What in the heck are private LPN programs?

ktwlpn, LPN · Nov 20, 2011

Because the media is still yelling from the rooftops that there are nursing jobs or jobs in healthcare are growing... so desperate people with the help of outlandish student loans are taking the fasttrack into a career that they think will pay the bills. Of course LPNs are still out there... however, even LTCs are downsizing their LPN staff in lieu of RNs with ADNs, because the hospitals are mostly taking those with BSNs. But with a $40,000 student loan is one heck of a payment and LPNs don't make that kind of cash!

For the first time in 20 years my LTC is full up with ADN's.It used to be rare for us to keep more then two RN's per shift but now we are crawling them. However I DO make "that kind of cash"-LPN's in this area arestill very well paid

To the OP >>

Who WANTS to admit that they made a $30,000 mistake? The program I attended was and remains accredited and has a fantastic reputation.I'm proud of the training I have.I started on my ADN through the local community college but then lost tuition reimbursment at work so that is on hold and now it appears that I am closer to retirement then regaining reimbursment at this point.

VioletKaliLPN, LPN · Nov 20, 2011

My LPN program was at community college. It was seeking NLN accreditation, as as far as I know it is looking favorable. We began clinicals in the 2nd week of class. We had med surg, SNF, peds, etc. We had at least 2 clinicals a week, along with labs and lectures the other 3 days.

I am a new grad, but I feel comfortable in my ability to work as a new grad LPN, and I am constantly learning each and every day.

The more I learn, the more I realize I have so much more to learn. Nursing education never stops, but I feel that I have received a wonderful foundation to work upon.

Old.Timer · Nov 20, 2011

when i took "the boards" if you failed twice....those sections you failed needed to be reviewed/repeated in a formal class setting before you could take them again. i have concerns about a test that can be taken and retaken until you have seen every mathematical possibility and finally pass and the quality of nurse that produces.
i think that there are many schools both rn and lpn, whether adn/asn, bsn, absn, rn/msn, and online schooling options are churning out frightening examples of swith little or no clinical knowledge and experience. i find it alarming that many new grads i see are lacking basic skills for the bedside yet do nothing but talk about how to get an advanced degree. i agree op and i think you need to look at and be concerned with the quality of nursing education out there in general and the standards that they are being taught.....for i find it, in general, lacking. i remain skeptical how one can become a nurse, nurse practioner...on line....

the above bolding and increased font size are mine. it needed to be said again and even louder. thank you esme for speaking the truth.

this will likely come off as sarcastic but i am totally serious when i suggest that, if greater than two, i would be in favor of the bon noting how many times it took to pass nclex. the only problem with that is the schools will just start teaching to the test even more than they currently do.

i recall being shut down immediately in my school if you even mentioned "will this be on the "the boards". they were proud to note that they taught professional nursing; not how to pass the test. apparently, some schools are doing neither these days and unknowing students are being exploited in a very large way and the profession has suffered tremendously as a result.

Sanuk · Nov 20, 2011

There are lots of reasons why people don't pass the NCLEX on try one (or two, etc.), and it is not always the quality of their school. quote]
I completely agree. Some people don't do well on standardized tests, some have anxiety related to testing. However, that is for people who test two maybe three times. I am speaking of the ones who test a dozen times. First, I never knew that was allowed. At what point do we say this person just isn't going to succeed as a nurse? Also, how did they complete a nursing program if they don't have basic literacy? That is more concerning for me as it demonstrates a lack in the curriculum.

caliotter3 · Nov 20, 2011

These programs may not be 'education', but they are certainly sources of revenue for their owners and a path for those who do not have easy access to more reputable programs.

BunnySan27 · Nov 20, 2011

The LPN program I attended was accredited and was a very good school. Very intensive course study, I had a very and full clinical rotation. When I graduated in 2004 my class was the last to have the program last 18 months. Because of my education and training it has given me for the foundation for the skill set I have obtain over my 7+ year career. I love being a LVN, although I will be advancing my education, I have worked and feel I am comfortable and competent to work there. Ive had serveral supervisors and managers praise me for my skills. I don't doubt that because the way the medical feild and the cost of healthcare has risen too that its necessary for someone to advance, to stay abreast with changes but it doesn't negate they fact that their are reputable LPN programs, and yes I passed the NCLEX on the first try.

BSN32 · Nov 20, 2011

I am talking about the programs

that are not NLN accredited, and the graduate is not eligible to write boards in every state. That is something to fuss about.

BunnySan27 · Nov 20, 2011

No offense OP. I agree it is. A lot of people thinks that ALL programs need to be done away with. I was coming from a LVN perspective.

OCNRN63, RN · Nov 20, 2011

Recently I have a positon in which LPN's are on staff. In the 1970's, my Dean, Dr. Luther Christman, was instrumental in discouraging LPN programs. I realize that times have changed. I have changed my own old attitudes,which has been difficult. My generation and ANA were promoting the bill to define two levels of nursing practice. BSN, and ADN. This was in the early 1980's. Medical center's boasted a BSN staff. Primary nursing was the gold standard.So this is the bias of my earlier years in clinical practice.
But recently I have become aware of these private LPN programs. One such program has unusual entrance requirements. A high school diploma/GED, a clean criminal record, and $26,000-$30,000 guanantee a spot. I am aghast at the quality of care that I have witnessed. My colleagues, including seasoned LPN's from reputable programs, were flabbergasted to hear about such programs. This discovery was prompted by investigation of the educational preparation of 3 new LPN's. They have all since been terminated for patient negligence, life threatening medication errors, or substandard clinical practice.
Posting this thread will be met with outrage, and criticism I am certain. But why were the LPN's I have spoken about totally defensive concerning thier LPN program?
I am wary of a program that is not certified by NLN. I am wary of a program that does not include,or require an English class. I am wary of a program with such pathetic entrance requirements. I am adamant that these programs are not EDUCATION. I am not sure what they are.

Maybe because they could feel the condescension oozing from you. Heck, I'm an RN, and your post made me angry too.

OCNRN63, RN · Nov 20, 2011

Personally I have issues with private schools, for profit schools in general, not just LPN programs (yes, some have ADN programs too). For example, their "admissions office" staff is paid based on commission. That means they are not admissions officers...they are salespeople. Salespeople on commission have a tendacy to say just about anything to make the sale. Private college reps seem to be no different.
A few days ago a saw an ad on TV for a private college (that shall remain nameless). The ad showed an elderly woman wearing a hospital gown, sitting in a w/c. Some doom and gloom voice say something to the effect of "poor Mary is fogotten, what can be done to make sure Mary does not suffer any more." (not a direct quote, but you get the idea. Then a cheerful voiceover comes on to say "with a degree with XXX University you can make a difference for Mary." (at this point I'm running for an emesis basin). BTW, not sure if this "school" has an LPN program. Anyway, just gives you an idea of the standards (or lack there of) for these schools.

Oh, you mean Capella College/University? :devil:

I hate that commercial, too. They've got one with a guy who's some sort of cop/EMS provider.

BSN32 · Nov 20, 2011

I agree to the on line- degree that does not require clinical. Several years ago I was curious. One very visible on line University advertised a FNP program. I entered my information. Within SECONDS after I submitted my info, my phone rang. I was accepted to the program over the telephone. Requirements were BSN and one year of experience. No clinical. Hello? I asked about an internship with an MD in a practice? Not neecessary. The person on the phone said that I already had the clinical skills. No thesis. But reputable graduate programs have non thesis option. I questioned COST. This was interesting. $36,000. This was in 1995. Then she quickly changed the subject to offering me finance options.

When she asked me when I wanted to enroll I declined of course. She continued to try to entice me. When I told her that there were a REPUTABLE universities nearby offering reputable degrees, which were less costly, she was quiet.

But what the HECK? I would be embarrassed to have such a degree. Sorry,

OCNRN63, RN · Nov 20, 2011

The above bolding and increased font size are mine. It needed to be said again and even louder. Thank you Esme for speaking the truth.
This will likely come off as sarcastic but I am totally serious when I suggest that, if greater than two, I would be in favor of the BON noting how many times it took to pass NCLEX. The only problem with that is the schools will just start teaching to the test even more than they currently do.
I recall being shut down immediately in my school if you even mentioned "will this be on the "the boards". They were proud to note that they taught professional nursing; not how to pass the test. Apparently, some schools are doing neither these days and unknowing students are being exploited in a very large way and the profession has suffered tremendously as a result.

I recall the same. I think if you fail NCLEX twice, you need to go for a refresher course. I'm appalled at posts that say, "I failed NCLEX 9 times and finally passed!" You won't see me extending congratulations.