No more LPNs?

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I have been hearing here lately that LPN positions are being eliminated and being replaced with RN positions only. How much of this is true, and if so what is the rationale? Just wanted your thougts?

Specializes in Postpartum and Pediatrics.
Wow, how did you get into the postpartum unit so young? I was told it took years to get in L&D and that unit. Good for you.

I was just lucky...landed an interview and was hired on the spot. I am thankful for all the experience I have gained. I just work postpartum...only RNs are hired for labor and delivery.

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

I live in Southern NJ, where there are many, many nursing homes. A lot of RNs don't want to work in nursing homes. They only want hospital. So, if LPNs are phased out, who will take care of the elderly? Case in point, we have 2 LPN schools in this county. We are not going anywhere.

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In my area, upstate NY, LPNs are still in high demand at hospitals and LTC. LPNs have been being phased out since the 70's. It will not happen unless we get a whole lot of RNs out in the workforce.

It depends on the facility and state on whether or not you see LPNs in the hospital settings.

The economy could either cause LPNs to not be hired as much in acute because more RNs will return to work OR it could cause LPNs to be hired more, because they can do most of the work for less. They facility could hire less RNs to do the work that LPNs are not allowed to do.

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I think the OP's question is a bit of a cyclical one. Much like nursing shortages in general, the question of LPN being eliminated seems to come around on a regular basis. I think hospitals will alway try to experiment with different "mixes" of RN's and LPN's as well as unlicensed personnel. Never fear, there will, in my opinion, always be a role for the LPN whether it be in the hospital setting, LTC, physician offices, etc.

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Specializes in LTC.
The reason LPN's are being phased out in acute care settings is because of their limited scope of practice (varies by state practice act) as compared to an RN. By replacing the LPN with an RN the hospital gets enhanced flexibility in staffing and doesn't have to worry about the under direct supervision of an RN as they have to with an LPN.

It is different in LTC, ALF, and rehab but over time I believe the LPN will eventually (decades) be phased out there also. Reasoning is that patients in these facilities are becoming more complex with a higher level of acuity.

LOL ! LPNS will NEVER be phased out of LTC ! What are they gonna phase out CNAS and MAs too. Or even RNs with just an associaties degree ? Not even in a few decades they won't phase out LPN

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

Don't know about the U.S. but I know that most LTC's will never phase out the LPN because they simply will not pay for an all RN staff and for whatever reason med aides are only used at a very few retirement homes. However our LPN program is now 2.5 years long with more stuff to be responsible for.

However who knows how long our government will continue to fund health care for.

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I have been hearing here lately that LPN positions are being eliminated and being replaced with RN positions only. How much of this is true, and if so what is the rationale? Just wanted your thougts?

In Southern California, there are many hospitals that still use LVN's. I work at an acute/ltc facility, and the RN's wouldn't survive without the LVN's. I just all depends on what state your in. This whole issue of LVN's being phased out as came and went over the years. It goes back and forth. Every couple of years, there is a demand.

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.

i will never be phased out of ltc here in new jersey. there are tons of nursing homes here. 'nuff said.

cheers,

angel

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Phasing out LPN's?

My answer consists of 2 words: Not possible.

Rationale: 75 million baby boomers and RN's cannot take care of all those aging patients alone. Many people/nurses have been saying it ever since 1999.

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

Oh, I believe this will happen the same day no Rn is allowed to practice unless they have their BSN.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I believe the LPN will eventually (decades) be phased out there also.
The ANA (American Nurses Association) has been informally proposing the elimination of the LPN designation since 1965.

Let's fast-forward to 2009. 44 years has elapsed since the ANA's bold proposal was first made, yet LPNs are still going strong in the workforce.

No more LPNs? Talk is cheap.

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Our hospital do not hire LPNs anymore, RN's only. They are trying to just use the LPNs they have right now, and if they happen to quit, they will be replaced with an RN.

Back when I became a LPN (1976) they predicted that Lpns would be phased out by the year 1985. It has not happened yet. They try every so often to stop using LPNs but it never has never lasted yet. RN I am now but it was a personal choice not because someone tried to force me into it. I do not respond well to BS and threats, I guess LOLOLOL. I believe you need to be what makes you happy because then you are at your best.:smokin:

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