So apparently mine is an unpopular opinion. LPNs are used and abused by every setting they work in. There is very little room for opportunity advancement and LPNs often make a 1/3 or less of the pay that RNs make in similar settings. https://twitter.com/ShrimpLingSoup/status/1314689182376300544

I know and understand LPNs are mostly represented by the BIPOC community, which is my whole point! We should expand access to ADN programs instead of continuing to pidgeonhole that community into an "accessory" or "tech" position.

With regards to "shooting ourselves in the foot" with LTC and such, I say again, EXACTLY. LPNs are way underpaid and left in dangerous situations because they are seen as "pill pushers" in the healthcare community.

Those facilities are abusing LPNs and they will continue to get away with it as long as LPNs exist.
I want to reiterate that I have nothing against LPNs, my position is based on feasibility.

What would be more likely:
A. We accomplish a national licensure and fade out LPNS over the next 10 years?
B. We get every single hospital and healthcare facility in the US to hire and pay LPNs appropriately with safe patient ratios?

Both would be difficult, but "A" is far more feasible and straight forward.

Finally, let's continue the discussion on exploitation. Anecdotally, every LPN I know went through a "technical school" that charges exorbitant tuition and fees around $20k. With an avg $18-22/hr wage

ADN through a community college however can be completed for as little $12,000 (which is the case at my local CC) with a much higher average wage AND promotional opportunities of which very little exist for LPNs.

You might be saying, well it's a stepping stone to RN! Wrong!

LPN to RN programs are rare. And if you can't just stop working or can't work even part time it can be impossible to do as especially in SNFs where rotating inflexible schedules are the norm AND no SNF I have ever worked at has offered tuition reimbursement.

An essential part of this would be online ADN and LPN-to-RN programs with night and weekend clinicals. That would be more accessible than any LPN program I'm aware of.

In an ideal world an RN only workforce with safe patient ratios would most likely lead to improved RN and patient satisfaction, better patient outcomes, and a more consistent workforce that could advocate better for themselves and would help decrease the RN shortage.