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.
Did you take the job?
I had the interview on Friday and have not heard back. The manager said she needs to make sure all her docs are on board with having a nurse work in an MA role. She will get back to me next week.
Honestly I do not know what to do... My head is telling me this is a bad idea, I should not take it.. But then I will be left once again with no job, no income. How could I gently let them down by not accepting if they do offer me the job?
I am glad I came to allnurses and asked for opinions because a lot of you have made me think of things I was just not thinking of if I did take the job. Of course my parents are telling me to take it but they do not understand things like we all do since we work in healthcare..
Even if you're hired as an MA, you will be held to the standards of a registered nurse. If I were you, I wouldn't be surprised if they ask you to do tasks that can only be done by an RN. "We know we hired you as an MA, but since you're an RN would you mind doing (insert request). It's just this one time."
And if you believe that, I've got a bridge for sale.
You might be able to put your RN license on hold/inactive so you don't wind up doing RN tasks. Of course, they might not take kindly to that.
Keep looking for RN work as long as you can. Or just take the MA job and enjoy the income and having work you can do in your limited physical capacity. Best of luck to you.
Have you thought about pediatric home care? Several pediatric/young-adult agencies have training programs for new nurses, and won't assign technical cases to graduate nurses. A typical case might be a long-term stabilized 9 or 10 year old that needs to be monitored and suctioned at night.
I have also worked with non-ventilated / non-trached kids who need asthma treatments and suctioned and use the vibrating vest to get secretions up. These kids are stable, but need a nurse to do the medications, treatments, and daily care. Most go to school, so you can go to school with them, or if working night shift do the meds/treatments/adls.
And they don't weigh that much, so not too hard to turn/lift/reposition. Just something to think about.
Seriously? Is it a really tough market for nurses to get jobs up there? Have you looked at some of the smaller home health agencies?
My agency hired me as new grad with the easiest nursing interview I have ever had. They hire RNs and LPNs but most the LPNs I've talked to have had a lot more experience than I had.
In general, I agree with everyone else to avoid taking the MA job. I don't think it's worth it.
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.
You might be able to put your RN license on hold/inactive so you don't wind up doing RN tasks. Of course, they might not take kindly to that.
Keep looking for RN work as long as you can. Or just take the MA job and enjoy the income and having work you can do in your limited physical capacity. Best of luck to you.
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.
Have you thought about pediatric home care? Several pediatric/young-adult agencies have training programs for new nurses, and won't assign technical cases to graduate nurses. A typical case might be a long-term stabilized 9 or 10 year old that needs to be monitored and suctioned at night.
I have also worked with non-ventilated / non-trached kids who need asthma treatments and suctioned and use the vibrating vest to get secretions up. These kids are stable, but need a nurse to do the medications, treatments, and daily care. Most go to school, so you can go to school with them, or if working night shift do the meds/treatments/adls.
And they don't weigh that much, so not too hard to turn/lift/reposition. Just something to think about.
Hope this helps. :)
thank you... I did apply to a few companies and I got turned down at all of them for lack of experience. This does stink because how am I ever going to learn and gain experience if no one will give me the chance...
Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.
I will update you guys when I have more info about this situation.
I can tell you that I did just get called for an interview for a pedi RN early intervention position working with at risk newborns up to age three. I am going in on Wed for this interview. They train on the job and I do have some pedi experience, even though it is only working in a school capacity as a nurse. I hope this works out and would be a better fit for me.. Thank you again for all the comments, I appreciate it.:)
ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN
528 Posts
I had the interview on Friday and have not heard back. The manager said she needs to make sure all her docs are on board with having a nurse work in an MA role. She will get back to me next week.
Honestly I do not know what to do... My head is telling me this is a bad idea, I should not take it.. But then I will be left once again with no job, no income. How could I gently let them down by not accepting if they do offer me the job?
I am glad I came to allnurses and asked for opinions because a lot of you have made me think of things I was just not thinking of if I did take the job. Of course my parents are telling me to take it but they do not understand things like we all do since we work in healthcare..