Can LPN's find work in doctor's offices?

In my area of the country (Dallas-Fort Worth, TX), LPNs/LVNs can get hired into a clinic or doctors' office position as a new grad with no experience. However, the pay will be significantly lower than if the person were to start off in LTC.

For example, most clinics and doctors' offices in my city will pay an LVN $15 hourly to start, whereas the same person would earn in the $20 per hour range to work at a nursing home.

Look for MA openings in offices and apply for these positions but don't expect the pay to be high. MAs generally will be paid less than licensed nurses.

I landed my first job out of school at a doctor's office and I am still here (9 years later). I do consider myself very lucky to have done this. For me, being a single parent, the hours couldn't get any better. It would take a lot to get me to want to quit this job. Maybe that's why it is so hard for newer nurses to get these jobs--not just because of lack of experience, but because nobody wants to quit once we are here. Pay is definitely less in clinic than other places, but for me, the hours make up for it.

I worked LTC for a few months after I passed the boards, and then I got into a peds medical office. I made plenty more at LTC, but I love my job which makes up for it. Some LTC is nice, you just have to find a good place. Plus I LOVE working with the kids, even if I have to give them shots.

Hi,

I also started at a family practice office straight out of nursing school. I have small children and did not want to work nights or weekends. Also, since my dh has a full time job with benefits, I have been able to work as a per diem nurse and earn a slightly higher hourly wage that way. However, the pay is significantly lower than what I would have been able to make working at a LTC facility; I was offered a job at one in the area where I could have made $26 an hour per diem, but the working conditions were not what I wanted as a new grad with no experience. Currently, I am making about $16 an hour and working 3 days a week (my choice). I have worked there for about 3 years and have a really good relationship with my patients and the other employees at the clinic. I do patient intake, vitals, immunizations, telephone triage, and wound care. I also assist with minor surgical proceedures, using sterile technique.

HTH,

Monica

I have an interview with a cardiologist office tomorrow and this thread is so inspiring to me thanks ladies!!!