No More LPN programs

No:banghead:. Our local BOCES, continues.

Not in West Virginia, the have all three LPN, Associate's and Bachelor's programs. They all waiting lists to get in to expect the private schools.

Not in Canada. PN education is a two year college diploma course of study.

There are only two routes into nursing, PN or BScN.

We have the same issue in NE Ohio - there were only a handful of LPN programs in the area a dozen years ago; now private CC LPN courses are being offered all over the place. Two within 7 miles from my home, and I'm not in a highly populated area. We simply don't have the need for LPNs around here now, thanks to another cycle of "phase out the LPNs" in acute care and medical offices. There are only so many LTC facilities to go around.

I have to wonder if these CCs are being completely honest about their graduates chances of getting a job as an LPN after graduation. Most LTC facilities still want at least a years experience before they'll consider hiring.

When I was taking pre-reqs and considering an LPN program, I was encouraged, by the LPN instructors themselves, to go on for my ADN. It was *one more year.*. If at all possible, get your RN. The job market is so much wider.

hoosier guy,

What state are you in?

Why the Hoosier state of course (i.e. Indiana)

While i'm not saying that they will "do away" with the LPN role, I will say that in my state, they are severly LIMITING the LPN role. For example, in the acute care setting, LPN's no longer exist in a patient care role. They may work as support staff only (example tele tech or patient transport). The state BON has re-written the LPN scope of practice to remove the word "assess" in any way, shape, or form. The only thing the LPN may do is "collect data".

Now, I'm not saying that to be a dooms-day prophet for LPN's. However, if given the choice between obtaining your LPN vs RN, ALWAYS go the RN route. That is certainly the care delivery model of the future (esp. if you like the acute care sector). So having said that, i'll also point out that there are FEW LPN schools in my area of the state (NC). In this area, there are several ADN programs, and a few BSN programs. And our state BON is actively encouraging LPN's to return to school to finish their degree.

We are phasing out LPN's. Not laying them off directly, but as they quit or move on, we are only hiring RN's to replace them. Here they cannot assess, or push any meds. I have worked at several all RN hospitals.

While i'm not saying that they will "do away" with the LPN role, I will say that in my state, they are severly LIMITING the LPN role. For example, in the acute care setting, LPN's no longer exist in a patient care role. They may work as support staff only (example tele tech or patient transport). The state BON has re-written the LPN scope of practice to remove the word "assess" in any way, shape, or form. The only thing the LPN may do is "collect data".

Now, I'm not saying that to be a dooms-day prophet for LPN's. However, if given the choice between obtaining your LPN vs RN, ALWAYS go the RN route. That is certainly the care delivery model of the future (esp. if you like the acute care sector). So having said that, i'll also point out that there are FEW LPN schools in my area of the state (NC). In this area, there are several ADN programs, and a few BSN programs. And our state BON is actively encouraging LPN's to return to school to finish their degree.

I tell all young people to get the BSN immediately out of high school if this is possible. It won't make one a better nurse. I know...I nearly finished my BSN program before life got in the way and I remain an LPN to this day. What I learned on the job as an LPN was far more valuable than anything I learned in school for my BSN. A degree is not the same thing as an education as education can be formal or informal. It will, however, give one the most options in one's career.

In my day, LPNs could work anywhere. Now, the options in many states are limited to places like LTC or in ambulatory settings. Ethical acute care facilities that wish to have an all RN staff phase out LPNs and replace them with RNs when they retire or quit but allow those veteran LPNs who remain to retire with dignity and fuction as they have been trained to do and have done for many years. Unethical facilities do what you describe....throw them out like yesterday's garbage and offer them the "opportunity" to work far below their level of training for far less pay.

Today it is the LPN that is being phased out. Tomorrow, it may be the ADNs who are phased out and there will be "studies" and "research" to indicate that ADNs can't not critically reason as well the as BSN and that patients have better outcomes with a BSN only staff. Then you will see "patient safety" research and the "patients are sicker these days" argument to support an all BSN staff. You see, in nursing research one can truly say anything they want...it can be quite loosey goosey...especially when one simply accepts research as fact instead of critically reviewing the actual research methods and how the data was analyzed.

Its too bad nurse's don't do it like pharmacists and teachers do. Today, there are no more pharmacists who are trained with a BS degree. However, the ones who have the BS in pharm are allowed to continue to practice. In education, many years ago, elementary school teachers trained at something called a Normal School for 18 months and obtained their credentials to teach. By the mid 20th century, all states required a Bachelors degree to be a teacher. However, they did not force the teachers with less formal education to be janitors or secretaries. They encouraged and provided opportunities to obtain their BA/BS, but did not kick them to the curb which is what happens in nursing.

If states are restricting LPNs scope and laying them off, then the schools of practical nursing should close down as the jobs simply are not there. Once all the LPNs are gone, they next person to kick around are likely the ADNs....so the BSN is going to give anyone the best job security.

Ironically, the best training for nurses were the old diploma schools..and these programs quickly becoming things of the past.

I'm glad I'm retired......

Mrs H.

I do wonder why the shift away from hiring lpns in a hospital setting? Was it sudden, gradual, is this phasing out just a "phase" and there will be a time when LPNs are hired again for hospital work?

Is it because the hospital work became more advanced and lpn schooling is simply too far behind?

The trend seems to be RN, then techs, CNA underneath. However LPNS can do more than techs and CNAs and therefore why are not the hospitals going RN, then LPN?

Is it just a matter of money and not so much "lpns don't know enough" rather the hospital can save $$ because we hire CNA/Techs instead of LPNs?