Changes in New York’s healthcare delivery systems have resulted in an increased demand for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This increase has, in turn, put a strain on the number of nurses available with this credential.
Seeing an opportunity to develop 1199SEIU members and also address the LPN shortage, 1199SEIU and the WDI partnered to offer the LPN credential to members who were employed as CNAs or Dietary Workers earning between $10.00 and $13.00 per hour. The first program was run during 2017 with seven members, all of whom successfully completed the training program. Six of the newly certified members went on to pass the LPN licensure exam and all six are now employed as LPNs at various healthcare organizations. With a starting wage of $17.00 to $20.00 per hour, employment as an LPN offers a significant salary increase over CNA and Dietary Worker positions, and these members continue to have access to support from 1199SEIU’s continuing education benefit to receive training for higher job classifications in the healthcare industry.
Due to the success of the first program, WDI is continuing to support this LPN training in 2018. A new class of ten 1199SEIU members is scheduled to conclude in December.
