LPN looking for a change

Nurses Nurse Beth

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Hi Nurse Beth,

I am a LPN with experience in LTC and AL and I wish I could say I really like what I do, but I do not really think working in these types of facilities is "my calling". I don't want to go on to get my RN at this point because I am simply not sure if nursing is for me as a whole. Is there any degree or certificate that I can add onto my LPN that would enable me to use my healthcare training in any other aspect?

Prior to working as a LPN, I did clerical/medical records work for MD office's and I can truly say that I enjoy the paper-work aspect of healthcare. Do you have any thoughts on how I can use my LPN for a non clinical type of occupation?

I would like to move out of NY some day and am looking for a type of job that I could obtain in a different state as well. I have tried searching for a different LPN path on-line and am finding it difficult to find options.

Dear LPN,

LPN training basically prepares you for providing basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor. In the next decade, LPNs and LVNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in home health environments to care for geriatric patients.

You can use your previously acquired clerical/medical record work skills to apply and/or qualify for similar work, but typically these do not build on your LPN skills or patient care skills.

Rather than stacking certificates on top of your LPN license, you may be better off to cut your losses, start over and obtain the education/training you need for the next job you want.

Working in a doctor's office, front or back, as you have before, may be a great use of your skills without requiring you to go back to school, or deliver patient care.

Best Wishes,

Nurse Beth

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As an LPN you can become a case manager or liason for LTC companies, you can work for insurance companies, and 8n some cases depending on your other experiences, you can do utilization review. I would look into some of those before I "cut my losses" but that's just me. Good luck to you

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
As an LPN you can become a case manager or liason for LTC companies, you can work for insurance companies, and 8n some cases depending on your other experiences, you can do utilization review. I would look into some of those before I "cut my losses" but that's just me. Good luck to you

Not always. Many require an RN or a bachelor's degree with LPN. Some will hire an experienced LPN as an LTC-hospital/ltc-community liaison.

I understand about the claustrophobic and repetitive nature of LTC! I wonder if you would like home health or public health? Public health probably requires a BSN but my friends who are school nurses love it.

Not always. Many require an RN or a bachelor's degree with LPN. Some will hire an experienced LPN as an LTC-hospital/ltc-community liaison.

I understand that many do want RN or higher level degree,but that is many not all. I just offered it as a suggestion before someone gives up on the field all together. I personally know many LPNs in the roles I listed and some were less experienced when they obtained the position while others were not. Its always easier when one has an RN behind their name,but again it was just a suggestion.

Dear LPN, Consider coding, billing, intake. I have one of the best intake/billing nurses ever and she is an LPN. I don't know what we would do without her. You have many options. Find the job that satisfies you and your future. Best of luck!

Hi DN RN,

i am an LPN with clinical and administrative experience. I am currently enrolled in school for EHR and ICD-10. I was wondering what kind of facility you are in and did the LPN you work with have experience? I'm just trying to figure out what direction to move towards when I get my certification in 5 months. Any advice would be appreciated!

PS I'm located in New Jersey and am wondering what the salary is for that type of position also.

I found that being a Staff Developer was a wonderful option! Lots of paperwork and record keeping, which I also love. I taught CNA classes, which I ended up truly enjoying, along with in services and HR duties. California has a certification course. Not sure of other states.

I also found that working in management in AL is a blessing! After 30 some odd years of being an LVN, I didn't think getting my RN was going to resolve my job dissatisfaction. It's a demanding position, but so rewarding also!

Good luck with your search!

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