Conflict of Interest

[jj1975]

Hello all. I just received my license in the mail on the 10th of Feb for Oklahoma LPN and i was very excited until i was told i would still have to pass meds as a CMA for the company until Feb 22nd I worked so hard to be a nurse is this fair what should I do? I would have no issue passing meds as a nurse but not as the med aide i worked very hard to earn my license and title and i feel so disappointed right now any feedback would help thank you

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Many facilities have set orientation days; it is quite possible that the next nursing orientation isn't until the 22nd. Considering that's all of a week away, I would not get upset over that. It also takes time to get all of the paperwork put through.

Also not understanding how this is in any was a "conflict of interest" as implied by your title.

[elkpark]

It's not as simple as just letting you start working as an LPN now because you graduated and got licensed. Organizations have established numbers of different positions (CMAs, LPNs, RNs, etc.) and in order for you to work as an LPN instead of in your current position, there would have to be an open LPN position and, as Rose_Queen noted, you would have to complete orientation in your new position and lots of organizations only offer orientation at specific times of year. Even if they have an open LPN position, it's also not uncommon, for internal moves/promotions, to require people to stay in their current position until someone has been hired and oriented to replace them.

I understand you're excited about your new license and this is v. frustrating and disappointing for you, but, in the long run, it will be just a tiny blip on the radar, a tiny speedbump in your career. Best wishes!

[MunoRN, RN]

Congratulations on your license but all that does is open the door to an LPN position when one becomes available, it doesn't mean your employer suddenly has to make an LPN spot for you. I wouldn't complain about having to wait only 12 days between getting your LPN license and starting work officially as LPN.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

But you will be passing meds as an LPN, as that is your licensing title. Now you may in fact not be PAID as an LPN until Feb. 22nd.

Additionally, starting on Feb 22nd, you also may find yourself responsible for med aides, as opposed to passing your patient meds yourself. Which I have mixed reviews about, however....

There are lots of LTC facilities that do not employ med aides, but LPN's pass meds as part of their day to day duties, or some that IS their primary duty...

[caliotter3]

You continue in your duties as hired until any new position takes effect. The company chooses the day of the change in status. Consider yourself lucky. Many employers would not hire you in the new job classification.

[mrsboots87]

I find the upset about this very silly and think you are overreacting. Facilities don't just make positions for LPNs/RNs because one of their current employees becomes licensed. You have to wait until that position opens up for hiring. You are very lucky that a position is currently open that they are offering you. Also, you need orientation as an LPN. This takes time as each facility has it's own orientation days set in advance. They also have to process the paperwork to transfer your position, verify your license, and find a new CMA to take your position. Getting licensed doesn't mean that you suddenly start a position with that title the next day. This takes time. Especially if you are already on the schedule (even if it hasn't been posted yet) as a CMA. To let you just start as an LPN means there will be no one scheduled to work your hours and the facility will be scrambling to find replacements last minute. Lastly, you will need to precept for however long your facility requires. So they have to find you a preceptor and get you scheduled with them. Stop freaking out and understand this is a very normal process and you are getting upset by a MERE twelve days. It is not uncommon for new grad LPNs/RNs to be stuck working as techs or CNAs for a couple months until they find a nursing job. Count your lucky stars that you will be "inconvenienced" for a whopping 12 days.

[elkpark]

You continue in your duties as hired until any new position takes effect. The company chooses the day of the change in status. Consider yourself lucky. Many employers would not hire you in the new job classification.

Yes, lots of people have posted here over the years that they finished school and got licensed and, instead of being promoted by their current employer, got told that, because the employer doesn't have an open position at the higher level of the licensure and the employer does have a policy of not allowing people to work below their level of licensure, they are being let go and are suddenly unemployed.