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Nurses LPN/LVN

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I've been a member of this site for quite some time and honestly, what I've been reading lately bothers me.

Why is it that when I open up the LPN/LVN tab to read the posts it never fails that I come across at least one new one on the following topic, everyday. The subject I am referring to is "is it worth it to become an LPN/LVN". I don't see this being asked of RNs.

I log onto this site to read about nurses and things they come across on the job or questions related to patient care. Why do we see so much of the other topic? LPNs have been in existence for decades and I doubt, although some may totally disagree with me, that they are going anywhere anytime soon.

Hopefully, we can get back on track and discuss real nursing topics instead of reading whether it's "worth it" to be an LPN/LVN.

Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.
No need to get your panties in a bunch there Colleen!

I read through all the replies here, and certainly appreciated what most of them said.

The point I was trying to get to was this: lately it seem to me that I'm seeing so many posts from people asking if it's "worth it" to go to school to become an LPN. I don't ever think someone's time is wasted when they are educating themselves.

In the area I live in, LPNs continue to be utilized in acute care, I myself was previously employed in acute care for 10 years before returning to LTC 7 years ago. Personally to me, acute care isn't "all that"

My "panties aren't in a bunch", but thanks for your concern over my under garments.

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LPNs have a place. Each geographic area has their own limits and opportunities. LPNs have been told they are being phased out for over 30 years and yet here we are still in the workforce. Granted the areas of nursing we work in may change a bit, but then new opportunities open up. An LPN is not always a stepping stone, and I think if you are happy with what you are doing stay an LPN (There are plenty ASN and BSN new grads and experienced who can't find jobs right now either).

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
No need to get your panties in a bunch there Colleen!

I read through all the replies here, and certainly appreciated what most of them said.

The point I was trying to get to was this: lately it seem to me that I'm seeing so many posts from people asking if it's "worth it" to go to school to become an LPN. I don't ever think someone's time is wasted when they are educating themselves.

In the area I live in, LPNs continue to be utilized in acute care, I myself was previously employed in acute care for 10 years before returning to LTC 7 years ago. Personally to me, acute care isn't "all that"

As the plethora of new grads continue....you are seeing it more and more. Look to the general student forum, first year after graduation, career advice.https://allnurses.com/california-nursing/still-unemployed-san-857385-page2.html#post7544894

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/no-nursing-shortage-752411.html

https://allnurses.com/first-year-after/nursing-shortage-thousands-807795.html

There was an entire story done on the nursing shortage that doesn't exist through CNN and AN...https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/cnn-article-nurses-808314.html

Many here ask if nursing is worth it..... click on the link for more examples.....it isn't just LPN"s

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, Alzheimer/dementia.

I was an LPN for 11 years before becoming an RN. For me, it was one of the best and smartest things I'd ever done. I rocked as an LPN! I gained years of great experience, and it gave me the confidence, skills, and leadership qualities that makes me the RN I am today.

Finances, age, family situation, job market...I can see why someone would ask if it's worth it.

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LPN pay is low. Jobs are scarce, and the jobs which are available are mostly in nursing homes. It's not worth it for many people. Not every one has the same personal or career goals as you do.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Where I live LPNS's were starting to be phased out of the hospital systems in the 1980's. One hospital system gave them an ultimatum to have their RN by a certain date or lose their job and they carried out that threat. The last I've seen LPN's in the hospitals was in the 1990's they were phased out. If they remained they worked as techs/CNA's but I'm not sure if they lost pay with this change. Most left by that time for other things. THru this site I hear that LPN's are still used in the hospitals in some areas of the country. LPN's are still the backbone of the nursing homes. I've spoken to an RN that does agency work at nursing homes and they would have one RN for the entire home. She would count as their RN and worked the rehab side but was expected to supervise and help out with IV's for the rest of the nursing home that was entirely staffed by LPNs. In doctors offices, LPN's are being phased out by Medical Assistants where I live simply because they are cheaper to hire, starting pay as low as $10/hr, same as CNA.

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LPNs also have a strong presence in home health/private duty, hospice, physician office, and even in some areas hospitals. LPNs are paid depending on the job. Just like an RN if you work in an outpt setting there is a good chance you'll make crap, but if you work in LTC you'll make decent wages. Hospitals are paying RNs less and less as there are a glut of them to choose from. If everyone keeps saying LPNs are being phased out its a-ok for me. It just means less competition for jobs while ASN and BSN grads will have more than ever.

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Specializes in Hospice Care, Med/Surg.

To be honest I am grateful to have had the opportunity to become a LPN. I have strong skills that I would have never gotten. The only draw back is it so freaking hard to get money to go back to school for a bridge program... especially since I have a prior bachelor's degree. ..

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Specializes in SN, LTC, REHAB, HH.
I hear you but don't take it personally, perhaps the posters are only trying to get the point across like the previous poster.......jobs are scarce for LPNs. Actually, in the area where I practice Associate Degree RNs are finding it difficult to find employment.

OMG! I couldn't agree more. it's like that here in mo. ADN nurses are having a hard time finding employment and some BSN nurses too. LPN's? forget it there is a huge surplus of LPN's and not enough good paying jobs and jobs period the market is so competitive right now.

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I can totally see how many would question their decision to become a LPN.. In my area it's almost impossible to find a job in LTC even!! None of the facilities want LPNs staffed on the day shift and will only hire an LPN for position on the PM shift. I can honestly say that as of right now there is not one LPN position available in any of the nursing homes in my city! Before I moved down here I worked in a facility that had no qualms with hiring/staffing LPNs on any shift, it wasn't easy to tell who was an RN and who was an LPN, where I'm at now LPNs are treated like more of a nuisance.. I hear "he/she is just an LPN" quite frequently around here!

Yes, there are many LPNs who are quite content working PMs at a LTC facility and there are those like myself who are not and feel completely stuck because it's not possible for them to go back to school right now..

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