Why are LPNs not allowed to do more?

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I've read several threads on here about what LPNs can and can't do. I've even read some threads where LPNs used to be able to do some stuff but are no longer allowed by law to do those things. I guess I'm not understanding something here. Why would an LPN no longer be allowed to do something they were able to do for years and years? If there is a so-called nursing shortage, why is the scope of an LPN's job becoming more narrow, and why are some hospitals doing away with them altogether? It all seems pretty backward to me. Does it have anything to do with the education an LPN receives? Are LPNs not trained/qualified to do the things they aren't allowed to do, or is it that it's becoming a liability issue? I've also seen a few posters say they consider themselves glorified CNAs and that's why the hospitals are getting rid of them. What is going on? I'm working on prereqs for an LPN program and I just want to understand what I'm getting myself into.

Thanks!

Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

Maybe some of the very seasoned nurses can chime in... I was told by one of my coworkers whom has been a nurse for about 40 years, when she began as a RN, the LPNs she worked with were just being made to start passing medications and had to go back and attend a pharmacology course because it was not part of their original training. So if that's true, we have defininetly increased our scope.

In the states I've worked in, I have never felt very limited in my scope. I can assess my own patients, and basically do all the same skills as the RNs I work with. The differences are that I cannot give blood products and give certain drugs IV Push. RNs would generally get any patients who are very unstable. I can completely understand why LPNs don't work in critical care areas, that does make sense. Unfortunanetly some states have much more limited scopes for LPNs. I think the question should be, why isn't there some kind of national standard for an LPN scope of practice?

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.
My, what an interesting turn this thread has taken. I appreciate everyone's contributions, however I don't feel that anyone has answered any of my actual questions. Why is the LPN's sope of practice becoming more narrow in some parts of the country? Why are they being allowed to do less, and why are hospitals no longer using them in some places? Who is doing the work that LPNs used to do if they are no longer being used in hospital settings?

TIA!

Gamba, everyone has answered to the best that they are able to. The whole point as already pointed out is. It does vary from institution to institution and from state to state. That is the best and only answer anyone is capable of giving you.

If this is something you want to change,then start writing to the Board of Nursing of your state, the institutions in your own area. Change starts with one person talking to another person.:nurse:

The whole scope of practice has also been confusing to me, what I can do now as opposed to what I could do in Minn. at that particular facility is very different, but then again another in the same state of Minn the Lpns could do more...... I just do what my Board of Nursing, My State of employment and my employer says I can do all within the LPN Scope of Practice.

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Hi, I 'am in college now taking MAT classes its a step to become what I always wanted, to take up LPN. But it really scares me what i am hearing. That Hospitals are not to hire LPN's. Why?

I would like to hear and learn from the best.

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Iam paying attention. to what is being said, I think LPN's are great people, not just because I want to become one Is that I love what you guys do for a living. But now I feel discouraged by hearing that nurses are not satisfied with what is happening. So, Please give me an Idea what should I do. Iam in college taking classes for mat to be in your world.

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Hi, I 'am in college now taking MAT classes its a step to become what I always wanted, to take up LPN. But it really scares me what i am hearing. That Hospitals are not to hire LPN's. Why?

I would like to hear and learn from the best.

We are not allowed to do as much as RN's.

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.
Hi, I 'am in college now taking MAT classes its a step to become what I always wanted, to take up LPN. But it really scares me what i am hearing. That Hospitals are not to hire LPN's. Why?

I would like to hear and learn from the best.

what i have heard as a RN as to why hospitals are not hiring LPN's is because RN's can do all and more than a LPN and it saves money to hire one nurse RN that can do it all than one nurse LPN that can do most of the job.

also hospitals feel the level of care is higher when hiring a RN... i have no idea why they feel this ... but this is just what i heard... i think it's all about the almighty dallor

there are alot of hospitals that don't hire LPN's anymore and it seems to becoming a trend... but there are plenty of jobs for LPN's out there .. LTC facilties , Home health, Rehab facilties ... and lots more i don't know about''

don't ever give up your dreams ... life is to short ... there maybe a life that is waiting for your special care when you become a nurse... you will touch someone's life when you become a nurse...

kepp us posted:nurse:

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I don't think we should discourage LPNS from seeking hospital employment there are openings out there it just is fewer than RNS and that trend is up and down in one area you can find some hospitals utilizing them and some hospitals are not but in no way is it out of the question for a LPN to seek hospital employment just make yourself experienced enough to stand out and don't give up on yourself but on the other hand there are so many other options as many of you have explained pediatric home care is a wonderful place to work on your skills you may see all kinds of conditions and go to speciality hospitals with them and learn things that community hospitals will never see

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

If doors are closing to LPNs in certain areas, there may not be a choice for LPNs regarding employment in hospitals. I am fortunate enough to be employed at one and my area has not limited us to hospitals, yet. I am trying to gain as much experience as possible within these hospital walls, so, that I can have a padded resume to apply elsewhere if need be.

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I don't think we should discourage LPNS from seeking hospital employment there are openings out there it just is fewer than RNS and that trend is up and down in one area you can find some hospitals utilizing them and some hospitals are not but in no way is it out of the question for a LPN to seek hospital employment just make yourself experienced enough to stand out and don't give up on yourself but on the other hand there are so many other options as many of you have explained pediatric home care is a wonderful place to work on your skills you may see all kinds of conditions and go to speciality hospitals with them and learn things that community hospitals will never see

Holy run on sentence, Batman!!

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So sorry if my "run on's " are hard to follow most of the time I just type my computer time is in and out but the message is the same but it would be wonderful if we stuck to the subject matter rather than insult (rude) anyway to all you students apparently it is true Nurses do eat their young!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
so sorry if my "run on's " are hard to follow most of the time i just type my computer time is in and out but the message is the same but it would be wonderful if we stuck to the subject matter rather than insult (rude) anyway to all you students apparently it is true nurses do eat their young!!!!!!!!!!!!

here is a passage from this website's tos (terms of service):

along with using proper english spelling and punctuation, this shows respect for the owner, other bulletin board members & guests and makes it easier to read your important thoughts.
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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

From my LPN/5yrs and RN/25yrs:

1. Lack of LPN's involvement in professional associations: NFLN and NAPNES which would encourage development of LPN role and lobby at state/federal level.

2. Increased acuity of hospitalized patients: prior to 2000 most patients hospitalized today would have been ICU unit with staffing 1 RN: 2 patients. Today's ICU/CCU patients would have most likely not be alive. Because of the increase in technology, more highly skilled clinician needed to coordinate all the care needed by patients today.

3. Outdated Board of nursing standards.

For example: Took until 2006 to get regs permitting LPN's accept verbal orders in PA

4. Watered down curriculum.

When I see posters asking for LPN course less than 11-12 months in length, they don't recognize the need for adequate, in depth knowledge to become a proficient nurse responsible for patients lives that depend on our action or lack of action (due to unsafe medical orders needing to question) to keep em safe and ALIVE!

5. Rising healthcare costs which focus on bottom line and cheapest hire for cheapest cost instead of best quality care.

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