Long story short, I graduated in May 2014 with my RN. My only nursing experience has been per diem sub school nursing. I enjoy it, but it is not stable as a job. I have physical limitations with my back so I know working in the hospital or LTC is not really an option for me. I am currently an RN to BSN student, online at SNHU.
I used to work as a MA for a large hospital within Partners Healthcare, a couple years ago. This large Physician practice is great to work for but I cannot seem to get in as a nurse. So I decided to apply again for the MA position because they will hire a nurse for their MA positions. I applied, and was called for an interview which I had today. I know the office and the docs as I used to float there as an MA years ago.
Do you think it is a bad idea to consider this job? I did mention that my long term goal would be to gain employment for this company as a RN. They understand that, and cannot guarantee a nurse position anytime soon, but possibly in a couple years. I am stuck because I do not know if I should take this job, I am in desperate need of one, or should I hold out and keep looking... I live north of Boston and it is so hard to find employment as a nurse around here.
I am looking for thoughts, negative or positive on this.. Thank you for your time.
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.
Emmy and OCNRN63 you are both absolutely correct. these are things I am not even considering.... I guess still being new to nursing I am still very green to things that I would not take into consideration.. You both have honestly given me things to think about. Thank you..
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.
Doesn't matter what your employer says. If an adverse event were to occur, your state's BON holds you to the assessment standards of your RN license. Same thing would happen if you were a NP and worked a bedside nurse job.
You are getting paid less and may be setting yourself up for a real liability issue.
Not to mention you worked your butt off for your license, you should get paid for it.
Thank you Cook26, you are right as well, and yes, I should be getting paid as a nurse as I did work my behind off for it. I try to be careful in everything that I do and I do not want to be held liable for a mistake made while working as a MA even though I am a nurse.
Do you have malpractice insurance? If you do, I would give them a call and ask them their thoughts on this. If you don't have malpractice insurance, I would suggest you get it ASAP. There are several companies that offer policies for ~ $100.00. That may sound like a lot, but it's nothing compared to a lawsuit.
Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.
No way would I take that position. You are setting yourself up for some significant issues. BTW, Medical Assistants should not be triaging. I know 'in the real world' that they do in some places, but it is not appropriate. Remember Medical Assistants have no Scope of Practice so therefore little/no liability, but you as a RN have both. You are also a new Graduate with little experience. You will be triaging patients and the BON in your state will hold you to RN nursing standards: not the medical assistants, but only with YOU. Hell to the no!
Personally I would take a job somewhere out of nursing before taking this position. And I would be offended by the company offering it, although you did apply.
I am curious why if you state that you can't work in a hospital or LTC setting due to physical issues, you are pursuing a BSN. Although there are many types of RN positions, most would need experience in acute or LTC first.
Do you have malpractice insurance? If you do, I would give them a call and ask them their thoughts on this. If you don't have malpractice insurance, I would suggest you get it ASAP. There are several companies that offer policies for ~ $100.00. That may sound like a lot, but it's nothing compared to a lawsuit.
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.
No way would I take that position. You are setting yourself up for some significant issues. BTW, Medical Assistants should not be triaging. I know 'in the real world' that they do in some places, but it is not appropriate. Remember Medical Assistants have no Scope of Practice so therefore little/no liability, but you as a RN have both. You are also a new Graduate with little experience. You will be triaging patients and the BON in your state will hold you to RN nursing standards: not the medical assistants, but only with YOU. Hell to the no!
Personally I would take a job somewhere out of nursing before taking this position. And I would be offended by the company offering it, although you did apply.
I am curious why if you state that you can't work in a hospital or LTC setting due to physical issues, you are pursuing a BSN. Although there are many types of RN positions, most would need experience in acute or LTC first.
I am pursuing my bsn because I thought it would look better, but honestly now I do not know really why I am putting myself through it. I know I will not be a hospital nurse and will never have that experience, so I do wonder what types of jobs I can move forward with in the future.. I do love nursing but physically the job is not for me. I want to keep my mind sharp and I have basic knowledge, I just want to be able to apply it somewhere. yes, I know as an MA I will not be able to apply my nursing knowledge.. I know I am setting myself up for something bad possibly if I was to take that job. I am glad I am getting so much advice from all you nurses.. thank you.
I am pursuing my bsn because I thought it would look better, but honestly now I do not know really why I am putting myself through it. I know I will not be a hospital nurse and will never have that experience, so I do wonder what types of jobs I can move forward with in the future.. I do love nursing but physically the job is not for me. I want to keep my mind sharp and I have basic knowledge, I just want to be able to apply it somewhere. yes, I know as an MA I will not be able to apply my nursing knowledge.. I know I am setting myself up for something bad possibly if I was to take that job. I am glad I am getting so much advice from all you nurses.. thank you.
I would keep looking for clinic RN jobs, and keep an eye on hospital postings/network like crazy. It's very hard for new grad nurses to start in non-bedside jobs, but it's not completely impossible.
Employers who hire RNs or LPNs to work at lower level positions typically compensate them at a higher rate, even if only a token amount. If you are desperate enough to take the job, don't delay in your efforts to find a true RN job, or you will also be hurting yourself in the job search, as prospective employers will wonder why you couldn't secure RN employment.
Have you looked into working for insurance companies, you won't have to do lifting or a lot of walking just mostly on phone doing precerts. I know Cigna is currently looking for pre cert nurses. But if need be I would take it and keep looking. Good luck
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.
Employers who hire RNs or LPNs to work at lower level positions typically compensate them at a higher rate, even if only a token amount. If you are desperate enough to take the job, don't delay in your efforts to find a true RN job, or you will also be hurting yourself in the job search, as prospective employers will wonder why you couldn't secure RN employment.
Thank you caliotter that is very true. I will not be very marketable if they see I worked as an MA in the middle of being an RN. Unfortunately they are not paying me with a little bit of a higher pay, it is MA pay, which is about 17 per hour. They mentioned that they would "have me" for the next two years before I graduate my rn to bsn classes then they would assume I would move on and find a RN job. I do not want to be an MA for the next two years.
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.
Have you looked into working for insurance companies, you won't have to do lifting or a lot of walking just mostly on phone doing precerts. I know Cigna is currently looking for pre cert nurses. But if need be I would take it and keep looking. Good luck
thank you... I have never looked into insurance companies. I had only thought they would want experienced nurses to work for them.
No I know for a fact they do not care as far as experience they are just looking for that title. Also a lot of pharmacy companies hire nurses to for when people have medication questions. Luckily nursing is a big field and you can do so much. I would look into being a nurse recruiter for staffing agencies as well.
ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN
528 Posts
Emmy and OCNRN63 you are both absolutely correct. these are things I am not even considering.... I guess still being new to nursing I am still very green to things that I would not take into consideration.. You both have honestly given me things to think about. Thank you..