Eliminating LPNs Not The Answer

Try to get inot nursing school in KY.  You have to take a completed course of medical nurse aid, and pass.  Then after you have completed the MNA class, before you start your nursing classes, the student has to actually perform, test on nursing assistant duties.  Say for instance if you are demonstrating the making of a patients bed and you let the linen touch the floor , YOU DO NOT CONTINUE THE NURSING PROGRAM.  This is a state of KY nursing law.  Are there any other states that anyone knows of that requires one to complete a medical nurse aid class in orderd to be accepted into a nursing program?

I am going into LPN program this fall, and then from there I am applying to medical school  You two year RN's, most do not have any chemisty at all.  That is pretty sad!!!!   I have two chemisty classes, ( 2 4yr required Rn required chemistry classes) and I know more about the human body than 2 year RN's will ever know.  Iam a certified phlebotomist and it is nothing to find a vein to stick a needle into.  A lot of hospitals have an IV team anyway, and the reason why they have an IV team is beacuse most RN's cannot start IV, they cause patients to develop cellulitis at the site of where they tried to start an IV, or one went bad.  So, you RN's don't tell me you are smarter than a phlebotomist, one that an get a vein everytime!!!!!!!!!!

The community college where I am attending the LPN program, the nursing instructors all have master degrees, and they are better and smarted instructors than the instructors that are teaching the RN program.  It is well known that when the LPN's ADN, merge with the RN class, during their last three classes, that the LPN's are smarter than the students that have been preparing for an RN degree, additionally, there are lots of students that flunk out of RN programs, and then there are some that pass by the skin of their teeth.  

I have had classes with students that flunked A&P exams, and medical micro exams, but then shapped up a little for the next exams just to barley pass.  Would not want that RN taking care of my family member.  I really hope that the next move the state of KY does is enforce 2 year RN's to get their BSN, or they will be out of job.  That is the rumor here in the Lexington are.  KU already accepts 2 nursing classes a year, and they can easily up that if 2 year RN's are forced to get their BSN's.    

So, none of this matters to me, I am headed for medical school beginning fall 2009.  I take my MCAT this winter.   I will be giving all the nurses their orders.

The American Nurses Association ruined nursing. The "all rn/ bsn only" model that was proposed and implemented starting in the 70's has resulted in nurses going back school post bsn and becoming nurse managers, nurse practioners etc etc and leaving the hands on floor nursing aspect of the profession to techs, pcts, nursing assistants and aides.

There are more "bodies" on the units now.. and less is getting done.  

If they are going to eliminate LPNs then do it. If not, use us to eleviate the critical shortage of nurses and stop using these 60 day trained "wonders" as substitutes for care givers.

They are technicians not nurses..

Wow, I can't believe it! Its all true.  I graduated in 2002 and heard rumors of the phasing out in clinicals.  I guess its here now.  I am registering for RN school. I always intended to go further but now I know I need to get my BS too.  I see why there is a shortage and with politics like this there always will be.  Maybe a good thing more money for us. But going back to school is expensive.  They did something similar in a school in my city with parapros they had to have an associates by the end of the year or loose their jobs.  That will probably be us. Prepare yourselves ladies

Joseph, read the admission requirements for some of the CT NP programs before you spout off anymore. Bachelor's Dergree or RN required for admission. Those without RN receive their licensure through "acclerated courses" prior to starting NP clinicals. Again, can't you find anything more useful or positive to do with your life than trolling the LPN blog?

Actually Gloria I will be attending Medical School in the fall. I became an RN so that I would have the experience and knowledge to help me be successful in Medical School. By the way you have no idea how much time I spent in clinicals so do not tell me that you spent so much more that me. I too am certified in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. I have run PLENTY OF CODES! In addition to my ADN and BSN, I also have an undergraduate degree in Biology (with a minor in chemistry) and another degree in Bereavement counseling. I have my OCN and CCRN certifications as well. Also don't give me that garbage about you attending N.P. school as an LPN-it is pure BULL!!!!!!!!!!! It is a REQUIREMENT TO BE A GRADUATE OF A NURSING SCHOOL, HOLD A CURRENT RN LICENSE AND ALSO HAVE A BSN DEGREE TO ATTEND N.P. School. The ONLY EXCEPTION IS IF YOU HAVE AN ADN AND RN LICENSE YOU CAN APPLY TO AN ACCELERATED RN TO MSN PROGRAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hat is the most outrageous thing I have ever heard. You have not been trained to assess patients (the proper RN assessment), write care plans, come up with appropriate nursing diagnoses, work independently, provide appropriate client education, prioritize & delegate care to the appropriate individuals, initiate IVs, IV minibags, push IV medications, hang blood transfusions, access C.V.A.D.s, or a multitude of other RN ONLY applications!!! Not to mention the fact that you have not had half of the clinical experiences or formal lab practice of an RN!!!!!  

Joey,

I have did everything on your list of RN only, plus functioned in a code when my charge nurse freaked, and helped the MD SAVE the patient!!!

I have not only nitiated IVs, hung IV minibags, pushed IV medications, hung blood transfusions, FFP, Albumin, and accessed C.V.A.D. Drew ABGs, shoot wedge pressures, mixed IV fluids, managed and titrated cardiac drips.!  I have been Certified in ACLS for 8 years, and previously NALS, and PALS certified!!!

I spent 18 months in an LVN program with no breaks, except for one day off for a major holiday.  Went to school 5 days a week/40hrs a week and I bet  I spent a lot more time in clinical training then you!  I almost maxed my boards with a 658 out of 700.  I only needed 350!!

I also continued to educate myself on and increase my knowledge base with CEUs, and additional classes which amounted to at least 20 plus CEUs a year.  I was offered a head nurse position in a small county hospital by the head of the OB dept; an MD!!!!!!!.  I bet I and many other LP/VNs could easily work circles around you!!!!!

Whats wrong Joey, couldn't make it in Med School????

My apologies to all others, but this person pushed the wrong button!!

I worked as an LP/VN (meaning I am licensed in Texas LVN, and six other states that use LPN), and I started out in 1980 in NICU, and was crossed trained to L&D.  

Just because an LPN does not receive a "degree", does not mean she is extremely less educated or "trained" than an RN.  IF you listen to ADN, they feel the 6 months more of education than I, made them far superior.  Listen to a BSN, and they feel the ADN shouldn't be an RN, and so and so on!

The RN who decided to spill her venom on here reminded me how small minded people can be!  Talk with certian doctors and to them an RN is nothing more than a servant who carries out their wishes.....Geeze!!

Where is the compassion for one another??

I have 27 year of experience working side by side in with RNs and LPNs in Critical Care with my own set of pts, in the ER, etc..etc.  I have never had a pt die in my care...which says alot to mine and my patients good fortune!  I was complimented many times by my patients for my attire, and my care.

I worked as a travel nurse for over 12 years and was almost always offered an extension, and a job.  I once had the staff of telemetry unit I worked on per diem to tell their Manager I was taking a travel assignment to another state.  The staff did not want me to leave, and their manager came in on the night shift to offer me a job!

Of course I turned her down, but she gave me her card, and said whenever you want a job, just give me a call.

Thank GOD not every RN feels as the once who decided to spout off about how less than LPNs were!

Thank God too that I no longer work as a LPN, but in I. S. making the same money I made as a traveler.  But in a  relaxed, flexible setting.  Go to break when I feel like it, work from home when I need to, go out to a relaxing lunch, no holidays, no weekends, and a bonus every year!

And when I say bonus, and I am not talking about a few hundred dollars either!  I work beside RNs, and doctors who treat each other with respect and kindness!  I LOVE going to work, and even work on my off days at home, because I WANT to!

Thank GOD for saving me from the poison that seems to be growing daily among those who say they are compassionate about caring for their fellow human!!!!!!!!!!

To Joseph: I've yet to see an RN grad who had ANY of the skills you mention, yet, I have most of them. Not all states require LPN's to work only as an "extension" of the RN. Sadly CT is one of the most restrictive for LPN's. I had 18 months of intensive 5 day/40 hours a week training not the 4 semesters of college ADN's get. That was after attaining a BS in another field, as many LPN's have done. I've also worked in Critical Care & Emergency Nursing. I'm working on my MSN to be a Nurse Practitioner. Oddly enough :) it is not required to be an RN to be admitted to most MSN NP programs. One just takes a few extra classes and then takes state NCLEX-RN before starting clinical. So much for all the respect your RN status has.  .......and why are you reading the LPN blogs anyways?

Notice to all LPNs on this blog: Stop comparing yourself to RNs! Your education is completely different from that of an RN. You are only able and allowed to practice UNDER the SUPERVISION of an RN, MD, PA (or other advanced practiced nurse). Your profession exists as a means of cost effective (and in my opinion less quality) patient care. I have worked side by side with LPNs as a CNA while I was in RN school and for the most part their abilities, attitudes, and level of education is appauling! They are some of the most unprofessional staff you will ever meet in the hospital or skilled nursing facility. Nursing care plans and diagnoses are essential to quality pateint care, health maintenance and restoration, I refuse to sit back and let you bash the true field of nursing any longer. I think that the state boards of nursing could do our profession a big favor by eliminating LPNs/LPN programs all together. It is an insult that an LPN can call him/her self a nurse, while not even having a degree!!! RNs worked hard and obtained an ACTUAL DEGREE to earn the right and privilege of calling themselves nurses! As for the comment of being grandfathered in an RNs or being allowed to just take the N-CLEX RN, are you out of your MIND??????? That is the most outrageous thing I have ever heard. You have not been trained to assess patients (the proper RN assessment), write care plans, come up with appropriate nursing diagnoses, work independently, provide appropriate client education, prioritize & delegate care to the appropriate individuals, initiate IVs, IV minibags, push IV medications, hang blood transfusions, access C.V.A.D.s, or a multitude of other RN ONLY applications!!! Not to mention the fact that you have not had half of the clinical experiences or formal lab practice of an RN!!!!!  

I HAVE BEEN AN LPN FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, AND HAVE HEARD THE RUMBLINGS OVER THE YEARS TO PHASE OUT THE LPN. HOWEVER, NOW IT HAS TRULY COME TO PASS! I AM FINDING A GREAT DEAL OF DIFFICULTY FINDING HOSPITAL POSITONS FOR THE LPN. IT SEEMS OUR ONLY OPTIONS ARE WORKING IN A SKILLED NURSING HOME. I AM CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN AN LPN TO RN SCHOOL AS I SEE NO OTHER OPTIONS. I HAVE SEEN THE DECLINE IN LACK OF RESPECT FOR THE LPN, AND IT SADDENS ME. WHEN INTERVIEWING FOR POSITIONS, I AM TOLD, YOU HAVE SO MUCH EXPERIENCE... CALL US WHEN YOU COMPLETE YOUR RN. MY FAVORITE IS WHEN I AM TOLD BY RN COWORKERS " OH I THOUGHT YOU WERE AN RN, YOUR SO SMART" I GUESS SOMEWHERE IN THE COMMENT THEY THINK ITS A COMPLIMENT! OUR HANDS ARE TIED, WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO RETURN TO SCHOOL!

Hi, I'm a lpn with over 15 years in the nursing field , with over 15 in the mitilary as a medic. Retier from the VA as a nurse. My question is why is CT like alot of states do not except lpn with NY license that they recieve in the mititary. Ct said that  I recieve my training in the Air Force and it no good in Ct . I have to do more staff work to bring it up to Ct. board. I did 2 years in Iraq as a nurse and no one ask about how many hours the Air Force training was.  If we are so short ,what is it .

Hi, I'm a lpn with over 15 years in the nursing field , with over 15 in the mitilary as a medic. Retier from the VA as a nurse. My question is why is CT like alot of states do not except lpn with NY license that they recieve in the mititary. Ct said that  I recieve my training in the Air Force and it no good in Ct . I have to do more staff work to bring it up to Ct. board. I did 2 years in Iraq as a nurse and no one ask about how many hours the Air Force training was.  If we are so short ,what is it .

I feel that nursing boards should grandfather LPN'S into the Rn   career with certain regulations etc 8-10 years of experience and the ability to pass the RN NCLEX. We  receive no respect for what we do. Nursing is taking care of the sick, and providing empathy and understanding. The patients are what's important to me.Yes I will be writing State Boards of Ga.

                                                                      jt

My hospital in this area was using me (an LPN) as a Tech (glorified CNA--with phlebotomy skills) much of my work week.  If I was on schedule for 12 hours that day, then most or half of that time I worked as a Technician (for LPN pay).  Two LPN's from another floor, decided to stay as Tech's only, because they did not like switching LPN to Tech/Tech to LPN throughout the work day.  I, sometimes, was switched to nurse part way through the day, and had the same patients!  That is a little bizare.  That is why I left the hospital.  I went to a nursing home, and they are working short so often, that it became hard to get my work done.  This is why I work for a home health agency; I have some control where I can state the days I will work or won't. I am more sedentary (I only have one patient), but I don't have to worry about having too many patients in on shift.

I been a LPN for 22 years... It is getting that we get no

respect. Healthcare would rather hire young AD or BSN

who do not have the clinical expereince....

The other tend is the Medication assistants who have

like 60 hours of training.

I have file a portion with the Pennsylvania State Board

of Nursing with the suggestion of

1. Either grandfathering of LPN's with 10+ years of

expereince and documented continuing education in

to RN's

2 Or at least allow us to take the State Board.

This Board who is made of  old farts most of them with

MSN or more turned it down without even considering

the matter.

Then was the last time any of these board members

even worked on a medical floor to see how the RN's

and LPN's do the same jobs.

It is time that LPN's stand up and contact their State

Boards.......

Maybe if we awaken them to the reality of what LPN's

do they would listen. I ENCOURAGE ALL LPN'S TO

CONTACT THEIR BOARDS TO EITHER GRANDFATHER

US TO RN'S OR ALLOW US TO TAKE THE STATE BOARDS

Sometimes when you tell people you are a nurse they automatically assume you are a RN.  Not ture, I've been a LPN for almost 25 years and have trained several RN's to perform their job better, and yet their are some who would say LPN's know nothing.  I'm thinking of leaving the profession.

I am a retired Lpn,having worked in our local hospital for 31 years.I,am now retired.LPNs are an asset to any facility.Most of them work very  hard ,are more knowegable than the Rns that are coming out of our schools of nursing today.

Recently I was a patient in our local hospital(also the one I worked in) Ihad some very scarey moments,and thats very tragic. I was afraid to take medication for fear that I was given the wrong med. GloriaLPN,and very proud of it

I was shocked to read in a recent Advances for LPN on the "trends of LPN" that all the comments made that no LPN would want to challenge the RN boards, their are so many of us out here that have the skills, knowledge and experience to do it...with the "phasing out" of LPNs in many hospitals and the huge nursing shortage that they only count RNs in, why not let us with x amount of years in acute care settings to challege the boards and the number of RNs will increase.  I have personally worked with many RNs, new grads and "seasoned" ones who didnt know even how to start an IV!!! come on...lets push and see what we can do

working as a LPN in a hospital the last ten years i have seen the trend of filling LPN positions with techs or Rn's.

once LPNs are phase out  i feel that Rn's without an bachelor degree will be the next to go.

are we talking about a nursing shortage or education discrimination.

I got my LPN license in 1958. I retired in 1996. Reading these posts I see nothing concerning LPN's has changed. With the critical nursing shortage, hospitals should be glad they have dedicated LPN's.  I've worked with two year RN grads that didn't know nearly as much as I did. Many were jealous of my abilities and often threw their weight around because they were the RN. When I was a student years ago, nurses did their jobs without being reminded daily what their titles were. Now it's all about title and who you know.

This is the hard part about being an lpn nurse for over 15 years. I have worked hard and payed into the system for my unemployment. I have only collected on it once in my life and now I have applied for it again. I was found inelligabal due to the fact that I am a nurse and I can find a job anywhere!!! I wish state offices would see that they have hung lpn out to dry. I am now loosing my apartment and will probably be homeless because im a nurse who cant find a job. I have student loans to pay off for a degree that I cant work with. Illinoise is a joke for healthcare. POlitics and school regulations are out of date. Im 1 class from my rn when i had to drop out due to my divorce. Why cant I just take that one class and get my r.n.? No the state wants me to repeat classes that I probably could teach at this point.no wonder their is a shortage of nurses. we get no pay raises,let go for doing to much to help patients. If i have to go back to school again it wont be for nursing. I'll change my degree to something with some promise. Politicians running for president would get our vote if they could solve our homelessness in the nursing field.well i've ragged enough on our state nursing shortage!!!ha ha!!! Maybe we should vote our state rep for nurses as obviously shes not doing a very good job keeping us employed.

I want to answer why it is a slap in the face for an LPN to be forced into going back to school to become an RN.  First and foremost, not EVERY LPN wishes to become an RN.  I am one of them.  I don't wish to waste energy learning things that are not really being used in the pursuit of obtaining a position I clearly do not want.

Nursing is not what it used to be; it is now a meat market that is only interested in dollars and cents, and satisfying regulatory agencies such as Joint Commission.  I see that the RNs are not much happier with the patient loads than we are and they are bombarded with ridicolous and repetitive paperwork.  I see no sense of a nursing diagnosis, and care plan because it seems to be to me that no one else in the multidisciplinary team is interested in seeing them but nurses in higher positions.  At this time, I am working in a hospital, but am responsible for myself and what I do, not supervising disinterested and burned out subordinates.  I document what I did, and that is it.  ALL nurses; LPNs and RNs are overworked.  I do not see how being an RN will make me happier.  Yes, financially, I will be in a better position, but the stress level will increase with nonsensical things that further compromise patient care.  

Personally, I am looking into Health Education.  I love to teach and wish to promote patients advocating for themselves.  It seems that nurses are no longer in the position to do this for them.

I've been a LPN over 23 years, and am extremely proud of it. However, in NYS it is becoming more challenging for the LPN to find work. We are being "forced" by a lack of work to return to shcool for the RN. The nursing programs have so many barriers fo rbeing accepted that I am exhausted. Fortunately, I have been able to be self- employed for about 8 years and I make a very good hourly rate. I really am concerened for the future of LPN's in NYS and the country. LPN's are a vital part of the health care team, and we need to continue to be involved and visible. thank you Advance Magazine for being our voice and respecting us as NURSES.

Having had been in my proud L.P.N position in the Critical Care Nursing field, now in administration with the V. A. Healthcare system, the comments by other fellow LP/LVNs are looking more and more correct.  I see more and more the health techs are being hired in place of LVN's and RNs in some areas.  Not just our VA, but in other big hospitals in the private Sector.  In the private sector, when the higher paying 4 yr RN's are leaving or retiring like in the OR's for example, Techs are being hired place of the first hired RN's LPN's.  As a one time Medical staff LVN in our VA Healtcare system, our LVNs that had been IV certifiedd and myself had been certified in my ACLS, our powers that be here at the VA were hiring agency R. N.s a million dollar hole in our budget..We LVN's that had been IV certified with our VA, never understood why we were never utilized to our fullest capacitys...Phase out?  orr totally misappropriation of funding?

In the regard to the nursing shortage and the impractical and cumbersome way in which a person has to crawl through practical knowledge toward any certification of practice, the field of health care must determine first which basic needs must be met.  The ENTIRE medical field needs to come out of the dark ages and show a career ladder  for a entry level position to proceed toward the RN. There s no shortage of nurses today...rather better said people have left the field to pursue other careers because the gap between one level and the next is insurmountable and takes a third entity committed  toward another step in the process.  It is this process that needs to be changed.   I as an LPN of 30+ years do not want to take 2 years out of my life to become an RN...it should have been involved in the ongoing mandatory in-service process of the facilities I have worked at over my 30 years.  

I've been an LVN since 2002. Unfortunately in my experience I too have found that many hospitals are phazing out LVNs, more so in the more acute care situations. Having moved around I've found that larger cities tend to have more openings in their hospitals and that small towns tend to have very little understanding of LVNs, what they are capable of, and why they are not being used more. I think many hospitals need more education on LVN/LPNs and what we are capable of. That being said I have worked in many fields outside of the hospital (hospice, clinics,  home health care, LTC, Sub-Acute Rehab facilities and now School nursing being a few) For those who have responded looking for different options I would really recommend looking into some of these fields as often the pay is good and the work very rewarding. I too have decided to return to school and am currently looking into online programs. My decision to do this is based partly on the desire for a higher pay grade as well as for the opportunity to advance my knowledge and skills. I am very proud of my experience as an LVN as I feel they are a huge assett to the nursing community, but unfortunately your options are more limited as an LVN than I would like and I don't want to spend the rest of my time in the workforce having to educate my superiors on what my abilities really are. Its so sad, it shouldn't have to be such a fight to do your job.

I worked as a LPN for 28yrs.I retired in 2002.I worked in a V.A. hospital I have not seen any of the LPNs there being let go they us you in full capcity and you function as aRN when they are short of staff but they let you know you are not a RN they also encourage you to go back to school.I think they are trying to faze us out.Iam going back to work and it is heard to find work in most hospitals the demand is for RNs.I am current enrolled in Excelsior college but it is so hard to get back in that study mode i am having such a difficult time preparing for the tests.

I am the (l)only LPN at the Kingston, NY site.  We administer home healtchare benefits for the NYS Empire Plan, servicing NYS employees and dependants.  The Friday before Labor Day, I was called into my Director's office and told I was being downgraded 2 grade levels by Human Resources at the Corporate level.  I was also told that my status went from exempt (salaried) to non-exempt, retroactive 2 weeks prior and that I needed to fill out a 2-week timesheet before I left work that day!  I was given only the explanation that my salary was much lower than the other nurses (RN's) and therefore I could not hold on to the grade level at which I was hired.  I had enrolled in an RN program prior to this and told my Director that.  That made no difference.  Nothing was ever sent to me in writing and when I asked Corporate for an explanation in writing, they referred me back to my Manager in Kingston, NY.  What a CON GAME!!!  YES!  We are most certainly being phased out!

OK, I'm a little confused. How is the LPN negatively affecting RN salary? Is it really a burden to have more educated patients? I thought this would impact nursing for the better.

Aren't nurses supposed to be working to educate their patients more? Is a "demanding" patient one who wants to remain as healthy as possible?

LPN's are one reason why RN's are leaving or are dissatisfied with  the profession. They keep the earnings RN's should earn lower and because they can't by licensure assume the responsibility of a RN, they add enormously to the RN's workload, stress and esp. liability. It is very discouraging to only earn $3-4/hr. more yet have everything on your shoulders in today's environment- higher acuities, more educated/demanding patients

I'm an LPN of 29 years working in the LTC setting, now as a MDS Coordinator. Over the years I've worked in various facilities, and it always amazes me how a title automatically qualifies for a management / supervisory position

I'm an LPN of 29 years working in the LTC setting, now as a MDS Coordinator. Over the years I've worked in various facilities, and it always amazes me how a title automatically qualifies for a management / supervisory position

I to am an older LPN.  I started as a CNA when I was 16 yrs. old and have been a LPN for the last 20 yrs.  I have tried to go back to school several times, but with 5 children, ages 26 to 8 yrs old and a 2 yr old grandchild, it's hard.  I was a Nurse Manager in a  Methadone Clinic for 4 years, but have been in the drug and etoh rehab's for the past 9 yrs.  I finally quit last May and have taken time off.  Now I'm looking again, and most of the LPN position's that offer the pay I want...are with Agency's.  Hospital's have med tech's, as do some Nursing homes now.  We have the knowledge, and mostly the pride of being NURSE'S!!  Now we have to remind the bigger entities that the RN is not the only nurse out there.  When you need a nurse...do you really care that I'm an LPN or that I'm there to soothe and take care of you??  But, it looks like if I want to exceed, I'll be going back to school again.

I'm a retired L.P.N. but would like to continue my education.  I'm on disability and have two adult disabiled adult sons.  It's very difficult to return to school, but that does not imply the desire to better myself and learn.   Having two sons with challenges and being disabled myself labeling anyone because of a title does not mean we should not be able to advance ourselves, with affordable education.

being labele

I understand that some of you being "forced" to go back for your RN see this as a slap in the face, inconvenience or both.

I am not an LPN, and I was always curious as to why exactly some people feel this way, especially in cases where a facility funds tuition.

Please feel free to share your opinions.

ADVANCE can assist you in your school search. Our Web site has state-by-state listings for RN schools.

 I have been a LPN since 2002.  I have been in geriatrics since graduating from LPN school. Before nursing school I was a CNA in geriatrics.  I became a widow in 2005 and have relocated to be close to my daughter and her family.  I do not want to stay in geriatrics but hospitals in this area do not have openings for LPN.  Where do I start to get information about RN?  I am 53 is geriatrics my only option?

I have been an LPN for 8 years and have recently relocated and am finding that the local hospitals only have openings for RN and Patient Care techs.  I am going back to school for my RN because I can't find a job outside of long term care.  I have the knowledge and experience to work in other settings but there job openings for an LPN seem to be few and far between

It is sad, I have been an LPN for the last 10 yrs and I am going back to school, not because they are phasing out LPN's at my hospital but because I am the sole bread winner in my family and LPN salary just doesn't cut the butter anymore.  I do see though, other hospitals phase out LPNs.  Just within the last 6 to 8 months, I have heard that the trauma center and one of only two hospitals in the county that I work in are forcing their LPNs to go back for their RN or they are out of a job in the next 2 yrs.  Another hospital in the next county, one that I did some of my pn training in, phased out LPNs years ago but I think they find that it is not financially possible to phase out the LPNs for good.  You have to pay RNs more and if the hospital is not bringing in enough revenue, well I guess you just have to face the fact that LPNs are worth a great deal and if you use us to our full capacity you might just learn that we are worth more then you think.

I've been an LPN since 1972, just inthe last 2 yrs. have I seriously noticed the LPN's in my hospital are not being phased out, but being replaced with nurse tech's and R.N. only positions. I have been lucky enough to be grandfathered in to my job, in a small community hospital, but after seeing all but one LPN go back to school, I also at 55, am going back to school. So, yes. after all these years, I feel they ARE phasing out LPN's unless you want to work in a non - hospital position. How sad, as I feel I am just as worthwhile as an R.N. I work just as hard, and try harder, since I am not an R.N.

I've been an LPN since 1972, just inthe last 2 yrs. have I seriously noticed the LPN's in my hospital are not being phased out, but being replaced with nurse tech's and R.N. only positions. I have been lucky enough to be grandfathered in to my job, in a small community hospital, but after seeing all but one LPN go back to school, I also at 55, am going back to school. So, yes. after all these years, I feel they ARE phasing out LPN's unless you want to work in a non - hospital position. How sad, as I feel I am just as worthwhile as an R.N. I work just as hard, and try harder, since I am not an R.N.