LPN working as MedTech and Don't Like It

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · May 19, 2012

Hey, sorry you're going through this things are really rough out here right now, and honestly...I don't know if it would be smart to quit. It might help you in this situation to just stay there for a few months to gain some healthcare experience, and then when you apply to LPN jobs, you can use your experience as a med tech to further enhance your resume. I know this probably isn't the answer you're looking for

caliotter3 · May 19, 2012

It is a job in healthcare. If you don't like it, then quit once you have acquired another job in healthcare. Unfortunately, with things the way they are, this may be the only job you can get for the foreseeable future. You might want to reevaluate what this job is, or is not, doing for you. Can you afford to be unemployed while you look for the next job? Good luck.

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · May 19, 2012

I aplied as an LPN and they asked me to come in for a group interview I went and then they called me a couple days later and the ALM offered me a medtech position since I didn't have any healthcare experience. I just started working there and I already don't like it and the hours that she has me working is not great and she refuseds to budge on the issue. The commute is crazy especially with no car and relying on public transportation. I feel that my LPN skills are not being utilized by working as a tech. Not sure what to do need advice ? I want to find something else before I leave the facility. Advice Needed?

I can understand why your job as a medtech is not satisfying. The job is designed for non licensed personnel who normally take a required 8 hr pharm course. It is nice to get some experience in adminstering meds, but you are wasting your education. You are workinng now, so you are acquiring some experience, albeit limited. Use your job to finance your search for the position you seek. Once you find one, apply. Is it possible to apply for an LVN position at your current position after a certain amount of time?

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · May 19, 2012

I can understand why your job as a medtech is not satisfying. The job is designed for non licensed personnel who normally take a required 8 hr pharm course. It is nice to get some experience in adminstering meds, but you are wasting your education. You are workinng now, so you are acquiring some experience, albeit limited. Use your job to finance your search for the position you seek. Once you find one, apply. Is it possible to apply for an LVN position at your current position after a certain amount of time?

That's what I was thinking too.. When I was still a CNA I worked at an ALF, and they hired a new LPN to work as a caregiver (they stopped using med techs). She worked in that position for 6 months, then she got trained as an LPN. Maybe they are seeing how you perform as a med tech before they hire you as an LPN? And also waiting for a position to open up too.

allnurses Guide · May 19, 2012

Just wanted to let you know that there is no guarantee your med tech experience will be considered as experience for the job of an LPN. For the most part there is not a generic "health care experience" as the jobs within are so varied you'll need to be oriented as much as someone with no experience fresh out of school. I recently read a thread that stated nursing schools are requiring students to train and work as a CNA, but that is a recent development which wouldn't have happened in the days of the real nursing shortage.

anniv91106 · May 22, 2012

Hi my name is Stephanie and I am an LPN working in an assisted living facility. I aplied as an LPN and they asked me to come in for a group interview I went and then they called me a couple days later and the ALM offered me a medtech position since I didn't have any healthcare experience. I just started working there and I already don't like it and the hours that she has me working is not great and she refuseds to budge on the issue. The commute is crazy especially with no car and relying on public transportation. I feel that my LPN skills are not being utilized by working as a tech. Not sure what to do need advice ? I want to find something else before I leave the facility. Advice Needed?

Who supervises you at the ALF?

Do you feel you are learning?

Who makes the decision to give or hold a BP med. for instance, if the residents' BP is low?

malenurseFl · May 23, 2012

Hang in there. I've heard of lpns being used as Med techs before. If an lpn job becomes available at your facility be sure to ask for it. I would not leave unless I was sure I had an lpn position somewhere else. I also don't think the Med tech work qualifies for lpn experience.