Help New Grad Make a Decision

[mayjunejuly]

I started 5 years ago at 41 years old at our local hospital as a CNA for 8.10 an hour. I could have made more but I had my sights set to be an RN in that hospital someday. I went to school raising 2 kids as a single mom and worked my way up. The only job they offered me after 2 years of my loyalty as a CNA was a job as an LPN in the float pool. I survived the training which was horrible because our nurses don't get anything for training newbies and also doing their job at the same time so they hate the extra work. Finally last February what I had waited almost 4 years for the early hire candidates chosen for the hospital. I did not get one of those jobs and was truly devastated. I was told I already work there and in time I would get a position. I graduated in May 08 passed my boards the first time and they keep me working as an LPN for LPN wages while I was an RN and interviewing for good RN positions in that hospital that I never got. Finally the worst position for a new RN grad the float pool offered me a position. I have seen the terrible ways the experienced nurses have taught and trained these nurses...horrific but I need the experience. I started in that past years working in a home health care agency and when a new position was created just recently RN Case Manager involving a case load, paperwork, travel into homes, $50,000 a year plus mileage. I sit here today having to choose between these 2 jobs and do not want to make a wrong choice...any thoughts or help would greatly be appreciated because I haven't sleep for 3 nights. I have prayed for a sign I honestly don't know what to do?

[lil' girl, LPN]

Looks like you answered your own question in your second sentence. Good Luck!

[GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN]

I am a little confused. Were you a CNA that became an LPN before you got your RN, or are you saying you are being paid and working as an LPN when you are actually an RN.?? I don't think you can work as an LPN when you are an RN as you are held to the accountability of an RN, and it's not legal for an RN to work as an LPN if you don't have your LPN license.

In any event, seeing the way they are and have been treating you, I would definitely go to the HH agency. You will also find they are very kid/family friendly and flexible, not to mention the advantage of a normal schedule.!!!

[mayjunejuly]

They kept me working at the hospital as an LPN even though I was an RN. They said that they can do that if there are no RN jobs to apply for. I think they did it cuz they could keep me as cheap labor for 9 more months.