Cant decide what positon to take as first job?? Help!

[Cali_LVN2RN]

So right after high school I completed a Medical Assisting program and liked it so much that I decided to go straight into nursing. I went full time to finish prereqs then completed an accelerated LVN program. Since I was so focused on school I never worked as an M.A.

Now, I just recently graduated LVN program and am scheduled to take NCLEX later this month to become board certified. After constantly applying for jobs, I seem to have two options now and can't decide which is a better opportunity.

Option 1: start as a caregiver position (until i take and pass NCLEX) at a 4 star assisted living facility 1 block from my house. Its a part time and eventually becoming a full time position. And she said as soon as I pass NCLEX, they will promote me to LVN. BUT, its not a SNF, just assisted living. So no trachs, GT tubes, etc...Not quite sure if this will give me enough experience?? Its only $10/hr for the caregiver position.

Option 2: SANTA CLARA COUNTY-Valley Medical Center clinic as a Medical Assistant. Part time also. And i would try my best and hope I can eventually transfer to Valley Medical center hospital once I "get my foot in the door". But M.A. position is not really nursing related right?? Oh yeah, and the pay is $20 an hour to start and a county job (forgot to mention i passed the pre-screening exam of 10:300 applicants to make it through interview process for this position)

What would you do??

[Cali_LVN2RN]

Just to clarify, i already have job offers for both these positions

[NurseAshley., BSN, RN]

Have you asked at the clinic about working as a nurse once you graduate, or would it depend on working at clinic for 'x' amount of time, and then applying for a hospital position once there are openings? While you are true that you may not use as many skills in the AL, it would allow you to work under your new title sooner rather than later. If you work there short term it may be beneficial, you'll gain LPN experience, learn to time manage and get used to juggling patients and passing meds in a less acute setting. ..However if you do work there for an extended amount of time, hospitals may think you don't have much experience with skills and may hesitate when applying for future jobs. If it was me....hmm I might do AL, it's a nursing job (it will be after you pass your nclex). But that's just me, when I graduated as an LPN hospitals in my area just weren't hiring, so I took a position at a LTC/SNF Snd have enjoyed it for the most part.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I'd do the clinic since it pays more. However, would they still keep you if you pass the LPN boards? I'd clarify before accepting that position. Many MA positions can be filled by LPNs in my area as per the descriptions. Also, I don't know if they will take you over at the hospital. Do they still use LPNs? We really use them only in psych or in the clinics in my area.