do any of you work in anything other than ltc as an LPN?

MelWel · May 17, 2005

I'm an LPN currently working as a Vascular nurse on our Med-Surg /Oncology floor, but the majority of my experience has been in LTC with short periods working home health and private duty pediatric cases.

LTC has many prejudices against it I'm sorry to say. It is not for everyone but neither is "hospital work", etc. People have different personalities, talents and/or interests. What you may not care for now you might just love once you've matured into the profession and vice versa! If you happen to have the opportunity to work in LTC, give it a chance and most importantly --- give it your 100%.

HummingbirdCharm · May 17, 2005

I am excited about starting nursing school (LPN) but I have NO DESIRE at all to work in a nursing home. I want to either work in ER, L&D, or a OB/GYN practice. Am I going to be stuck in ltc? I'm in the state if virginia.

Since becomming an LPN several years ago I have not worked in LTC. I did my time! There are jobs in hospitals as LPNs but they are scare and many times the respect is low. I do not know what is available for a new graduate. Probably the best way to get into the hospital would be to start as a CNA while going to school and then transition to LPN position after you have proved yourself to the staff.

MQ Edna · May 17, 2005

LVN here in Texas. I work on a cardiovascular intermediate care floor in a pretty large medical center. The job's great, I have 4-5 patients, same as RN. I function at like 95% RN scope. I take PCA pumps, start IV's, IV pushes, all cardiac IV drips that are allowed on the floor, titrate Cardizem drips, take heparin drips, read telemetry strips. There's certain places I hear that LVN's can't even put in an IV!?!?!? What's up with that?! 21 here, graduated LVN at 19 and got hired on this floor at 19.

imn2nursing · May 17, 2005

I'm in TN and work with med/surg with specialty in GI. I'm working on my RN and I can't wait till I'm finished so I will have more opportunities. Right now, I'm a senior primary LPN and I can start IV's give IV meds and such, and also have the same amt. pt. as the RN. But, I so want to work in the ER or unit but here it is kind of limited to the RN. I think there is like one LPN in our ER and none in the ICU.

tiroka03, LPN · May 18, 2005

It all depends upon the facility you work in. In the hospital I work in there are teams to do IV's and the RNs work hand and are responsible for most IV fluids. But, at the job I had before I did start IVs and hang solutions I am not allowed ot hang at my current place. It has been my experience in Minnesota RNs will start IV's and not LPNs. However, they will train you to do one in an emergency. But, given the lack of daily practice, when an emergency happens, we aren't really trained all that well. Sounds like in Texas you have a lot more responsiblity, I hope you are being compensated for it.

LVN here in Texas. I work on a cardiovascular intermediate care floor in a pretty large medical center. The job's great, I have 4-5 patients, same as RN. I function at like 95% RN scope. I take PCA pumps, start IV's, IV pushes, all cardiac IV drips that are allowed on the floor, titrate Cardizem drips, take heparin drips, read telemetry strips. There's certain places I hear that LVN's can't even put in an IV!?!?!? What's up with that?! 21 here, graduated LVN at 19 and got hired on this floor at 19.

ER_RN07 · May 18, 2005

Princess74,

I do work for Sentara (Norfolk General). I used to work for Beach General and at least back then when I was a pt. care assistant, they didn't let their LPN's do as much as Norfolk General does.

We can't do primary assessments or triage (unless the patient arrives by ambulance). In the ER, we can do secondary assessments. We are not allowed to care for monitored patients, icu patients etc. We cannot do trauma, but we can care for them once they are stable and are going to be admitted or go home.

My hospital seems to have reconized the abilites of LPN's. We now can push meds, what we can push is unit specific. We are allowed to hang blood, draw blood from picc lines (but as of yet I don't think we are allowed to give meds ivp or infusions via picc lines.)

I have attempted to find the actual scope of practice on the BON website but have had no luck. I have heard that the scope of practice is very vauge here in Virgina. So when I'm in doubt I look up the policy and then also check with my manager or clinical nurse specialist. If nobody can give me an answer......I ask an RN to do it. Better safe then sorry!

Oh, in the Endoscopy Unit LPN's can administer moderate sedation!

What are we as LPN's NOT allowed to do in Virginia, as far as the scope of practice goes. I also live in Hampton Roads, VA Beach to be specific. Do you work for Sentera?

allnurses Guide · May 18, 2005

I'm not an LVN but just thought I'd add some info.

We do have LVN's work acute with us due to the shortage of RN's but the RN is responsible for the initial assessment and then monitors the LVN's care of the patient through the day. We check their charting and agree or disagree. The LVN can pass po meds but cannot do IV meds at all. If they get IV certified, they can start IV's.

I'd have to say that if you want to be an RN, then maybe you should go that route first. Working in LTC is an honorable job and those folks deserve a great nurse whether an LVN or RN. The truth is where I work LTC is where most of the LVN's work.

I see by these posts though that there is great diversity in jobs out there.

steph

Princess74 · May 18, 2005

Princess74,
I do work for Sentara (Norfolk General). I used to work for Beach General and at least back then when I was a pt. care assistant, they didn't let their LPN's do as much as Norfolk General does.
We can't do primary assessments or triage (unless the patient arrives by ambulance). In the ER, we can do secondary assessments. We are not allowed to care for monitored patients, icu patients etc. We cannot do trauma, but we can care for them once they are stable and are going to be admitted or go home.
My hospital seems to have reconized the abilites of LPN's. We now can push meds, what we can push is unit specific. We are allowed to hang blood, draw blood from picc lines (but as of yet I don't think we are allowed to give meds ivp or infusions via picc lines.)
I have attempted to find the actual scope of practice on the BON website but have had no luck. I have heard that the scope of practice is very vauge here in Virgina. So when I'm in doubt I look up the policy and then also check with my manager or clinical nurse specialist. If nobody can give me an answer......I ask an RN to do it. Better safe then sorry!
Oh, in the Endoscopy Unit LPN's can administer moderate sedation!

Thank you so much. :) Thats the information I was looking for.

I feel like I have more options knowing that LPN's are able to do these things here in VA, especially at Norfolk General, it's a great hospital. I was at Portsmouth Navel a couple of days ago (family member in L&D) and I found out that they do use LPN's in Womens health, L&D, etc. so thats good to know too. I agree that the BON in VA does not really specificy the scope of practice very well.

crjnursewarrior · May 19, 2005

I work in a Correctional Facility. I think there are a lot of opportunities for LPNs out there besides a LTC facility. :)

NicInNC, CNA · May 23, 2005

I am excited about starting nursing school (LPN) but I have NO DESIRE at all to work in a nursing home. I want to either work in ER, L&D, or a OB/GYN practice. Am I going to be stuck in ltc? I'm in the state if virginia.

Here are the current job openings for LPS's through Novant Health in my area. As you can see, there are a TON:

http://www4.novanthealth.org/index.html

Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Group 032 00027006 FP WG Support

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Charlotte, NC - Presbyterian Physician Practices 00026995 Gilead Road Peds & IM

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Charlotte, NC - Presbyterian Physician Practices 00026994 Gilead Road Peds & IM

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Group 020 00011067 Primecare Kernersville

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Medical Park Hospital 00024252 Clinical Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Charlotte, NC - Presbyterian Physician Practices 00024968 Presbyterian Urgent Care

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Springwood Care Center 00021804 Intermediate Care Unit

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Group 022 00006666 Fam Med Assoc Lewisville Supp

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Medical Park Hospital 00023494 Clinical Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Medical Park Hospital 00003465 Clinical Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Group 022 00026863 Medical Assoc of Surry Supp

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Group 022 00015288 Maplewood Fam Prac Supp

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00003372 Skilled Nursing Unit

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00003482 Rehab Physical Neurology Team

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - The Oaks at Forsyth 00003366 Medicare Certified Facility

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00014438 Audiology

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Group 022 00006660 Medical Assoc of Davie Supp

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Charlotte, NC - Presbyterian Physician Practices 00023138 Pres Dermatology South Supp

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Group 022 00026707 Stroke Center Support

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Medical Park Hospital 00005460 Clinical Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Group 022 00013113 Maplewood Fam Prac Supp

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Thomasville, NC - Thomasville Medical Center 00026641 Behavioral Health

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Charlotte, NC - Presbyterian Physician Practices 00005772 Presbyterian Urgent Care

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00020103 8th General Renal

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00003395 8th General Renal

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00003423 BH - Adult Psych Unit

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Charlotte, NC - Presbyterian Physician Practices 00026527 Farrington Medical Group

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Charlotte, NC - Presbyterian Physician Practices 00009230 Lakeside Fam Phy-Cornelius

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Medical Park Hospital 00023019 Clinical Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00020148 Medical Surgical Mend

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Medical Park Hospital 00026389 Clinical Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00025668 General Rehab

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Charlotte, NC - Presbyterian Hospital 00014363 7A GI Medical

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - The Oaks at Forsyth 00003408 Intermediate Care Unit

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Charlotte, NC - Presbyterian Physician Practices 00003301 Pulmonology and Critical Care

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00022257 Patient Education

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Springwood Care Center 00003542 Intermediate Care Unit

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Medical Park Hospital 00024254 Clinical Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00003558 Medical Surgical Mend

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00020102 8th General Renal

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Springwood Care Center 00003393 Medicare Certified Facility

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00003589 2nd General GI

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00019849 8th General Renal

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00019836 Mother/Baby

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Springwood Care Center 00013787 Medicare Certified Facility

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00003522 Medical Surgical Mend

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00017871 9th General Medical

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Springwood Care Center 00004964 Intermediate Care Unit

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Charlotte, NC - Presbyterian Physician Practices 00022215 PHA - Founder's Hall

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Springwood Care Center 00003349 Medicare Certified Facility

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Center 00022494 BH Med-Psych Unit

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Winston-Salem, NC - Forsyth Medical Group 032 00021612 FPA KV Support

frodo · May 23, 2005

Hi, I work on a medical floor, I think we have 49 beds now. I usually have 5 to 8 patients, I assess them, start IV's hang Iv fluid, if they have a central line, we can't hang or access them. We give P.O meds, the RN's give the push meds. We are responsible for our patients, go to the charge nurse with any problems. Our hosp won't let LPN's call Dr's so the charge does that. Can't hang blood, but can prime the blood tubing and let the Rn do the first 15 minutes then we take over.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · May 23, 2005

I work in the O.R.