LPN to.......CNA?!

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I have been an LPN since 2003. I started off in a hospital and got very spoiled by the wonderful coworkers and exciting work environment. Long story short, I am now in LTC and absolutely hate it. I hate all the paperwork, not having enough time to actually care for people, rushing thruough everything, being micromanaged, stres, etc, etc, etc. I cannot get a job in a hospital until I become an RN because hospitals have stopped hiring LPNs.

I am in school for RN but I won't graduate until 2015.

I recently applied for a job as a nursing assistant at the local hospital (not the same one I worked in before). I would MUCH rather be working in a hospital, even if as an aide, than LTC as an LPN. I even told them that compensation was not a factor. I just want to have some job satisfaction. I'm taking a step backwards in order to take 2 steps forward.

Am I crazy? Do you think they would hire an LPN into a nursing assistant position (pay not a factor)?

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Specializes in Emergency, Med-Surg, Progressive Care.

I worked with a girl who was an LPN and had an RN degree but kept failing the NCLEX-RN. She continued to work as an LNA even with the LPN license. However, in my state you have to hold an LNA license to practice as one, i.e. you cannot fill an LNA position with an LPN license; you would have to carry both licenses. You should check with your board of nursing to see what the rules are for Ohio. You could also see if you could find a position as a medical assistant or patient care technician, since most places don't require any sort of credentials for those.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I am happy to add to this post:

The director of the ED at the hospital I applied at (for the nursing assistant) called me today and I have an interview TOMORROW for a NURSE position in the Emergency Department!! NEVER in my wildest dreams would I have expected that. It just goes to show that if you put yourself out there and let them know how much you want to work there, a lot of good can come of it. I am on cloud nine!!!!

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I worked with a girl who was an LPN and had an RN degree but kept failing the NCLEX-RN. She continued to work as an LNA even with the LPN license. However, in my state you have to hold an LNA license to practice as one, i.e. you cannot fill an LNA position with an LPN license; you would have to carry both licenses. You should check with your board of nursing to see what the rules are for Ohio. You could also see if you could find a position as a medical assistant or patient care technician, since most places don't require any sort of credentials for those.

She didn't have an RN degree, since RN is a licensure, not a degree.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I am happy to add to this post: The director of the ED at the hospital I applied at (for the nursing assistant) called me today and I have an interview TOMORROW for a NURSE position in the Emergency Department!! NEVER in my wildest dreams would I have expected that. It just goes to show that if you put yourself out there and let them know how much you want to work there, a lot of good can come of it. I am on cloud nine!!!!
Very happy for you! Keep us updated!
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Specializes in Emergency, Med-Surg, Progressive Care.
She didn't have an RN degree, since RN is a licensure, not a degree.

Yes, I am aware of that. I stated it that way for simplicity, not out of ignorance. It was far fewer words than: "She held a degree which was deemed by the state to be sufficient preparation for practice as a registered nurse upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN."

Good luck with your interview, Keep_Calm!

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"She had an ADN/BSN/diploma." That would do it. I always try to remember that some of the folks reading this will not know what you and I know about licensure vs. educational preparation for a licensure examination. :)

Good luck, OP!

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
I am happy to add to this post:

The director of the ED at the hospital I applied at (for the nursing assistant) called me today and I have an interview TOMORROW for a NURSE position in the Emergency Department!! NEVER in my wildest dreams would I have expected that. It just goes to show that if you put yourself out there and let them know how much you want to work there, a lot of good can come of it. I am on cloud nine!!!!

I just got the job in the ER!! I was definitely the underdog--LPN going for an RN position. What an amazing thing this has turned into! I guess putting myself out there and being willing to take a lower job to get my foot in the door was worth it. Thank goodness for small rural hospitals not afraid to hire a lowly LPN. :woot:

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Specializes in Orthopedics, and Home care.

You are not a lowly lpn.!!!!!

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Congratulations on the new job! :up:

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Specializes in NICU.

Congrats on the job!! Why would you put yourself down and call yourself a "lowly" LPN? You are a valued and important member of the health care team, a NURSE. Saying things like that only feeds people who actually think LPNs are "lowly"

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
Congrats on the job!! Why would you put yourself down and call yourself a "lowly" LPN? You are a valued and important member of the health care team, a NURSE. Saying things like that only feeds people who actually think LPNs are "lowly"

Ok fair enough. I just see so many RNs who can't even find work, and ninety something percent of hospitals don't hire LPNs anymore--let alone in the ED..... I certainly don't think I am lowly, but some hospitals like to view us that way.

Thank you everyone!

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