. In Phoenix right now, any new grad nurse is going to have to have some luck & good interview skills to get hired.

As far as lpn openings, most are LTC, rehab, snf's. IMS & VA are rumored to occasionally hire lpn's.

The job market is twisted in favor of employers right now - and keep in mind, GCC is pinning about a thousand new nurses a year into the trade. When you factor in how many nurses graduate out of the other colleges in the area, it's a wonder anyone is able to find a job.

lovedk · May 26, 2010

Thanks for the reply.

Are you in school too?

Anyhow, I know it's a tough market out there right now. Nursing is where my heart is, so I am sticking with it despite how difficult it may be to find work. I should have stuck with it when I was in school my first time around, back in the early 2000's.

Asystole RN · May 31, 2010

LPN experience almost never is counted as "experience" once you become a RN. However it can get your foot into the door of a medical facility to allow you to network to find a New Grad RN position.

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · May 31, 2010

The job market is twisted in favor of employers right now - and keep in mind, GCC is pinning about a thousand new nurses a year into the trade. When you factor in how many nurses graduate out of the other colleges in the area, it's a wonder anyone is able to find a job.

do you mean all of the community colleges combined? there is no way gcc has 1000 students in block 4 at any given time. it's actually 60-80.

rzyzzy · May 31, 2010

do you mean all of the community colleges combined? there is no way gcc has 1000 students in block 4 at any given time. it's actually 60-80.

1000+ per year = 500/semester, and don't forget both summer terms make a semester as well. Add in evening classes, weekend only classes, "special" cohorts, and don't forget LPN's, since that was the title of the thread..

My info came from the director of the PN program just a few days ago... not sure why she'd lie...

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · May 31, 2010

For the whole maricopa program yes, but glendale community college has a weekend program and traditional program, with only 30-40 students in each program, in each block. That is tops 120 grads per year- if they have a summer cohort or banners fellows which I'm not sure that they do (I'm in the nursing program at gcc).