Can A Lvn Be A Medical Assistant??? Help!!!

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Just for now...reviewing for the boards..just to make extra money? I don't know what else i can do with a LVN diploma..HELP!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

In my area, some facilities will hire new grads into a GVN position (graduate vocational nurse). The pay is a few dollars less per hour than what they'd normally offer a fully licensed LVN. The GVN is basically functioning as a new staff nurse, and they'll receive a raise upon receipt of nursing licensure.

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In my area, some facilities will hire new grads into a GVN position (graduate vocational nurse). The pay is a few dollars less per hour than what they'd normally offer a fully licensed LVN. The GVN is basically functioning as a new staff nurse, and they'll receive a raise upon receipt of nursing licensure.

You think southern california has that? I really need to work..i've been out of job for almost 1 yr. waiting and studying for the boards which i have failed..so My 1 yr just went down the drain...=(

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
You think southern california has that?
You have absolutely nothing to lose by walking into various facilities to see if they hire GVNs. You'll have better chances at nursing homes, because these places are always desperate for staff to fill shifts. If this fails, you can work as a CNA or direct care staff member for essentially low pay until you pass your NCLEX.

Good luck to you. I know what it is like to be financially broke, and I wouldn't want to return to those days.

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You have absolutely nothing to lose by walking into various facilities to see if they hire GVNs. You'll have better chances at nursing homes, because these places are always desperate for staff to fill shifts. If this fails, you can work as a CNA or direct care staff member for essentially low pay until you pass your NCLEX.

Good luck to you. I know what it is like to be financially broke, and I wouldn't want to return to those days.

Thank you..i came to the point of desperation...I sent out a couple of applications to be a caregiver...which = low pay and long hours..you wouldn't happen to know if i can do medical assisting? at a medical office...i hear they get paid $11.50 here in souther cali..is that even possible?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I am a native of Southern California, and moved away from there about 2 years ago. I also completed a medical assistant program about 7 years ago, but was never able to find a job with my MA certificate. Most doctors' offices and clinics want solid experience, and tend to be unwilling to hire an inexperienced VN grad. I had an MA certificate, and they wouldn't even hire me without experience.

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I am a native of Southern California, and moved away from there about 2 years ago. I also completed a medical assistant program about 7 years ago, but was never able to find a job with my MA certificate. Most doctors' offices and clinics want solid experience, and tend to be unwilling to hire an inexperienced VN grad. I had an MA certificate, and they wouldn't even hire me without experience.

Never mind then...hehe..i guess my best bet for now is caregiving..and asking alot of nursing homes.......its actually my 4th time now taking the boards...i guess it doesn't really like me...i've studied crazy..and thinking of really quiting and doing something else..i've even studied alot of books like saunders, exam cram, kaplan, and even took a $300 review...didn't help me..man im stuck....what should i do?:trout:

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
Never mind then...hehe..i guess my best bet for now is caregiving..and asking alot of nursing homes.......its actually my 4th time now taking the boards...i guess it doesn't really like me...i've studied crazy..and thinking of really quiting and doing something else..i've even studied alot of books like saunders, exam cram, kaplan, and even took a $300 review...didn't help me..man im stuck....what should i do?:trout:

I don't think it would hurt to try a few offices. You know a lot more than an MA, they would be getting a good deal; and you would be getting ripped off, until you pass your boards of course. Not all places require a certified medical assistant or ones with experience. I got hired before I graduated at the place I was externing at; they knew I would be taking the certification exam shortly after I started working there. The only thing I can see hold you back is that you may be over qualified...they know that when you take your boards you'll be gone; it takes time and money to train some one....KWIM?

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If you went to LVN school, you can be a CNA..You have to contact the test thing to find out what exam to take to be a CNA..

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I'm from Cali too. And was/am looking for work to do until I pass my boards. I was looking into the whole GVN thing and you need a temporary license to do that....you just can't get hired as one. I called the board of vocational nursing to inquire about it. They said you had to apply for it, and I think they said it takes about 4 weeks to get the interim license and they will only issue it if you are NOT planning on taking the boards within 90 days....which you have already done or I assume would be planning on doing again ???

Anyways, the whole "waiting period" in Cali sucks.....I too, have been out of work since I graduated....about 3 months now. And I've applied as a medical assistant to a few places....never heard back. It's hard b/c you are in such limbo.....they really need to institute the "quick results" here.....it's ridiculous...anyways, good luck! I'll be in the same boat if I don't pass my boards as well.....

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I am not sure, but don't see the harm in applying. As HeartOpenWide stated, they may think it is a risk to hire you since you would probably leave for greener pastures once you pass the boards, but any money is better than none. Good luck!

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I believe you would have a hard time getting hired as a MA. Every ad I've ever seen stated they wanted experienced applicants. If you are really desperate for work, then get a job as a caregiver, even though it is low paying. You are more likely to get hired in this realm. Perhaps you can get on with an employer that may lead to a position as a licensed nurse once you pass the boards. I really think your energy would be better spent seeking this position, rather than finding closed doors as an MA. Good luck.

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