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A question was recently asked by a new member of our nursing community, and we thought you could help us respond:
“I graduated last year as an LPN and I cannot find a job. I live in Canton, Ohio. I want to go back to school and get my RN, but I don’t know if I should…. I’m very frustrated! What do others advise?”
From one of our Facebook fans
You can post your response in the comment section below.
Eileen Beal
Lisa Broesch
Roberta Chinsky Matuson
Marcia Frellick
Elisabeth Greenbaum Kasson
Jan Hunter
Joy Taylor
Kim McAllister
Sue Mellen
Chakisse Newton
Stephenie Overman
Lois Roelofs
Terry Sheridan
Rosa Talavera
YES! YES! YES! YES! unless your career goals are to work solely in a physician's office or in a skilled care facility (aka nursing home) for the duration of your life. Even at that, LPN's have been replaced in offices by "MA" (medical assistant) because the duties are more varied and the pay is less (saving the entity $$$). Corporate America ALWAYS wants the most bang for their buck (and we do too actually). When I received my LPN, no one told me that magnet hospitals were phasing out the LPN's and splitting the duties between CNA's/RN's/PCT's/MA's. I would have immediately gone into the BSN program~ had I have known what I know now. Do I think this is a good overall healthcare decision? NO. Because LPN's are highly trained in medication administration. The very thing that can cure if done well or kill a patient if not properly trained. I have known met new grad RN's who could not even start an IV! (truth!) So, with that said, I pray that you will/can climb as high as possible on the educational ladder. I am shooting for NP, but will settle for MSN if that's as high as can go. If you heed my advice, I promise-you will not be sorry when you reach that brass ring. Good luck & best wishes is whatever path you choose.
I teach in the LPN program and about 50% or more want to continue their education for a RN. Our community has many openings for LPN in Long Term Care Facilities, but most hospitals do not hire LPN nurses anymore in our area, I agree that if the LPN wants to work in an acute care setting, then you need to go back to school. It depends on the individual and their goals in their careers.
Yes for certain go back to school for RN license. Lots of hospitals(health institutions) are either under paying or letting go the lpn position. Figure it this way, you came this far for a lpn why not take it to the next level and get the RN license.
No do not do it. It is not any easier getting a job as a RN. I know for a fact becuase I did the same thing you did. LPN first and then went back for RN. In the state of MN they want all the RN's to be seasoned and have a lot of experience to get a job in a hospital. They do not give the new nurse a chance to get their foot in the door at a hospital in the state of MN. Sooooo! I wish you the best of luck! It is not any easier when you become an RN!
The sad fact is the LPN will have difficulty getting a job… even sadder as noted….so will RN's. However, perhaps you should ask yourself is it ok if I work in a nursing… do you have a lot of years left to work… If you answer YES to that… there are many online programs and many two & four year programs in which you can work as an LPN while you are attending school. The LPN won't go to waste if you take advantage of each day you work as a learning experience.
I started as an LPN 42 years ago and continue to a PhD … so reflect and then move forward.
Luckily, there are lots of programs around.