What do you think?

[iceprincess325]

Hello

I am new here. I was hoping to find answers to some of my questions and I just confused myself even more. I will be in the professional track part of my LPN program Fall of 2007 and have a few decisions to make before then.

So many people have different views on LPN's. Some believe that LPN's are being phased out; others believe that LPN's will be in high demand starting 2007-2015. According to Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Growth, a large percent of LPN's will be retiring soon and the need for LTC's will be increasing in the next few years, so LPN jobs will be abundant. What do you think? Are LPN"s being phased out? Is it better to get an RN? One of my instructors seem to think that because of the nursing shortage, the long waiting periods to get into a decent RN school and the lack of nursing educators hospitals will be forced to bring back the LPN. What is your take on that idea?

I have read a few other posts and almost everyone says that what is required of an LPN and what the wages are depend on the area you live in. Does anyone know what the average starting wage for an LPN in Michigan is?

Thank You for any information.

[Jules A, MSN]

Hi,

This is just my opinion of course but I believe there will be a place for LPNs. They have been talking about phasing them out for at least 20 years that I know about. If you can get into a RN program and can afford to stay at the job you have now while you are getting your RN then I would say that would be the best choice but if not getting your LPN is certainly an option. Good luck, Jules

[MsLady06]

LPN's are good to go in my area. A lot of hospitals dont have many positions for them but LTC always needs them. I really dont care about hosp not hiring LPN..its too fast pace for me.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I don't quite believe that LPNs are going to be phased out for several reasons. First being that most managers would prefer to get more services while paying less money. We are the lowest in the licensed nursing chain. It may be true that they are certifying aides to medicate and medical assistants, however, these people are not trained in many nursing skills (or let me correct myself and say that not each state will train others to do these things). There is a nursing shortage and while we cannot totally compensate for the position of an RN, we are licensed as well. Most city hospitals here in NYC are still hiring LPNs (my hospital just listed 8 posting this week, and 5 last week). I wouldn't worry about LPNs being phased out per se. Depending on where you live, you may experience a limited variety of options, but I can't see this happening thoughout the USA. If I am naive, then someone please feel free to correct me.

If you are really interested in becoming an RN, and have no major commitments to stop you, then maybe that may be the better option...no sick relatives, spouse or children and get it overwith. Best wishes in your decision!

[mslpn210]

in my area LPNS are hired everywhere, even hospitals and are considered valuable in a hospital setting. I think the LPN route is best.. i know many disagree, but i got out of minimum wage in a year, and i can make good money and go back to school at the same time.. and also have an awesome base of knowledge setting me up for when i return to rn school.

but if you have the means, and spare time to do rn first, i'd suggest that. i chose lpn first due to my limited time i had to make money quick.. i only have my boyfriend helpin me.. and he can't wait till my check comes so he can take a breather

[Noryn]

I think the most alarming thing is that LPNs really dont have a unified voice or an large organization that are fighting for their interests. It does depend on the area but many places are no longer using LPNs such as hospitals and many doctor offices are hiring medical assistants now as well. Again it depends on the location but it seems many accrediting agencies are requiring staff nurses to be RNs which are forcing LPNs out of places like critical care units and ERs.

There are always going to be jobs for LPNs but your choices are really going to be limited when compared to a RN. Long term care is about the only guarantee and as you can read on these forums, many of these places are absolutely horrible to work in.

The nursing shortage may in fact cause some things to change and opportunities for LPNs may increase but this is not certain and when you are dealing with your future you really want as close to an absolute that you can have. It bothers me that as a LPN, often you are working as hard or harder than the RN while getting less respect and pay.