The LPN trap

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2011

It depends on how the nurse markets oneself. People who interview well, have the ability to network, and possess good interpersonal skills are often the ones who can get a foot in the door. However, keep in mind that the currently rough economic climate is limiting the number of hospital positions that become available.

I was an LVN for four years and earned my RN license last year. Virtually all of my time as an LVN had been spent in nursing homes and LTC facilities. I was able to land a job at a smaller acute rehab hospital. I was also offered a job at a small-town regional hospital on their med-surg/oncology unit, but declined due to the pay rate and the anticipated workload. Although the employment market for nurses is fiercely competitive around here, there are still a handful of jobs.

tablefor9, RN · Feb 28, 2011

IDK what the market is like for new LPN grads, but some hosp in my area are limiting LPNs to ER/swing bed units and taking them out of Women & Children, ICUs, even some Nephrology/Surgical floors. However, the LPNs that have been moved have been getting MD office jobs, Medical Records/Coding jobs, etc.

Market, market, market your own skill set. But, if RN school or LPN-RN bridge is an option for you, TAKE IT.

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · Feb 28, 2011

Taking the last sentence of your question, I would say a qualified yes. It depends on tthe attitude of local facilities. Some hospitals will only hire RN's, which is a shame because some of the most talented nurses are LPN's, IMHO.

Flo., BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2011

yes. In my area hositals will only hire BSNs.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Feb 28, 2011

LVN's are certainly valuable and we hire them to certain areas in my hospital. But they are more restricted in their scope of practice which translates to having an RN do some of the tasks or paperwork when having all RN's eliminates that issue.

lpn in pa · Feb 28, 2011

i am an lpn for 15yrs. started out in a hospital working med surg. went to work everyday praying not to kill somebody and crying every night over feelings of being inadequate. that lasted about a year.

i ended up working agency for the next 9yrs and let me tell you how benefical that first year of experience was. i found that i could work anywhere that allowed me as an lpn. this last 5yrs i landed in long term care/ rehab. the pay rate and stability cant be matched by hosp rates.

so in my opinion you are limited by the type of license you posses and state regs but dont let that stop you. if a challenge comes your way take it. it will be a learning tool and you will have experience from it making you even more valuable.

fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2011

the major hospital chain here has recently given LPNs a limited amount of time to become RNs, or they lose their jobs. they are phasing LPNs out (at least this chain is, here in az). LPNs can still get work in long term care here, but i think that's about the only place.

i agree it's a bummer, a hospital i have done clinicals at does team nursing, and it seems to work out better for everyone involved, especially the patients.

lilaclover · Feb 28, 2011

I am an LPN who has made the transition from LTC to a hospital setting.

I spent 3 years working in long term care full time. I recently got a position working at a very large hospital. Funny thing is now I wish I could go back to LTC! I miss it!My husband and I are moving in the summer and I plan on looking for a position in long term care in our new city. I am currently working on my LPN - BsN bridge program. When I become a RN I think I will still choose to work in a extended care environment or rehab.

I don't know why everyone thinks acute care is the best place to work.

ExtraShotNoWhip · Feb 28, 2011

Yes, at least the area I live in, LPN oppertunities are LTC or "simple" home health cases. I have been an LPN for 3 years, just passed my RN boards last Monday :clpty: Despite my 3 years of nursing experience, potential employers see me as a no experience new grad RN. Which for the areas I am applying for and the areas I have worked in I begrudgingly understand...If you are thinking about it, the best advice I can give is, get your RN ASAP!

Fiona59 · Feb 28, 2011

I worked LTC for around 2.5 years and moved to Acute. Best thing I ever did.

The nurse manager who hired me told me that nurses that move from LTC to Acute have good time management skills, can prioritize, and know how to work hard.

I'd never go back to LTC. Med runs that take all morning, hostile NAs, back breaking workloads.

I work in Canada and each year the government promises more funding for staff in LTC but we're yet to see it happen.

Hospitals here will never phase out LPNs. Our training is the equivalent of the old two year diploma RN in my province. It's financially more effective to staff with LPNs rather than RNs. I know of two units in my hospital where there there only two Rs on the units, one as Charge and the other as a resource nurse. The other five nurses are LPNs. The six nurses on the floor have the same patient loads. My health authority has realized that on most general surgical and medical floors there is virtually no difference in the scope of practice for most patients and are staffing accordingly. How many times is blood or travisol required? Not that often. PICCs are pulled by residents, so in reality the skill set is very similar under my provincial guidelines.

CanuckLPN73 · Mar 1, 2011

I worked LTC for around 2.5 years and moved to Acute. Best thing I ever did.
The nurse manager who hired me told me that nurses that move from LTC to Acute have good time management skills, can prioritize, and know how to work hard.
I'd never go back to LTC. Med runs that take all morning, hostile NAs, back breaking workloads.
I work in Canada and each year the government promises more funding for staff in LTC but we're yet to see it happen.
Hospitals here will never phase out LPNs. Our training is the equivalent of the old two year diploma RN in my province. It's financially more effective to staff with LPNs rather than RNs. I know of two units in my hospital where there there only two Rs on the units, one as Charge and the other as a resource nurse. The other five nurses are LPNs. The six nurses on the floor have the same patient loads. My health authority has realized that on most general surgical and medical floors there is virtually no difference in the scope of practice for most patients and are staffing accordingly. How many times is blood or travisol required? Not that often. PICCs are pulled by residents, so in reality the skill set is very similar under my provincial guidelines.

Don't quote me, however from what I understand, we may be the first class when we graduate in 2012 to do blood :) :up:

I love LTC...not all of us NAs are hostile, however yes, LTC is backbreaking workloads for everyone, and can and does play on one physically and mentally. :nurse: