Can an LPN work in NICU

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2006

The only LVN I knew that worked in NICU was there in the dept for 30 years but I think they have since replaced her or moved her to another unit. My guess is NO, you would need to be a RN. But there is opportunities in the mother baby area (postpartum) if your hospital hires LVN's... good luck

mgalloLPN · Nov 25, 2006

I thought so. I have also heard that no hospital will hire an LPN. That sucks. I would like the mother baby part too. I have considered OB but I know that's an RN only too. Maybe someday I can afford to go back for RN.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2006

There are some hospitals still left that will hire LVN's, so don't give up...Just look around ...

walkingrock, ADN · Nov 28, 2006

I currently live in Orlando, FL and I will start LPN school in May or August. I would love more than anything to work in NICU. I was a NICU baby myself and I want to be a part of taking care of these babies. I can't go back for my RN right now.
If anyone has any suggestions as to what I can do as an LPN that will be close to NICU or working with these tiny babies, please let me know. I want this so much.

We have some that work in our unit, however, I know many units do not hire/have LVN's working in NICU. I don't know that they would "hire" an LVN in my unit, they may have just worked there for some time.

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2006

We have no LPNs in our NICU, only RNs.

Zippedodah · Nov 28, 2006

we don't have any, we haven't for about 16 years now. i think our peds floor might have one or two.

walkingrock, ADN · Nov 29, 2006

We have some that work in our unit, however, I know many units do not hire/have LVN's working in NICU. I don't know that they would "hire" an LVN in my unit, they may have just worked there for some time.

There are a lot of LVN's working mo/baby at my hospital, so I would assume they do hire LVN's there. That might be a good way to get your foot in the door!

wjf00 · Nov 29, 2006

Our unit has 2 LVN's left. They were hired years ago, and they only take feeder growers. They will not be replaced. If not for a union, they would be out the door. The LVN's in postpartum and Peds are on the way out too. All the Hospitals in the area are going to all RN staffing. Non-union hospitals here, simply showed them the door. I think LVN's dominate in LTC. Still lots of LVN jobs, just not in hospitals.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 29, 2006

Can I ask why not just go for the RN?

Imafloat, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2006

I thought so. I have also heard that no hospital will hire an LPN. That sucks. I would like the mother baby part too. I have considered OB but I know that's an RN only too. Maybe someday I can afford to go back for RN.

While there is nothing wrong with getting an LPN degree, if your goal is for a job that requires an RN degree, then follow your dream and get an RN degree. I went to school with 4 kids and not a lot of money. I had to get loans and was lucky to earn a couple scholarships. I now owe a good chunk of change for my loans, but I don't regret anything. Many hospitals offer loan repayment, and some loans like Perkins and Nursing Student Loans are forgiven within a certain amount of time if you work in an area that has a need (which is pretty much any area).

Cococure · Dec 20, 2006

Hey,

Winnie Palmer will hire LPN's for mother/baby but not NICU

Orlando Regional Healthcare

good luck

coco

I currently live in Orlando, FL and I will start LPN school in May or August. I would love more than anything to work in NICU. I was a NICU baby myself and I want to be a part of taking care of these babies. I can't go back for my RN right now.
If anyone has any suggestions as to what I can do as an LPN that will be close to NICU or working with these tiny babies, please let me know. I want this so much.