Can I still work in Virginia as a lab tech after becoming RN

[lab211]

I am a fourth year nursing student looking to graduate in May 07.

I have a previous medical profession as a Medical Technologist which I continue to work in as I attend nursing school. A lab colleague mentioned to me that the board of nursing may not allow me to work as a medical technologist after I get my RN. She cited an employee she knew that was in this situation. Does anyone know if this is a policy(conflict of interest,etc.)?

thanks

[BSNtobe2009]

I would call the BON directly, b/c I don't see how the two professions are related One is patient care and the other isn't.

I can see where there would be a question of being held to perform "to your highest level of training", but considering an RN doesn't do lab work, I would find it hard to believe that the BON would not allow it.

Please post what you find out.

[vamedic4, EMT-P]

There is no true conflict of interest. As a medical technologist, your job is different in every aspect from that of a bedside nurse. There is really no overlap of duties.

As long as you don't go over and above your training as a medical technologist and all the responsibilities you assume in THAT role...then there's no problem.

The problem comes in when you are performing duties of a nurse without the appropriate credentials. If you're doing bedside assessments...then you're clearly in violation...but if you're looking through a microscope and telling us that what we're seeing in the patient's blood is cryptosporidium - then you're just fine.

And again, once you become an RN and you have BOTH areas of expertise under your belt, that only adds to your abilities.

As long as you're working as a LAB TECH, you assume no nursing duties or responsibilities.

vamedic4