Starting LPN Program in Sept 2014 HELP

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I am going to start my LPN program in Sept. 2014 Full Time. I was just wondering what is the future of LPN's finding a job. What setting would I most likely to find a job? From reading it looks like LPN's are having a hard time finding jobs because most places want RN. Right now I am getting paid $15 hourly rehab aid. And I just wanted to know if Should I quit my job to do LPN program. How much do new grad LPN's make? I don't want to be suprised after I finish my program. I don't trust online surveys. I like my job now but I need more money (not to sound greedy). I am from Massachusetts. Even if you are not from around here I still want to know what u guys/gals have to say. Because if it is not worth it then I will not quite my job and I will Turn down LPN program. I have about 3 month to decide.

Please Help!!!!!

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Sooo...I'm from CT first and foremost. Personally, if you have the option of going for RN, do it. Absolutely, hands down, do it. Do not quit your job unless you have to. I worked and went to lpn school. I was a cashier at walmart until I became an aide. It's doable. If you can go for RN do so. It's not looking to great for lpns these days.

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I will be finishing the LPN program in a month. I live in Ga and there are lots of long-term care facilities that hire LPNs. I decided to take this route so that I could work after getting my license and complete an online bridge to RN. RNs have the advantage right now. I definitely agree that RN is the way to go but before you quit see if they will work around your schedule. Your current employer may even pay tuition reimbursement.

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Hi there, I'm from Ohio and graduated LPN program back in 2012. I wish I would have went straight through with the RN.. I'm back in school for the RN now but the life of an LPN for me wasn't what I expected. Everyone made it sound so great and that finding a good job would be piece of cake which in a sense was true but the only places seeming to hire was nursing homes or such related businesses. My first job was at a nursing home, made roughly 17 or 18 an hour. Second job was at an assisted living facility. Second job was VERY stressful. The time schedule to pass meds and do treatments was just unreal. If I had to assist a resident for a fall or if they needed to go to the ER, it messed with the schedule and then put everything behind. I was the only nurse on third shift for this place and we had roughly 100 residents at the time. I ended up leaving that job and got out of nursing because it really just put a bad taste in my mouth. I hate to sound crude or run you away from a particular goal but I wish someone would have told me the truth before I invested so much time and money into something I'm not even using right now.. And one of the things that really bothered me was that I got scolded for developing friendships with the residents. The worst was when I stayed over my shift with a lady who was dying and had asked me not to leave her ( She had no family), she ended up passing away in my arms and I had forgotten to clock out and got questioned about it. I told them to take the extra time off my pay and not to worry about it. So it is true that finding a "descent" job is difficult. Now, I am by no means saying that all places are a hell hole but for me 2 out of 2 was not good. Good nurses with good hearts deserve a good job where they can be appreciated.. Not get scolded because they stayed over a shift with a dying person.. I hope this helps in some way.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
How much do new grad LPN's make?
Pay is dependent in the city/state in which you live. Pay can be as low as $13 in places like rural Arkansas, or it can be as high as nearly $30 hourly in places like San Francisco.

However, the cost of living in Arkansas is dirt cheap while the cost of living in San Francisco is stratospherically expensive. Hence, one ares pays more to offset the sky-high cost of living there.

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Specializes in Postpartum, Mother/Baby, Comm. Health, Geriatric.

I'm from Detroit, MI and make what you make an hr as a Lead Pharamacy Tech at a hospital. I am starting my program Sept. 3rd (LPN. full time as well). I am going part time at work to complete the program. I have long term care experience and will more than likely be going back to that environment. Rehab/hospice/long term care have great opportunities for LPNs.

I plan on enrolling into an LPN-RN program as soon as I graduate though. You must always make yourself marketable and if you want to go further in the nursing field, you will have to eventually get your RN. My aunt (in Missouri, that started off her nursing career in MI) started off as an LPN, went to ADN, then BSN, and is now working towards becoming an NP. It's doable if thats what you want. Best wishes.

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I don't think I can tell you what to do, but I can share my experience withyou. I live in Socal, but I've worked other states also and $16 is what a lot of experienced LVNs make here (and the COL is very high). The average range I have seen is 17-$23. I have made a lot more, for Kaiser I've made $33, but those high paying jobs here are few and far between. Getting a job as an LVN is becoming more and more difficult, as places want RNs. Doing an LVN program first doesn't necessarily make becoming an RN easier, it really depends on where you live.

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Thanks alot you guys are great. I think I am just going to go for the LPN program and bridge to RN. Hopefully I can find a part time job after LPN program so I can pay for my RN. Right now I'm in a LTC rehab facility. All the nurses here are telling not to do nursing. I'm just courious as to why all the nurses here dislike their job? What is so bad about nursing that almost every nurse I meet tells me that nursing is a bad career.

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Hey guys! I'm starting my PN program here in Las Vegas. My program graduates us with 60 credits and certifications(for example IV). My sis became an LPN in NYC but didn't graduate with any certifications. What certs if any will you guys graduate with if I may ask. Our school is also starting an RN program in 2015 so I plan to bridge over. We are NLN accredited (well the lpn program is).

Have a great day and thanks for the info!

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"What is so bad about nursing that almost every nurse I meet tells me that nursing is a bad career."

That's so funny Paylor93 I hear just the opposite. I come from a family of nurses. Maybe its just a calling. My mom was a nurse for 3/4 of her life and she said there was nothing else she wanted to do. Even after she retired she went back to work part time as a group home nurse because she loved her job so much and on her death bed made sure every one of her patients were cared for. So don't let the naysayers get you down!!! Find the right path for you and go for it. I am so glad I'm finally doing it!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

To address the availability of jobs as an LPN heavily depends on your experience in the healthcare. Since you an aide, it would look good on your resume. As an LPN in NYC I find many job offers in nursing homes and in home care(visiting nurse). I have to agree with my fellow nurses who commented that you should become an RN. LPN is a stepping stone to an ideal nursing career which starts with becoming an RN. I consider being an aide a stepping stone too, and frankly there's no need to add LPN under your belt. There are plenty of job opportunities for RNs vs. LPNs.

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Thanks alot you guys are great. I think I am just going to go for the LPN program and bridge to RN. Hopefully I can find a part time job after LPN program so I can pay for my RN. Right now I'm in a LTC rehab facility. All the nurses here are telling not to do nursing. I'm just courious as to why all the nurses here dislike their job? What is so bad about nursing that almost every nurse I meet tells me that nursing is a bad career.

LTC can kind of be a downer. Maybe thats why?

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