Pros and cons of where LPNs can work

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I am excited about taking the LPN course but am a little discouraged that there are limited places that hire. So far, what I am getting is that most LPNs work in nursing homes and LTC facilities.

What is the actual difference between these two places and what are the pros and cons of working at either as I just may be working at one.:) Thank you all in advance.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Nursing homes/LTC facilities aren't the only place LPN's can work.

They can also work in:

-Assisted living facilities

-Clinics/doctor's offices/plastic surgeon offices. Even some oral surgeons will hire LPN's.

-Prisons

-Home health

-Schools (I've heard of some LPN's working 1-on-1 with children in school settings)

-Group homes

-Hospice

-etc.

I'm sure there are other places that I'm forgetting ;) Yes, a lot of LPN's DO work in long term care, but know that that's not the only thing you're limited to!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

It is very true that LPNs are employed in areas other than nursing homes. However, I purposely chose to work in nursing homes during my four years as an LVN because they tend to pay more competitively than hospitals, clinics, and other workplaces in my area.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Nursing Homes and LTC (Long Term Care) facilities are the same. The name Nursing Homes was changed because people saw them as places you go to die, never a pleasant thought if your elderly and/or ill. So the term LTC was created to encompass the care given to people of all ages who, for what ever reasons, need care over a long periods of time. Currently the place I work at has patients as young as 30 and as old as 98.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

LVN's can work in dialysis units, like I do. : )

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LPN/LVNs gravitate toward long term care facilities because they get hired there, but in today's economy, even LTC facilities are difficult for finding work. Strongly suggest that you get a CNA certificate and get a job (if you can) working in one of these places. You can observe the LPNs on the job and get a good idea what it is like to work at one of these facilities.

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I've been an LVN of 3 years and have been working in the ER since. I had no prior experience in the ER. Just be very motivated and know your stuff, and you can go anywhere! Don't let anyone tell you that LVN's are being phased out and don't work in the hospital much. UNTRUE!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

^ It depends on where you're located, also. I know that in my area (Southern NH/Mass) hospitals aren't hiring LPN's, unless it's for their outpatient clinics. Even some hospitals in Boston are requiring RN's to have their BSN, not just ASN.

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I've been an LVN of 3 years and have been working in the ER since. I had no prior experience in the ER. Just be very motivated and know your stuff, and you can go anywhere! Don't let anyone tell you that LVN's are being phased out and don't work in the hospital much. UNTRUE!

Too sweeping a statement. LVNs have been phased out of at least two major hospitals within the last three years in my area, including the one I wanted to go to for a job.

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Specializes in Long term care.

I have worked in nursing homes for the past 10 years and love it! I like having the same patients and getting to know them.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

I work in a small county hospital where we have more LVNs than RNs. While we do acute care, we have so many swingbed patients the place sometimes resembles an LTC. The big stuff gets sent to the nearest "city" hospital about an hour away.

We do get a lot of snakebite cases this time of year.

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