Need some advice. . .

[David Offenbaker, BSN, RN]

Hi all!

I have been an LVN for about 2 years. In those 2 years, I have stuck with medical/surgical and ICU, and now just recently accepted a job (start this coming Monday) at a internal medicine office to have an 8-5 for a bit. I'll be taking the doctor's calls, following his protocols (for example, if someone from a facility calls with a patient with a 102 fever, his standing orders to give to facility: 650mg of Tylenol, and blood cultures X2). I'll also be assisting him at facilities including nursing homes and area hospitals.

So, here's where I need advice. I'm currently en route with Excelsior for their ASN degree. The rate I'm going, I figure I have about another 1.5 years. When I'm done, and am looking for positions, do you think the fact that I worked pretty much as the "doctor's assistant" would look bad? In other words, when I apply to work in hospital again, will it looks as though I've had little to no experience? Also, do they see me as a fresh 'new grad' or does the LVN experience really go into play here?

I know it may sound silly, but I want to be marketable when I become an RN. In addition to the above mentioned job, I was offered a 10a-6p position at a nursing home. Although I'm not too thrilled about working in a nursing home, do you think that would look better to future employers?

Thanks!

Dave

[gacathy]

In regards to the position at the MD's office, I think that will be OK on your resume. Aren't you working as an LVN there? If you keep your license, I'd think so. RN's work in offices, too. Also, most applications have more than one spot for positions and you will be able to list your hospital job and the position in office-just list it as LVN and not an assistant.

As far an the nursing home, that might be better for the future, but only if that's what you'd like.

FWIW, there are some comments on the board about Excelsior grads having issues with some state boards (California, maybe GA in future). Be sure to read those. From what I'm reading here, it looks like Indiana has an LVN to BSN program, too. Since you have 1 1/2 yrs left, I'd make sure you don't keep investing time if it won't help. ( I'm a diploma grad and have repeated so many classes over the years.)

[David Offenbaker, BSN, RN]

Cathy,

Thanks so much for the reply. I don't have anything against nursing homes, its just here they don't pay well for some reason as they do in other parts of the state. I really enjoy working in the hospital system, but I want to start back in the hospital system as an RN and get some more experience elsewhere.

I actually was in a traditioinal LVN to RN program here in San Antonio, TX, but withdrew in September after hearing horror stories from the 1st 'about to graduate' class. The institutions license is up in the air and plus it was SUPER expensive, so thankfully I transferred to Excelsior after finding out that The TXBON is good with them until their renewal in 2017. The BON is trying to find additional clinical sites for Excelsior students, which I think is awesome!

Again, thank you so much for the input. I start going in circles when I dwell on things too long. We were always told to get atleast 1 year of med-surg right out of school, and I think I more than mastered that with the 2 years :-)

Dave