Can RN work as MA or LPN?

[RNsecondcareer]

Just passed the NCLEX in January 2016 and like many others that just graduated, finding a job as a RN is difficult without experience. In Florida, are RN's allowed to work as a MA or LPN in order to gain clinical experience?

[kakamegamama]

What does your state's nurse practice act say? Different scopes of practice are involved, and my guess is no. But, check your npa

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Experience as an MA/LPN will not count toward RN nursing experience.

If you hold a license as an RN, you will be held to the standards of practice of an RN, even while working as an MA/LPN.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Agree with roser and also add while you have the skills to work as a LPN or MA, you can only use the title you are registered in, you cannot use MA or LPN you must use RN as your title. MA or LPN positions do not count as RN experience and you wiil be held to a higher level of accountability without the higher pay.

[RNsecondcareer]

Thanks for the info. I'll keep looking for RN positions. I also have a MBA and for random reasons, the MBA hurts me when it comes to job hunting in my local area, in addition to the complete lack of clinical experience. I truly want to be a clinical RN but if something doesn't become available soon, I'll have to put that dream on hold and find something that will pay the mortgage, child care, etc.

[Atl-Murse]

MBA is not hurting, lack of a BSN is. Look towards rural areas, there are tons of jobs. Get out of your comfort zone, prisons and jails can't get RNs to apply to openings

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

You are not certified as a medical assistant nor licensed as a practical nurse, so I would say no.

[%D#2]

I have heard of some registered nurses in different states taking LPN jobs, because although it's below your scope of practice you will still be utilizing your assessment skills as an RN But the downside is you may get paid less. (I am an LPN and pay is alright though)

But I do not think you can ever work as a CNA or MA. But look at the practice act for your state or call the board to ask, it depends where you live.

[%D#2]

I have an RN that works with us who does the same things as we do but she has the assessment skills of an RN. They may hire you as an RN but pay you less.. It what I was trying to say.

[Extra Pickles]

You can always apply for the job and they have the choice to hire you (as an RN), but offer you only the amount of money they were willing to pay an LPN or MA to do the job. You'd still be held to RN standards and it isn't really considered experience for an RN job later so it's probably not a smart move, unless you just can't find anything else at all and need the money.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

In Florida, are RN's allowed to work as a MA or LPN in order to gain clinical experience?

Position as an RN = RN pay + RN experience

MA or LPN position = Zero RN pay + Zero RN experience