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I just graduated last December (2013) and obtained my RN license in January. My husband and I then moved to a small town for his career about two weeks ago and I'm having a very hard time finding a job. I applied at the local hospital for a couple of positions, but I don't have any clinical experience since I have only done clerical work in the medical field. I'm pretty much willing to take any job at this point to get experience (and to get out of the house!). Is it acceptable to apply for a medical assisting/LPN job at a local clinic if I tell them I will take an LPN salary? The money is not an issue for me, I just need to get some experience somewhere. Does working in a doctor's office count as nursing experience when I am applying to future Nursing Jobs?

Any advice would be MUCH appreciated!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Check with your BON. Some states prohibit any licensed nurse from working in a 'less qualified' role. Bottom line - no matter what your job title says, you are legally and professionally responsible for functioning at an RN level in terms of application of your knowledge and skills, no matter what the job description says. OTOH, I can't imagine any physician who wouldn't be delighted to hire an RN at an MA/LPN salary.

Any type of nursing experience is better than no experience.

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Thank you for your response! I checked with my BON and it doesn't look like it will be a problem. There are just so few opportunities out here that I think I need to take what I can get, but I just wanted to make sure I wasn't wasting my time and not getting the "right" experience in a future employers eyes. But I think it will definitely be better to take that job and keep looking than to sit here jobless and growing more hopless!

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