Will LPN's be around for long?

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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From some of my own research, I did read that LPN programs have remained stable since the 90's. I have been thinking about starting an LPN program and going through with school. I do not want to go through everything if there is no future for LPNs because then of course I would have wasted my time and money. My overall goal is to be an RN, I was thinking of doing LPN and then doing an LPN-RN bridge program. Please let me know what you all think.

Hello everyone, I have been a critical care paramedic for 20 years, I worked in the field, hospitals, urgent cares, and prisons. I am looking into to getting my RN, but every college seems to have a 2 year waiting list or a exam test site that is the price tag is way outrageous. Example Achieve test prep, is close to $12,000 for their program. This includes their fees and that of excelsior. Ther is no way that I can fork out without some type of loan either private or public. I am looking only to be an LPN, dont want to work in a hospital had enough of that. Still love being on the ambulance, but private ems is to unstable and just want the ems to do transfers out of nursing facilities. What I am looking for is a good lpn program in michigan plain ans simple. I have a Bachelors in Health Science, AAS in EMS, cert in general studies and science and math. Instructor in Critical Care, ACLS, PALS, NRP, BLS, PHTLS, ASLS and a paramedic I/C for my state. The program could be online or in a class because i have done both over the years. So could some one direct me to a proper program.

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Wow...you presume so much that is not in evidence!

Why would you choose to assassinate my character to make your point?

You don't know anything about me.

My comment was for the individual who questioned what career path degree to follow in nursing!

She was seeking information.

I did not disrespect any class of nurses. (You will find many LPNs working in LTC, because that's the jobs available to them.) Great, if that is your choice...not so great if it's not your choice.

I commented on my experiences and observations regarding career paths, and what to expect to find at the end of each path! Why does that offend you?

There is nothing better than a 'perfectly happy nurse' following whatever path she/he chooses...so please have at it.... but while you're at it, allow those who choose alternative paths the same courtesy!

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Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

I wish people will stop saying things like LPNs are phased out or whatever. They're not being phased out...not when

you can pay someone $27/hr to do most of the things the $33/hr. nurse is doing.

Example, my nursing home facility has like 2-5 RNs per shift

but like 10 LPNs on the same shift.

Or, some days they will have 2-3 RNs and like 10-12 LPNs.

All you need is one registered nurse in the building and then you can staff

the rest with LPNs to have the facility be compliant with the Department of Health.

So...I think they're here to stay. Btw, LPNs is an excellent career choice. I kind of wish I knew that there

was such a thing as the LPN because I would have done that instead. Fast education with a comfortable pay and

little liability compared to the RN.

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Specializes in OR/PACU/med surg/LTC.
I was an LVN/LPN back in (mumble mumble 1980 something) and they were saying all this back then. I doubt it will ever happen. More likely we'd end up with something like the Canadian system where the LPN's are the equivalent of a two year RN and the RN's all need to have a BSN (going forward, everyone grandfathered in). Even if something like that happened, it's a long time away.

I'm a RN in Canada with my BScN and I'm seeing RPNs being utilized more to their scope of practice with doing IVs, bloodwork etc. My LTC changed their staffing when we went to 8 hour shifts and RNs actually lost hours since they were able to use RPNs instead. Maybe my facility is a bit different as we are attached to a hospital so for our 30 bed facility, they do not need a RN 24/7.

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RED,

Nothing beats experience, observation and the ability to listen to the anecdotes of those who believe they are being short-changed...unfairly.... because they have an LPN :-)

It's their story... their gripes...their observation... their dissatisfaction...their issue!

I choose not to go there with them or make their issues, mine! Have a nice day!

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Specializes in hospice.
Wow...you presume so much that is not in evidence!

As do you.

It's bonafide fact that LPNs are the unhappiest group of nurses because their job choices and salaries are limited....due to facility and state regulations regarding their ability and worth. That's undeniable fact

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I did the LPN program in 2000. I appreciate every bit of education I received from this program BUT....I started out as an LPN on a busy med surg floor. When I discovered I was making $5 less an hour than new grad RN's and I could do everything they could do except initiate blood. So I went back to school and received my RN in 2004. So I spent more money on school but I did appreciate my LPN education and I was able to practice as a nurse while working on my RN degree. There's good, bad, and the money lol!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I have come to believe, personally, if I want to remain relevant in nursing, it behooves me to go further with my education. I did not go for the LPN d/t limited job choices in most markets. I am working my way up to a master's degree (slowly) so I can maintain that relevance in the ever-more-competitive field. No offense to anyone here; it is just my opinion.

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LPNs are not equivalent RNs, RNs are not equivalent BSNs, BSNs are not equivalent PAs, and PAs are not equivalent MDs etc etc.!

Do you realize what you are saying here? Do you understand that "RN" is a license....and "BSN" is a degree....? Because it seems you do not, although you DO speak with considerable authority on the subject, even stating things like "most LPNs..." , "it's a fact...", and so on.

Would you mind sharing which nursing license you hold? And/or what degree? It might help clarify your viewpoint on the topic at hand.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Do you realize what you are saying here? Do you understand that "RN" is a license....and "BSN" is a degree....? Because it seems you do not, although you DO speak with considerable authority on the subject, even stating things like "most LPNs..." , "it's a fact...", and so on.

Would you mind sharing which nursing license you hold? And/or what degree? It might help clarify your viewpoint on the topic at hand.

I'm waiting as well... *munches popcorn*

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My experience was that RN school was too long and too expensive for me. Its also extremely competitive. So I went the LPN route. I graduated in 2011 and am currently in an "LPN 2 RN" program. This program is much more conformed to what I needed because its all online except for the last two months which is also the term when I will do my clinicals. I work fulltime at a hospital and cant afford to quit work to go back to school. Plus, by getting a job at a hospital I was able to get my RN paid for.

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Im in a lpn program righr now second semester and lpn's are no longer in the hospitals but they are in the nursing homes. i decided to do lpn first cause i am a cna right now and my job hiries lpns with no experience. so i can start working on my rn. go for it! LPNs are going to be in nursing homes for a very long time and clinics.

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