The Future of LPN Career and Practice
Since at least the 1960’s rumors have swirled around nursing education and practice. LPN career would non existent or be phased out and those currently practicing would become CNAs. RNs had to have their bachelor’s to practice, or even their master’s. RNs with their associate’s would have to work as LPNs. New rumors are added every year. Perpetuated by coworkers, nursing schools, the media and even health care facilities, the rumors do not appear to be leaving us any time soon.
Unfortunately, the rumors are true. Many people would like to see nursing as a whole be recognized by the medical community, and society, as a group of well educated, knowledgeable and professional people, to be respected and paid accordingly. Something the nursing practice longs for and in ways desperately needs. The reality of present day nursing, though, will not allow any of these rumors to come true.
Ten thousand Baby Boomers a day turn 65yo in 2011. The number of aging boomers remains astronomical. An aging population coupled with a world wide nursing shortage equates to demand being greater than supply. In normal business world this would equate to higher prices and higher pay. We work with and for people. It is near impossible to pay nursing staff what they are really worth.
The desperation for trained nursing staff leads to the desire to push nurses through their education faster. Fastest way to a license is by training as an LPN. With the shortage of trained nursing staff, the rumors cannot gain ground. There is little danger that the LPN license will be phased out anytime in the foreseeable future.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the future is bright for LPNs. According to their website the occupation of LPN will grow 21% from 2008 to 2018, faster than almost any other occupation. You will see new jobs opening up in almost every area of health care, but mainly nursing homes and home health care. Clinics and office will also see a growth in the rate of LPN employment. For those who enjoy working in hospitals, they will remain the largest group of employers of LPNs.
The future of nursing, the future of LPN career looks bright. If you are an LPN, becoming one, or just thinking about becoming one, do not worry about not being able to find a job. There are plenty out there. Remember, not all health care facilities will hire LPNs. Trust me, there are many who do. It might require a little work to find them, but they are there. Also remember that you can be a little choosier of where you work, especially if you are willing to relocate.
While the future of LPN career is currently bright, your own future might not always be. The professionalism and knowledge among LPNs is enormous. While acquiring your LPN license maybe enough to get you a job, it might not hold it. I have worked with LPNs who worked hard, were as knowledgeable as the RNs and continued to keep current in her practice. They are marketable and find jobs easily. Other LPNs do the bare minimum. They don’t care to know any more or do any more. Then they wonder why their raises are small or nonexistent and why they have a hard time finding jobs.
I encourage you, not necessarily to procured advanced degrees, but to continue to make yourself marketable. Through certification, continuing education, knowledge learned on the job and a strong professionalism you will be able to remain current in your nursing practice and find improved satisfaction in your career, and probably make more money as well.
Rumors continue to swirl around nurses. They have since nursing practice was established. While most of these rumors can seem dire, none have come true yet. With the nursing shortage and the increased demand for trained nursing care, I doubt they will ever come true. LPN career will be one of the fastest growing occupations in the next ten years. Now is a good time to start.