Questions for Lpns

i'm not a lpn but i'm currently in school to become a RN,but i am also a CNA (nurses assistant). in michigan most LPN's work in nursing homes due to most hospitals wanting RN's. RN's have much more knowledge when it comes to medical procedures and most hospitals wnat that. I have noticed that the few LPN that do work in hospitals end up doing CNA duties with a few nursely(my own little word)duties such as passing meds and drawing blood. but even in nursing home there has to be a RN on duty for cather care, IV care and a few other duties that LPN are NOT allowed to do. LPN's make good money but RN's make more. I hope that you pursue your RN. even if you become a LPN hopefully you use that as a stepping stone to go further. BSN make more and can also be ADON( assistant director of nursing) or DON (Director of nursing) but you cna be both with an RN also. MSN( masters in nursing) can do clinicals and teach. And PhD can do it all. It sounds like this is a great goal for you and hope that you obtain it and use it to do good for others and yourself. GOOD LUCK!

I, too, would recommend looking into an Associate degree in Nursing (ASN) program through a local community college.

An ASN gives you the same RN licence in all states, but may not afford as many management opportunities as a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

If time is a concern, you can also look into MA programs (Medical Assisting). They're usually hired at physician's offices instead of nurses to do vitals, take patients back - basically the physician's/nurse practitioner's right hand man. The schooling is likely much less, but much of the responsibilities are consistent with what you're interested in from your message.

OK, I don't want to offend anyone, but why would you want to get an LPN when you can find 2 year RN degrees? And Amanda is right, actually more than just hospitals are moving away from and/or limiting an LPN's scope of practice. When I left the hospital 15 years ago, LPNs could be in charge of patient care and give meds, but could not supervise an assistant and could not have anything to do with IV's. I think nursing homes are the biggest LPN employers. Most office settings generally use Certified Medical Assistants but some do occasionally have an LPN or RN on staff. I have a friend who just recently finished her LPN here in the Kansas City area and can't find a job WITH a nursing shortage!

Almost any nursing profession will require you to work nights, evenings, weekends and holidays at some point. I've done it all. Just remember if you do have to work a holiday or weekend at least you get to go home at the end of your shift. The people you are taking care of in a hospital or nursing home setting don't.

I am a registered nurse and got my 2 year associates degree first. I took the same state boards as a 4 year graduate and did the same job. I did eventually get my 4 year BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

If nursing is really something you want to do, look into 2 year RN programs, don't waste your time/energy and money getting your LPN you won't be able to do much with.

From what I understand, many hospitals are moving away from hiring LPNs, or when staff reductions are necessary LPNs are the first to go. If you are going to invest the time in nursing education please consider becoming an RN.