I know at my hospital we have hired several LPNs recently, a couple straight out of school. I have found most of the LPNs I have worked with to be highly skilled and knowledgeable. Most of the hospitals in my area hire LPNs without a second thought. The main issue I have seen with LPNs is the lack of opportunity for job advancement. Personally I have been a charge nurse before and it is not my cup of tea. For those that are interested in management they end of back in school getting their RN.