Should I do the LPN program?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 20, 2007

The LPN job outlook is highly dependent on your geographic area. For example, there are a whole lot of LPN/LVN jobs in my area at very good pay. However, another state may have limited LPN opportunities for a myriad of reasons.

The RN licensure will enable you to have more career mobility and higher earning potential in the long run.

In my area, LVNs can work in hospitals, nursing homes, skilled nursing, hospice, home health, outpatient clinics, doctors offices, assisted living, corrections, psychiatric nursing, dialysis, rehabilitation, research, and other areas. However, most of the opportunities are presented in nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities.

nurz2be · Aug 20, 2007

Hi-Can anyone give me any advice. I really just was interested in doing my school's LPN program given the amount of time that I would have to invest. I am 3 classes away from clinicals and now wondering if I should be looking into the RN route. Where can I go for employment for LPN? Does anyone still hire LPNs??

I live in Florida and when I was looking into going back to school for nursing I was considering the LPN route because I "THOUGHT" I could do it faster and then fast track to the RN. When I called our 5 local hospitals they informed me that they are actually doing away with LPN positions, because of the MA's who can come out of school, get paid a lot less and do a lot of what an LPN can do. That made me completely nervous thinking I might have trouble finding a job in my area. I know this isn't the case in most areas but it is in mine. The nurse manager who informed me of all of this suggested the accelerated nursing program I am currently at. I AM SOOOO GLAD I am doing the RN program. That is a personal thing I guess. GOOD luck with whatever you decide to do. I would contact the local areas you would consider working in and ask a nurse manager about these things. They can give you insight into the nursing needs in your area.

umpalumpa14588 · Aug 22, 2007

I know the feeling. I was going to do the RN route, but didn't get accepted. So... I'm doing the LPN thing and then getting into the 2nd yr of the RN program.

xNursePinkx2b · Aug 22, 2007

Around here there are still a lot of job opportunities for LPN's and it's only a 1 year program (full time) and then you can bridge to your RN. That's my plan

kstec, LPN · Aug 22, 2007

If you live in an area that stills utilizes LPN's everywhere then go that route, if you get the vibe that you are only LTC facility material, get your RN. Here where I live an LPN is strictly LTC and clinic nurses and if your lucky some homecare. You are paid like crap and possibilities are very limited. If I lived in any other state other than Illinois that still liked LPN's, I'd say go for the LPN. Illinois is not a good place for LPN's. RN's rule here.

hfmunursemm · Aug 22, 2007

Hi-Can anyone give me any advice. I really just was interested in doing my school's LPN program given the amount of time that I would have to invest. I am 3 classes away from clinicals and now wondering if I should be looking into the RN route. Where can I go for employment for LPN? Does anyone still hire LPNs??

:trout:NO NO NO NO, I have been an LPN for 8 yrs and I have had some of the worst treatment by RN's. Nurses are obsessed with titles, the only place you will be able to work in MD's office, nurs homes, rehab centers, and private duty. You will have almost no choices. I Think the only reason that the nursing boards have not closed LPN programs is because they know someone has to work in the nursing homes. I wish you luck with your decision but if I could do it over I would NEVER become a nurse PERIOD.