Male LPN Marketability

Published

  1. Should I a career as an LPN?

    • 5
      Yes
    • 1
      No

6 members have participated

Hello, I have a question in regard to male nurse, more speficially LPN's marketability. I just (five months ago) completed an associates degree in medical assiting, and I am certified as well. However, after graduation I have not been able to find employment. Now most of the jobs here are all offered through one organization (Caromont) that owns nearly all the physician's offices. All of my class-mates found jobs, but I haven't, I was interviewed by Caromont, but was never phoned back. I honestly think it comes down to male marketability and the old fashioned way of how a male is seen in the work place, I could be wrong, but I was the only male student in my class and I am also unemployeed and infact have never seen a male CMA.

Now, the reason I am bringing this here is becaue I am considering going to LPN school. However, I don't want a repeat experience. I'd like to find a job as an LPN quicly after graduation. I need some perspective here from people who have completed LPN school and what their experience of being employeed was after graduation, and how they feel they are treated once hired. I live in North Carolina if geographical information is relevant to this.

Thanks,

Thujone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

I siad, yes, BUT, I would encourage you to explore going right into a RN program. You will be more likely to find a job as a RN. LPNs most places are limited to Drs offices and LTC/SNF.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So are you saying the chances of being employeed are slim? I realize that it would best in the long-run to get my RN first, but that's not an option financially right now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

There are jobs for LPNs just not in acute care, and fewer of them. It's tough for new grads right now RN or LPN. RNs will have more job opportunities and options, and frankly are starting to take jobs they once shunned in LTC and other specialities because the job market is so bad right now.

I understand if RN is not fiscally workable for you, it wasn't for me either. However you should be well advised and prepared for the reality of the market as it is right now. THERE IS NO SHORTAGE! You may have to wait a year or more to land that first job, or relocate. It will be more challenging to market as an LPN, not impossible but harder.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

From what you said in your post, sounds like you may need to relocate to a place that is not monopolized by that one company. From personal observation, have seen that male nurses in many cases are preferred by those who do the hiring, such as in LTC facilities. But in extended care home health, they have somewhat more of a limited opportunity. Many clients will say that they do not want a male working with their children in the home. In either case, you would probably find more opportunity in a different geographical area. Good luck with your decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.
From what you said in your post, sounds like you may need to relocate to a place that is not monopolized by that one company. From personal observation, have seen that male nurses in many cases are preferred by those who do the hiring, such as in LTC facilities. But in extended care home health, they have somewhat more of a limited opportunity. Many clients will say that they do not want a male working with their children in the home. In either case, you would probably find more opportunity in a different geographical area. Good luck with your decision.

Being male has only slowed me down one or two times in the eight years I have done PDN. The OPs problem in perusing those jobs will be his new grad status.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was only trying to give him a heads up on one area where men have stated that they have problems maintaining employment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Short Term Rehab; Skilled Nursing.

@ThuJone

As a male LPN with more than two years of experience, and with the previous CMA certificate, I would totally suggest you give a shot with LPN or even better - RN program.

I live in Chicago, so I can only say how the things are here in Illinois. I got my first LPN job 2 weeks after my license has been issued. I could have found it quicker, but wanted a job in 5 miles radius. CMAs here in CHGO start with $9 per hour, and it is very hard to get a job. My initial LPN wage was $24 per hour and after two years I came to $27.50. Being said - I make 3 times more than CMA, and I'm satisfied with my job. Back in the days I could not even get a minimal wage CMA position so worked as a truck driver for a while until I saved some money for LPN school :)

As the other people mentioned here, LPNs are usually confined to SNF and Doctor's offices, but there is a lot of bridge programs to RN so you can progress in your career.

Wish you the best :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion