CMA's edging me out of jobs!!

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Hi All,

Just here to vent a little. I've been job searching for about 3 months now and I know that some of you live in areas where LPN/LVN jobs are plentiful but where I live (Illinois) it is really proving hard to find a job for an LPN!! I see lots of job postings for MA's and have even applied for them out of desperation. One phone interview later and the interviewer said she hadn't considered an LPN because she thought "they were considered below an MA." I was speechless at that point and politely explained that an LPN is a NURSE. She would be hiring a nurse with lots of experience. Needless to say, that didn't work and so now I'm wondering what is left for LPN's here? A few nursing home jobs and a prison are all I can find. So....the jobs are going to RN/BSN's or MA's. I have enrolled in an LPN to RN bridge program because it's become clear that I'm being edged out and really need to move upward or throw in the towel. Anyone else finding this happening in their community??

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

During my four years as an LVN, I always stayed employed because I never applied for the clinic/doctors office jobs that MAs usually worked. I always worked in nursing homes, psychiatric facilities or physical rehabilitation centers.

If prisons and nursing homes are hiring LPNs in your area, I would seriously consider applying for these jobs. Beggars cannot become choosers. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in LTC.

If you are open to working in LTC/SNF, LPN jobs are there in IL, at least in my corner of the State. If not, well then good luck.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Medical offices are losing out on having professional, educated nurses providing patient care by substituting nurses with cheaper, less educated staff.

I'm not an LPN (RN), but I don't think I would want to work for someone who was so dumb that she didn't know the difference between an LPN and an MA.

Best wishes in your job search.

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Specializes in Pediatric Home Care, Dr Office/Clinic.

Wow...MA's while they are trained to take vitals & blood draw, they definitely are not at same level or even come close to the experience that an LPN.

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I've worked in LTC for years and just cannot do it another second. Ironically enough, right after posting this I landed a fantastic contract job setting up compression pumps and also a paramedical position with a guarantee of a minimum of 20 hours a week. Go ahead CMA's!

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I'm going to school right now for MA and I really wish I would have just stuck with trying to get into a nursing program. I've heard that now days most LPNs are going to find jobs in nursing homes and I think that sucks. They are LICENSED, MAs are just registered/certified - that should give LPN a one up but apparently not. I'm glad you found something! :

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Thanks mrspatton! CMA's seem to be getting all the nice Monday thru Friday office jobs so you should do great if that is the direction you want to go. Also, you never know-you might want to go further and become a nurse if you find that you enjoy being an MA and want to have more options. I have valued being an LPN for over a decade and it has given me lots of experiences I will never forget, but like it or not I sense the change in health care and know that going for my BSN is what I need to do in order to have more job options.

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Specializes in LTC.
I've worked in LTC for years and just cannot do it another second. Ironically enough, right after posting this I landed a fantastic contract job setting up compression pumps and also a paramedical position with a guarantee of a minimum of 20 hours a week. Go ahead CMA's!

Your original post did not mention LTC which is why I mentioned it. Good for you that you found something. LTCs are almost always hiring but they are definitely not everyone's cup of tea. All the best with your new positions.

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Mistyyandell which bridge program are you looking into?

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Hi Jess,

I'm going through the Indiana University nursing program. It's the only one I have found that I can do based on where I live. They are reviewing my transcripts right now so I should be hearing soon what all I will need to take. Are you looking to do a bridge program as well?

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