Can LPN's work as CNA's, PSA's, or MA's?!?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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Because I have NO previous healthcare experience when I switched careers 2 years ago and went back to school, I am having a difficult time finding a job as an LPN right now. It seems that everyone wants at least 1-2 years experience. It also appears that in my neck of the woods LPN's are not being hired at hospitals anymore, because the new trend seems to be RN's and CNA's / PSA's on the hospital floors. The jobs around here are starting to dwindle in the LPN field or become only HomeCare or P/T.

I was wondering if I could apply for a CNA/PSA position and hopefully find employment. This way I could get myself some hands-on experience and a healthcare background under my belt.

I know that this might seem a little backwards but at this point in time, since it's been 8 months since I passed my NCLEX and have been looking for a job, it seems like a possible viable option to get some needed INCOME and experience. I know the pay would be significantly less but at this point something is better than nothing!

Anyone else ever have to do this?!?

I NEED A JOB!

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Hi compassionate LPN. Before I passed the NCLEX PN, I took the CNA test and passed, and worked as a CNA until I passed the NCLEX PN. There are jobs out there that hire LPN's as a Medical Assistant. I actual interviewed for a MA job that was looking for either a MA or LPN. So it is possible that you can work as a CNA and an MA. You also can apply for PCT (Patient Care Technician) jobs. Good Luck!

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Thanks for the info Nurse Lil-lea :D

So if I understand you correctly, even tho' I have my LPN license I can still work in the lower level jobs?

Do you think I would have to take a CNA test or because I have the LPN that supercedes it?

I really would love to find myself in a better position than I'm in right now, but it seems that EXPERIENCE is the KEY these days.

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Hi CompassionateLPN,

I don't think you will have to take the test since you have your license already. I only had to take it because I had not passed the NCLEX yet, the CNA was and alternative if a person did not pass the boards. I really think that you should try for a CNA job and if you like where you are and if they have an LPN position that becomes available, you can slide right in the position. Yes, Experience is the KEY. (I'm still working on it):) Did you try some agencies? Some of them do hire new LPN's. Home Healthcare is good. Try Volunteering, this can help with the gaining of experience!! I am a Hospice Volunteer, I hope that I can become an employee one day!

NurseLil-lea:D

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Thanks again Lil-Lea! :D

I love Hospice nursing myself and hope to continue on that path one day also.

My first position, although very short (a long story), was with a home care hospice org. that was run very poorly.

I loved working with the pt's and the families at this most crucial time in both their lives.

I found it to be so fulfilling and 'a calling'! I was even told by colleuges that I had a special 'knack' for it.

I think that I'm gonna persue such a position in many of the nursing homes around here and see if that opens up employment for me. Then, like you say, hopefully I can ease right into a LPN position that opens up. With them knowing me and my working abilities I should be a shoe in.

Finding out this new possibility, tho' less in pay and rank, is such a relief that a job might be forthcoming sooner than later if I persued only LPN jobs.

Best of luck to you in your nursing world and endeavors. :redpinkhe

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Great idea about the Hospice volunteer. Funny I was telling my mom about how alot of places are looking for experience so i think i should volunteer until i find something, luckily i just found a job outside of nursing that pays well so that i can volunteer.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

Compassionate:

Check w/ your BON first. In my state, an LPN can only work as a CNA or MA if they are a certified CNA or MA. As an LPN, you would be held to the standards of your license. The same is true if an RN was working as an LPN, they can only practice under the scope of the LPN license, but will be held to the standards of an RN.

Wishing you the best of luck in your job search. :redbeathe

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Specializes in Sub-acute, Rehab.

I am an LPN and I tried to get a job anywhere after months of looking for a job. Every time I tried for a "lower" position I was told I had too much experience which was absurd because I had no healthcare experience. Good Luck to you though!

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Specializes in Geriatrics/ rehab.

You can Always work down as a cna if u are a LPN. You as a LPN should of had direct PT care experience. In clinicals.

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With less F/T LPN positions available in my neck of the woods, and with my need for health insurance, I'm still considering taking a F/T CNA/PCA position IF I can (still have to look into this locally) and hope that I can move up rank once I'm in the facility. For now I took a P/T agency home care gig but know that the uncertianty of work is NOT gonna be for me. I truly want the security of a facility.

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As I have come to find, it really depends on the state that you are in. My wife and I just relocated to Texas, and I can't find a job anywhere as an LVN. I have spoken with two of the largest Hospital chains in the DFW area, and they both told me they wont hire LVNs as techs because they don't want them working "below their scope of practice."

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@TheSpleenlessOne...can you tell me what hospitals you have talked with?! I'm really just curious because I'm desperately trying to get a job as a tech (I've been a LVN for 11 years...but no hospital experience) so I can go back to school and get my BSN. I've applied EVERYWHERE and I'm getting NO response!! :( I'm past disappointed and frustrated and have no idea what to do next...most of the major hospitals have connections with the colleges/universities around here (DFW area) and those employees are accepted before standard applicants (usually obviously 4.0 GPA students have a great chance...I'm not a 4.0 so need ALL the help I can get)....I can't figure out why hospitals won't take a LVN for a tech position??!!!

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