Worth Being A LPN

Seaofclouds, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2015

I think it depends on where you want to work. While there may be job opportunities for both in your area, they might be in different areas. In my area, LPNs are being phased out of the hospitals. They tend to work more in LTC. MAs sometimes get jobs as CNAs in hospitals, but most of the MAs tend to work in physician offices. I worked as a LPN before becoming a RN. I had a job offer before I even finished my program, but this was a while ago when there was a huge need and we still used LPNs in the hospital.

Lmomma · Apr 26, 2015

The best way to figure this out for your area is to check out the job market. I am 8 weeks from graduating my LPN program. I checked out the job market in my area, there are tons of LPN jobs available. Good luck!

payitforward · Apr 29, 2015

I got my license in 1992, and it took maybe 6 months for me to land my first job, which was with the federal government.

BrandonLPN, LPN · Apr 29, 2015

Everything is going to vary by location, but as a general rule a LPN who is willing to work in LTC will have little problem finding a job that pays a living wage. Where I live that is around $20/hr. Where you live may be more or less.

If you become a LPN and choose to stay in your current field (ambulatory care) you'll likely be disappointed. From what I gather, there isn't a significant pay difference between MAs and LPNs who work in a physician's office.

LittleCandles · Apr 29, 2015

LPNs are very much in demand here (Michigan). My job, for example, need nurses like crazy. (RN's and LPN) I know many LTC facilities have many openings also. Only shift that's hard to land is 1st. I actually just got offered first after working 5 months because the nurse had to resign from the position and they called and asked if I wanted it before hiring outside the facility.

lpn954 · May 11, 2015

I can't speak for being a MA, but I like being an LPN. There are a billion home health agencies where I live, and I like HH nursing because I can create my own schedule, and do short patient visits, but get paid for one hour no matter what.

Lmomma · May 12, 2015

I can't speak for being a MA, but I like being an LPN. There are a billion home health agencies where I live, and I like HH nursing because I can create my own schedule, and do short patient visits, but get paid for one hour no matter what.

This is what I want to do when I graduate as an LPN (5 weeks!). But I am worried about being the only nurse available as a new nurse. HOw much experience as a nurse did you have before doing HH nursing?

lpn954 · May 12, 2015

I only worked hospice one on one care... so no HH experience. Some are pretty flexible, and will teach also. They taught me the notes and what they expected. Good luck! :)

StrawberryEssence81 · May 21, 2015

Worth it to me. I'm getting nursing experience and a biweekly paycheck that's a decent salary. As far as LPNs being in demand, depends on your geographic location. Can't be too choosy about LPN jobs, though. I knew that when i majored in practical nursing. I currently work in a LTC facility. Good luck with whatever decision you make.