More to being a LPN than LTC?....

iheartPN11, LPN · Jan 2, 2012

I guess it really depends on where you live, etc. Doctors offices, jails & home health are options for LPNs around here (northern VA) ... every once in a while there will be a position open at a hospital. For instance I just got my license mid-december I had 2 interviews last week one for homehealth & one for hospital, this week I got a interview with jail and another home health agency.

Glenna, LPN · Jan 2, 2012

I live in Oregon, they have kinda put the LPN's in the back burner. You have to have your RN BSN to work at most hospitals. The VA and the state hospital will hire LPN's though. You can also be in home health, jails, deaf school, many clinic jobs. There is hope if you look out there if you don't want to work in LTC. Just keep poking around the job sites and see what you can find. A lot of those outpatient plastic surgery clinic's are always looking for LPN's. One of my old classmates is working at one of those and is enjoying it very much.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2012

I'm not too enthused about working in LTC either (no offense to any LTC nurses however) I'm going to be finishing my LPN program at the end of February, and along with the places that previous posters have mentioned, I've also noticed a few LPN positions in methadone clinics, outpatient clinics, and dialysis (such as DaVita). Assisted living is another option, but as a CNA who has worked in both ALF & LTC, I'd say that these facilities are very very similar.

Nurse Fee Fee · Jan 2, 2012

I keep hearing that most LPN go to LTC and no offense to anyone here but I really really don't want to work TLC. I chose the LPN route first simply because the RN schedule wouldn't accomodate my work schedule so I had to do what I had to do. I plan to bridge later however somebody please tell me I will have more options than TLC.

Thank fully LTC is not the only option with your nursing degree. In addition to the home health, clinic and jails, I also teach with my LPN Med Assisting classes. There are many opportunities for nurses out there, you just gotta look and be a little flexible and open to try some new stuff....

notmanydaysoff · Jan 3, 2012

i have written a couple of posts about getting a job in an urgent care clinic. i am a new grad and really got lucky. i love my job! have been there for almost 2 months. couldn't have asked for more.

i also had no desire to work in ltc. i always envisioned i'd work in a clinic or dr's office.

good luck!

Nurse Fee Fee · Jan 3, 2012

Here's the thing guys, as an LPN don't let anyone tell you that you a limited to doing this or that, because you are not. There are many wonderful opportunities out there and if you want to embrace them. I encourage you to do so with all the gusto you can. The medical field is enormous and no telling what you will luck up on if you just push yourself and keep pressing forward. This life as a nurse is full of wonder and splendor enjoy it for what it is. The LPN is not destined to work in LTC only, never forget that. Who would have ever thought me as a LPN would be supervising RN's, and teaching medical classes at a college. It's a great world out there don't let anything stop you from pursuing your dreams as well as your dream job.....

newtress, LPN · Jan 4, 2012

I agree with you Nurse Fee Fee. I've posted a few times before referring to some diverse positions I've had since graduating. And like you, I too am teaching classes at a small college going on 6 mo now and just love it. We LPN's are in an interesting position in healthcare right now. We are a great asset in many areas of healthcare. I believe in applying for positions that once were never considered or entertained by LPN's simply because I don't have RN after my name. I've had some mighty responsible positions as an LPN including MDS coordinator which I enjoyed so much, and my 52 yo self didn't mind being off the floor and tethered to a med cart!

Midwest4me · Jan 5, 2012

Most definitely, LPNs DON'T have the opportunities that RNs do. However, there is more out there than LTC. I've worked hemodialysis, doctors' clinics, mental health/psych, small hospitals. Psych has paid more than anything I've done($4100 base salary plus shift differential, lots of overtime and but that's the top of the salary range at this hospital). Keep your options open; you'll find something!!!

flashdance · Jan 6, 2012

I keep hearing that most LPN go to LTC and no offense to anyone here but I really really don't want to work TLC. I chose the LPN route first simply because the RN schedule wouldn't accomodate my work schedule so I had to do what I had to do. I plan to bridge later however somebody please tell me I will have more options than TLC.

I have been an LPN for 26 years. I was lucky, back in the 80s when LPNs where working in hospitals in specialty units. My experience began on telemetry and ICU for 5 years. I recieved training in hemodynamic monitoring. Then came the ax and they started to do away from LPNs in our hospital around 1991.

Lucky for me I found many niches in quality management, utilization and case management as an LPN, . However I will advise all to go back to school and become RNs that is where the pay is. and that is where all opportunities lie. As you get older you will find comfort in applying for any job you desire, and in nursing the sky s the limit ..once youre an RN with BSN. Im 3/4 of the way there, live 10 min from NYC. My dream place would eb one of those big NYC research hospitals for the desire to learn and be at hte cutting edge of healthcare and of course the benefits that come with it :smokin:

Keithnurse89 · Jan 10, 2012

Yes very many. I have had offers to a hospital, LTC, Correctional facilities, home health, and a surgical coordinator nurse position. I am a LPN and i can tell you dont be afraid. I have seen some hospitals are hiring less of us but outside of the hospital they would rather hire LPNs. employers have told me they would rather have LPNs because we do almost the same thing and we are affordable. A lot of RNs put us down. but in my area in ohio outside of the hospital LPNs run the show. Hopes this helps

NurseHopefulInOH · Jan 14, 2012

To answer your question...yes! I work in OB/GYN. Ive interviewed at surgery centers and medspas. I have friends (LPNs) that work in urgent cares, Dr offices, and even the hospital. It's fairly easy to get into home health at least around here. However most of these jobs require at least 1 yr of experience. I had to work LTC for almost 2 yrs before I could even get an interview for anything besides other LTC. It takes patience and some serious searching to find anything besides LTC for a new-grad. I can tell u though the pay is way less for anything non- LTC in my experience.