LPN applying to CNA II positions

[oneflyLPN]

Hi!

I'm an LPN new to the area, still looking for work in the field while I go back to school. My background is in mental health, so I'm signing up for some classes to refresh my clinical skills in the meantime. Anyway, I'm looking at jobs and it seems that there are many more CNA II openings than LPN, especially in the major Duke, UNC hospital systems (I live btw Durham and Chapel Hill). I'm wondering if anyone has any knowledge or experience applying for nursing assistant jobs as an LPN?? I checked the BON and it says that a nurse can be listed on the NA registry. But I don't know if the hospitals will consider a nurse working "below" their license. I need the hands on skills, since clinicals and psych don't count for much..and at this point, I don't care about the lower pay. I've got bills to pay (don't we all ) and I'd rather do it doing something I like and I'm good at. Other than that, I might have to go back to administration or, God forbid, retail, until some more LPN jobs open up. Help!

[tammy.]

I don't think you can work below your education level. At least that is what i was told. So you may want to look into that.

[oneflyLPN]

Yes you can in the state of NC, according to the BON. You might have missed that in my post. I'm just wondering if hospital recruiters/HR will actually HIRE a nurse who wants to "work down".

[Gem0607]

How long have you not worked as an LPN? Have you thought about the LPN refresher course? I have my RN license, graduated in 2009, relocated to CA and couldn't find a job. I'm back in NC now and competing with the newer new graduates and the refresher course route was suggested to me. I'm going to try that and hopefully I'll be able to put my license to work. The BON does say that you are allowed to work but as you stated some hospitals might be skeptical on hiring a nurse as a CNA due to liability. If something goes wrong or there is a situation and it's in your realm of practice, as a LPN at that moment, it's your responsiblity to step in as the nurse as opposed to the CNA because after all you have that knowledge. If you chose not to step in and uphold the standards of your LPN title then your license will be in jeopardy at that point. In my opinion I wouldn't want to deal with that.