Status of LPNs in IL?

Trauma Columnist · Apr 4, 2011

I don't work withLPNs but I haven't heard of this.

loveblossom · Apr 9, 2011

This rumor has been going on for many years in all states..

elkpark · Apr 9, 2011

The Rumor That Wouldn't Die ... :lol2:

LPNsimbi · Apr 13, 2011

I did read that Illinois was considering this (though I'm vague on the source, I believe it may have been from the quarterly illinois nursing paper I get)...though if memory serves, it would be for future LPN's and they would be given 10 years to complete their RN. Current working LPN's would be grandfathered and be able to continue practicing (as I understood it). I can't promise my memory is accurate, but I thought they were on the fence about the concept primarily because of the need for more nursing schools and more benefits that encourage LPN's to return for the RN (i.e. incentive programs at your place of employment). Considering the shortage of nurses and the already limited acceptance rate of current programs, it's not the most ideal scenario to be considering. The article did not sound like Illinois was close to making a decision though.

winniecooper · Apr 14, 2011

I did read that Illinois was considering this (though I'm vague on the source, I believe it may have been from the quarterly illinois nursing paper I get)...though if memory serves, it would be for future LPN's and they would be given 10 years to complete their RN. Current working LPN's would be grandfathered and be able to continue practicing (as I understood it). I can't promise my memory is accurate, but I thought they were on the fence about the concept primarily because of the need for more nursing schools and more benefits that encourage LPN's to return for the RN (i.e. incentive programs at your place of employment). Considering the shortage of nurses and the already limited acceptance rate of current programs, it's not the most ideal scenario to be considering. The article did not sound like Illinois was close to making a decision though.

Thank you for the great information. I'm glad they weren't thinking of just doing away with LPN programs because that's all I can really afford right now.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 14, 2011

I think too you must consider any source as not the most reliable unless its IDPH.

However, I do want to clarify - that there is NO NURSING SHORTAGE at least in IL.

There is thread after thread devoted to "where can I find a job, I'll work anywhere" type of requests.

I live in central IL and there are few to no jobs even for very experienced RNs. Everyone is making due with less and less staffing.

Do your research prior to committing time, money and lots of effort to training for a new job only to be frustrated once you graduate.

winniecooper · Apr 14, 2011

I think too you must consider any source as not the most reliable unless its IDPH.
However, I do want to clarify - that there is NO NURSING SHORTAGE at least in IL.
There is thread after thread devoted to "where can I find a job, I'll work anywhere" type of requests.
I live in central IL and there are few to no jobs even for very experienced RNs. Everyone is making due with less and less staffing.
Do your research prior to committing time, money and lots of effort to training for a new job only to be frustrated once you graduate.

Yes, I have seen this all over. For many years I didn't know what I wanted to do, but now my heart is set on nursing. If it's what you really want to do and you've tried other things, then I guess all you can do is pursue it and hope for the best. Even if I have to work as a CNA until I find an LPN job, so be it. I think I'll still feel good to be moving. I learned from my last job not to stay stagnant. You always have to keep bettering yourself.

LPNsimbi · Apr 15, 2011

You could also try to get certifications to make yourself more desirable if you have difficulty obtaining a job, or even try to just focus on attending seminars in specific areas of nursing. You can get RAC-CT, restorative certification, or even focus on areas such as wound care. I've been fortunate in that I have not ever had trouble finding a nursing position, though I think the first nursing job is probably always the most difficult just from lack of experience. I remember networking for a job months before I graduated from nursing school. My first employer held a position for me for 3 months (as I had to graduate AND move to a new area) and they also allowed me to work license-pending for a month. Maybe I just got lucky if others are having so much trouble.

winniecooper · Apr 15, 2011

You could also try to get certifications to make yourself more desirable if you have difficulty obtaining a job, or even try to just focus on attending seminars in specific areas of nursing. You can get RAC-CT, restorative certification, or even focus on areas such as wound care. I've been fortunate in that I have not ever had trouble finding a nursing position, though I think the first nursing job is probably always the most difficult just from lack of experience. I remember networking for a job months before I graduated from nursing school. My first employer held a position for me for 3 months (as I had to graduate AND move to a new area) and they also allowed me to work license-pending for a month. Maybe I just got lucky if others are having so much trouble.

Thanks for all the good info. Can you focus on areas while you're going to school and if so, how? All the programs I've seen have a set course list so just wondering how you can focus on areas if you're just in school.

LPNsimbi · Apr 15, 2011

If you're in school, you'll probably have to wait until you finish. However, most of the certifications are relatively short. RAC-CT is a 3 day seminar, or you can take the courses online (I did it while I was on maternity leave in about a month). Restorative certification is 6 or 8 weeks (I don't recall exactly).

aflack41 · Sep 4, 2012

Can you tell me the website to go on to get these certifications, and has having these certifications helped you job wise and pay wise, thank you.