New Grad RN taking a Tech Position?

NurseAVP · Aug 9, 2010

I thought they wouldn't let me even apply, so I emailed the hiring manager to ask if I would qualify considering I have the RN license, and she said "it's not required but it definitely helps" which I kind of thought was a strange response. Because I don't plan on using RN skills (outside of basic skills a tech could do). But they definitely know that I have the RN license and still interviewed me.

I DO want to transfer to a nursing position there down the road, its a great hospital so it would be nice to work there as a nurse. I would imagine that they do know that, but maybe since I already have experience in another hospital doing basically the same job, they figure the orientation won't be too much of a waste for them?

But like some of you have said, I don't want to lost my license. Its in IL, just in case anyone is an expert in their rules :)

juliaann · Aug 9, 2010

But like some of you have said, I don't want to lost my license. Its in IL, just in case anyone is an expert in their rules :)

Sounds like a sweet position, and I hope you can quickly move into a nursing role! Someone posted a link and a quote pertaining to IL up above (first post on this page) - sounds like you're all set. Good luck!

*jojo* · Aug 9, 2010

I thought they wouldn't let me even apply, so I emailed the hiring manager to ask if I would qualify considering I have the RN license, and she said "it's not required but it definitely helps" which I kind of thought was a strange response. Because I don't plan on using RN skills (outside of basic skills a tech could do). But they definitely know that I have the RN license and still interviewed me.

It sounds like she either did not listen to what you asked her or misunderstood what you asked her.

Ckwil1948 · Aug 9, 2010

Hey I have a question I am hoping some people will have feedback about.
Do you recommend a new graduate RN (BSN) to take a tech/nursing assistant as a way to "get a foot in the door"?
I recently graduated from nursing school (May '10) and have yet to get a job offer (and only one interview, after filling out >50 applications at about 20 facilities). I finally decided to apply for a tech position, which I have 3 years of experience doing during college. I got an interview and it went well, they implied I would be getting the job as long as my background check goes ok. I have heard that there might be some liability issues in terms of what an RN can/should do if working as a tech, but I don't really know the specifics (But I know some places won't even allow RNs to work as techs).
I was just wondering if anyone has done this or considered it, or has any feedback about this decision.
Thanks!

DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO MAKE MONEY! SEE THE LATEST NOTE FROM "LAID OFF AFTER 38YRS". Hospitals and clinics are laying off RNS in favor of cheaper workers!

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Aug 9, 2010

I kept working during school and I am still working as a CNA2 as a RN while I keep applying for a RN job, there are at least 4 from my class that I know of that are still working as CNAs untill we are able to find a job.

I worked as a CNA in the same place where I did my preceptorship, you just have to be very clear as what your job disrciption states and do not step out of that role

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2010

I have friends that are doing this *right now*. From what I have seen, you will quickly come to regret it. First of all, once you are on the schedule, the facility has filled an empty tech position and they will be in no hurry to begin recruiting and hiring again for the position.

Further, I have seen people get passed over for positions as RNs and continuously be told a later and later start date for their RN orientation. Before they know it, they have been a tech for a year with a nurse's license.

You will also find yourself in a no win situation constantly. A friend of mine recently told me of how frustrated she was transporting a patient to another area and getting told off by the receiving RN for nursing tasks that were not completed. She was scolded, "You are a new grad. You should know better!" but she had no control over that.

Finally, I bet you will get bored. There will be no opportunity to practice skills likely. then there is the liability issues...

You MUST have some other skill. Perhaps you have waited tables? Perhaps you can give flu shots temporarily...but a tech? Not a good plan.

rshenry · Aug 10, 2010

I am licensed in a State as an RN that will not allow you to work below your license. So I work as a Paramedic. At the end of the day I have a mortgage to pay. I can't get a nursing job due to my lack of nursing experience. Forget 22 years as a Paramedic.

PedsAtHeart, LPN · Aug 10, 2010

I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with a nurse being "overqualified" for the work aides do. Here's the rationale my facility gives:
As a licensed nurse, your scope of practice would exceede your job description if working as a nurse aide, which could cause a conflict of interest when it comes to patient care. You may be tempted or pressured by coworkers to work outside of your job description, which causes issues on the floors.
My facility will not hire someone for a position if they have liscensure for a position "above" it. They will hire new grad RNs and let them work as techs until they pass the NCLEX, then they transistion into the nursing position they were hired for.
For the OP: Just make sure it's allowed by the facility and your state. I'm assuming the facility knows and is okay with it, so congrats!

But if you are working in a place, say LTC, where you have (usually) an LPN or RN as charge nurse and aides to work the floor, if you are short staffed the nurse gets pulled to the floor to work as an aide, so whats the difference?

Thats what I dont get... Sure, if you were an RN wanting to get paid as an RN but working as an aide, that wouldnt fly...

Guess I have to go look into this with my state and see what they say.

(I'm not trying to be argumentative with you I am just kind of thinking "out loud" and a little confused on this)

Ckwil1948 · Aug 10, 2010

Health Care is in a horrible state when this kind of issue pops up!! I am "Unemployed after 38yrs." I have worked hard all through my career. There is no nursing shortage-employers are just to cheap to hire educated employees! I live near a college town with a great B.S.program,and new grads cant find anything. I wish I knew what to tell those nurses who are working as aides. I am over 60,so if I have to do it to make a living,I guess I will have to (although my local unemployment office has advised they might be able to train me to be a welder!). It all depends on how much you need the checkee-poo every 2 weeks! If you are really needing cash then do it! There is no shame in being underemployed, and take my word for it-the unemployment office doesn't know jack about nursing! This country believes in the urban myth that there is still a nursing shortage-do what you can to survive in this economy. The Opinion of an Elderly Nurse! God Bless!

NurseAVP · Aug 18, 2010

Thanks for all of your input! I learned a lot more about the position after asking LOTS of questions, and apparently, because the position is "0-scheduled hours"it is kind of a round-about way for the hospital to give you a test run before hiring you full time, and at the same time, you have no commitment to them, they call you and give you an opportunity to work when they need help. (may be confusing because it's unionized? but that's for another post...) so hopefully it will turn out ok... I did finally get an interview at another hospital so I'm kind of looking into both and weighing my options. I'll probably take whichever is willing to hire me as an RN first (and give me the best new grad orientation!)