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.

Specializes in Emergency Room Nursing.

I think it depends on your work goal. If there's work available... In Canada we are utilized to full scope. I'm not sure what the scope is in the US but we are essentially doing the same job as the RN in a hospital or clinical setting but given stable patients to care for and monitor. When I phoned about an RN job at an American teaching hospital (I graduate in May) they told me my lpn experience didn't count for anything and would not give me more than a personal advantage. Leads me to believe there's different roles based on location.

It's what you feel will work best for you! There will always be lpn work in canada. They're trying to utilize them more so they can pay cheaper wages than to RNs and have RNs only in speciality. Although at the moment the economy is making it difficult to get work. Layoffs everywhere. Nature of the beast I suppose.

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

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Your opinion is right on. You are either motivated to climb the ladder or you are not.

No one disrespects those that don't!

The problem arises when those who have not pursued an advanced education believe

that simple longevity in a job is a substitute for education and higher knowledge.

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RNsrWE

My comment has absolute nothing to do with degrees or licenses per se...except the knowledge that each requires and provides to adequately administer to those who are entrusted to our care.

Each discipline is the next rung on the ladder...each discipline is broader than the next which makes for a more well-informed, and better educated individual who, because of that advanced education is capable of handling a more diverse assignment and additional responsibility

Therefore "LPNs are not equivalent RNs, RNs are not equivalent, BSNs are not equivalent PAs, and PAs are not equivalent MDs etc etc.!' (phrase in bold font is your emphasis, not mine)

Hope that clears it up for you.

For some reason..a few took exception to that remark, considering it derogatory.

Not my intent.

I respect all opinions. Everyone has one..or a dozen!

Whether I agree or disagree, civility is the key to credible communication.

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I have been an LPN for 26 yrs and decided to do an LPN to BSN because my hospital job recently started hiring RNs only. It is also rumored that my job is being bought by a major hospital that doesn't hire LPN so that has me and my LPN coworkers job scared. I have the option of working in LTC but been there done that and don't want to ever do it again! Also I can work anywhere in my hospital but can only be hired to work Medsurg. Being an RN will definitely give me more options.

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The more advanced degrees always allow for more job options.

There are many LPNs who are happy working LTC.....but also many who prefer hospitals.

Some hospitals are phasing out LPNs.

They can hire an additional (state required) RNs and more CNAs as opposed to keeping LPNs...and save money.

You may not agree with the solution...but in hospitals...the priority is the bottom line to offer the best care at the lowest price!

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As an LPN who is working through an RN program right now, here are my thoughts: the experience I have as a 4-year LPN has been invaluable. I have a strong knowledge base, my interpersonal skills are good, meds don't scare me any more. At he same time, I see how restricted LPNs are in my area and I would say go right to RN. You'll get the experience after graduation and you'll save your self oodles of time.

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RED,

Evidently you were offended by my comment.

I don't comment to make enemies, but to give an honest opinion based on my personal observation, and experience.

Your opinion and experience is not mine. So be it. I respect all opinion whether I agree or disagree.

Opinions are "a view or judgment about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge"

I don't know you or anything about you. Therefore I assume nothing.

I simply stated that more advanced disciplines in nursing opened more doors/job opportunity and advancement potential for those initiating a career path in nursing.

Therefore, to end this on a high note, I will apologize that my opinion offended you.

Have a nice day and good luck whichever path you choose.

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RNsrWE

My comment has absolute nothing to do with degrees or licenses per se...except the knowledge that each requires and provides to adequately administer to those who are entrusted to our care.

Each discipline is the next rung on the ladder...each discipline is broader than the next which makes for a more well-informed, and better educated individual who, because of that advanced education is capable of handling a more diverse assignment and additional responsibility

Therefore "LPNs are not equivalent RNs, RNs are not equivalent, BSNs are not equivalent PAs, and PAs are not equivalent MDs etc etc.!' (phrase in bold font is your emphasis, not mine)

Hope that clears it up for you.

For some reason..a few took exception to that remark, considering it derogatory.

Not my intent.

I respect all opinions. Everyone has one..or a dozen!

Whether I agree or disagree, civility is the key to credible communication.

Well.....you changed what you said; what I quoted is NOT what you have re-written here (and indicated that I was bolding this comment of yours--but now it's NOT a correct quote).

You actually said "RNs are not equivalent BSNs, BSNs are not equivalent PAs..." etc.

When taken in context with the rest of what you wrote, it doesn't convey the same meaning.

You say it's not about degrees or licenses, but about those who "are entrusted to our care". Are you an LPN or an RN? That is the clarification I'm seeking, if you don't mind, as that would clarify your point of view on the topic, that being what place LPNs will have in the future, and what that might mean for RNs. Which are you?

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RNsrWE

My comment has absolute nothing to do with degrees or licenses per se...except the knowledge that each requires and provides to adequately administer to those who are entrusted to our care.

Each discipline is the next rung on the ladder...each discipline is broader than the next which makes for a more well-informed, and better educated individual who, because of that advanced education is capable of handling a more diverse assignment and additional responsibility

Therefore "LPNs are not equivalent RNs, RNs are not equivalent, BSNs are not equivalent PAs, and PAs are not equivalent MDs etc etc.!' (phrase in bold font is your emphasis, not mine)

Hope that clears it up for you.

For some reason..a few took exception to that remark, considering it derogatory.

Not my intent.

I respect all opinions. Everyone has one..or a dozen!

Whether I agree or disagree, civility is the key to credible communication.

Im an LPN currently going to school to get my ADN. I work with tons of RN's AND BSN's in a hospital and everyone tells me through their experience that the only difference between the two is the extra classes of underwater basketweaving that are required just to get the credits.

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RED,

Pleas note: My direct quote below, copy and paste from page 3 does not have "emphasis added"!

"Like it or not, your knowledge base and pay scale is measured by your degrees....and that is cast in stone!

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

If you want your choice of jobs, you acquire the education and degree it requires. It's just that simple."

Hope that clears it up for you.

For some reason..you took exception to that remark, considering it derogatory.

Not my intent.

I respect all opinions. Everyone has one..or a dozen!

Whether I agree or disagree, civility is the key to credible communication.

I have no intention of revealing personal information to appease your curiosity, as you must have surmised by now. Allnurses encourages/allows anonymity for just that reason. To be polite/civil, I chose to simply avoid your personal question a number of times rather than address it.

Therefore, to end this on a high note, I will apologize, again, that my opinion offended you.

Please accept it, as contentious/repetitive dialogue has no value.

I wish you nothing but success and good luck whichever path you choose. Have a nice day.

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You say it's not about degrees or licenses, but about those who "are entrusted to our care".Are you an LPN or an RN? That is the clarification I'm seeking, if you don't mind, as that would clarify your point of view on the topic, that being what place LPNs will have in the future, and what that might mean for RNs. Which are you?

I have no intention of revealing personal information to appease your curiosity, as you must have surmised by now. Allnurses encourages/allows anonymity for just that reason. To be polite/civil, I chose to simply avoid your personal question a number of times rather than address it.

I believe I do have my answer now, thank you.

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