New Student, Not Sure Which Route to go?!?!

Jasel, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2012

People have been saying LPNs are "going to be phased out" for decades now. I honestly wouldn't listen to it. I know LPNs who have been nurses for decades and they were hearing that back in the 80s. As for whether hospitals hire LPNs it really depends on the state you're in I think. Out here in Illinois they don't, and more hospitals aren't even hiring RNs unless they're BSNs.

WldChrry · Aug 2, 2012

Same as Jasel said, LPN's CAN work in a hospital, but it depends on the area whether they employ LPN's or not. However, alot of hospitals do hire LPN's in their clinics. I am a failry new LPN, and I have not had a problem finding employment. Alot of places hire LPN's, not just nursing homes. If you really want to work on one of the units in the hospital though, then RN is the safer bet.

Sunchine123! · Aug 2, 2012

Yea I am going to do RN eventually, but need a starting point... :thankya:

Luvleela7 · Aug 3, 2012

i've also heard LPNs are being phased out of hospitals because most positions are ''assessment'' (i've been told) which is the main difference between an LPN and RN...I wouldn't let what you hear stop you from applying and seeking employment from hospitals though :) you never know!

rlockd · Aug 3, 2012

We did most of our clinical roution on an med/surg floor. They hired some of my fellow students straight from school with the understanding that they would have to contiue their education.

garnetgirl29, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2012

In North Carolina, hospitals do not hire LPN's. Although, I did see a job listing for an LPN in the outpatient services at a nearby hospital & there is another one that hires LPN's as surgical techs. Nursing homes pay the best, but LPN's also work in doctor's offices, urgent care, flu clinics, etc. Start searching job listings in your area to see what prospcts are out there.

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · Aug 3, 2012

LPN's are vital to the LTC setting and many prisons and detention centers utilize LPN's as well(and they pay pretty well from what I hear). That being said, there are 4 hospitals in my area and not a one will hire any more LPN's in their acute care settings and they are requiring LPN's to get their RN within a certain time period or they will be laid off. If you're trying to choose between LPN and CNA, it all depends on your needds and current situation. An LPN program is in no way easy. The one in my area has students meet 5 times a week for over 6 hours a day. It's like a regular public school day. There's a test every week and if you miss enough days you'll be removed from the program. If you make it though, you're a nurse! LPN-RN bridge programs are often easier to get into than basic RN programs.

The CNA program is short, non-competitive, but the work of a CNA is difficult and doesn't really pay well. It helps you to get experience working in a healthcare setting, but you're still not a nurse.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Chad Collins · Aug 3, 2012

Here in East Tennessee a large hospital chain is phasing out there LPN's I worked there and and they are moving all them to secretary jobs

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 3, 2012

In my area of NYS, the "phasing out of LPNs" is not just talk to not be listened to. An LPN cannot get a job in any hospital in the region; those that are there now and have been there for years have either been not-so-gently nudged toward continuing their education (to continue employment) or they were very long-term employees who were utilized in areas where an LPN could still work. No new hires in YEARS in the hospitals if you were not an RN.

That said, if your heart can be swayed from a hospital position, you can find employment for LPNs in offices, outpatient clinics, stable long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, and home health agencies.

If your dream is peds oncology or L&D, you will HAVE to be an RN to get near the opportunity.

Fearless_leader · Aug 3, 2012

congrats on deciding to join the healthcare field. here's my opinion. i think you should go straight to adn program. you are still going to be trained no matter what. if your truly ready go for it. if not start off as an lpn. i was a pca for 7 years at that time i never wanted to be a nurse. if i could turn back the hands of time i would of went to school to be an rn. i enjoyed being a pca because you are the eyes and ears for your nurse. however it's 2 very diffrent roles of patient care. cna's & pca's do more of the assiting with daily living activties for instance bathing, tolieting, feeding, yes you do vitals and accuchecks, and phelobotomy as well but that's about it besides listening to stories of your patients lives and putting smiles on their faces. nurses deal with dr.'s meds, charting and assessments, family calling checking on love ones, as well as some patient care ( referring to adl's) yet rn's lpn's are still hands on. i say start off as an lpn if not rn. i live in florida and the rn's here south florida get paid a good amount of money. at the hospital i worked at for 7 years they phased out the lpn's. most of them went back to school to get an rn license others became patient liasons or pca's (yep) the ones who became patient liasons or pca's had no confidence in going back to school. most of these ladies worked at this hosptial for 20 years or more. i guess you have to research your area to see who is hiring for lpn how much they get paid, and is it worth the time. same for adn program but you will come out better in that program. that's just my opinion. :thankya: god bless[/i][/size]

tigerlogic · Aug 3, 2012

Though I agree with the above posters, the lpn to rn to BSN bridge seems like a good choice if you don't mind gaining lots of different experiences before getting to your dream job.