New grad LPN disillusioned with job options-SNF, LTC or Home Care

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

I'm sorry you're feeling this way, especially after the effort you've put into your education.

Reality Shock 

You are experiencing reality shock, realizing that your expectations for a job as a new graduate LPN do not align with the actual work environment. As a new graduate, you want a position that does not involve direct patient care.

However, LPN training primarily prepares you for patient care roles. 

You may need to spend a couple of years working at the bedside to establish credibility, gain experience, and apply your new skills. Non-bedside roles often require 1-2 years of bedside experience; that's how it works.

Short-term and Long-term Goals

You need some clarity on your goals. Naturally, pay is a big consideration for you right now, and you are even considering returning to a CNA role where you could make more money and work in acute care. But you will be frustrated if you get locked into a career where you can never reach your aspirations.

You want more, which requires experience and education. You know this because you say you know you need to get your RN.

Establishing your long-term goals and making choices that support them is essential. If working as a CNA is a stepping stone toward returning to school for your RN, then it could be a viable option. There are LPN-to-RN bridge programs that take a relatively short amount of time to complete.

I graduated as an LVN in December, and a few days later, in January, I was in lab class, taking Anatomy and Physiology for my RN prereqs. Working as an LVN was a way to support my family (three children under the age of 9, so it can be done) and go to school, so the actual work conditions were less important than my long-term goals.

Non-bedside Options

However, you asked for a list of non-bedside options. Some non-bedside roles may be open to new grad LPNs, although many require experience.

• Case Management / Care Coordination
• Telephone Triage Nurse
• Insurance Claims Adjuster (Healthcare
• Medical Sales or Pharmaceutical Sales
• Medical Coding and Billing
• Telehealth Nurse
• Nursing Home Compliance or Quality Assurance (QA)

If you find any of these suggestions appealing, you should start investigating them now while keeping your RN goals in mind. 

You've put in a lot of the work already. Take heart and take control of your future.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Should hospitals hire LPNs/LVNs again?

[dianah, ASN]

Our local VA Medical Center employs LPNs in a variety of positions.  Hopefully you have a VA facility near you, check out the options there.

[2BS Nurse, BSN]

It all depends on the job market in your area. I live in a Midwestern city that hires RNs and LPNs in clinics because we have a shortage of MAs in our area. I live near four large health care systems and they are all competing for staff. We have a revolving door of MAs coming through our unit because they have so many job options. Outpatient LPNs are highly employable here. Can you move to a bigger city?