NEWish LPN in school for RN, offered Home Care Aid-like job? ADVICE PLEASE

[lpnzach]

So, I dove into nursing a little more than a year ago when I was let go of my administrative position at the VA hospital. I switched from studying graphic design to nursing in what felt like overnight. Now, I've already finished my LPN training and passed my boards. (been there, done that-) I'm an LPN, have been for 6 months now. I'm also in school finishing up my RN. My issue is I really could use an income, these bills burn pretty fast and don't keep me warm for long if you know what i mean...and with having the weekends off surely some agency, nursing home, facility, anything should hire me in a heartbeat... but it's not happening. I have gotten one home health care call back, but the position is mostly aid work and puts my license in jeopardy. The client is unable to walk (or stand) and I am being asked to pick her up and walk her, she being very heavy (190lbs), weak, and unable to stand independently creates a very high fall risk. especially when I'm being asked to walk her to and from a shower and down two steps. The position pays at normal to low wage for Dayton Ohio LPN and fits my schedule great, just worried about falls, and the patient is nonverbal which is awkward. SO Should I just not deal with this and wait until I have my RN to work or will this experience ( even though it's not standard or technically 'correct' healthcare) benefit me?

Thank You Fellow Nurses

[guest2210]

take it from one with a chronically bad back...you would do better to work at starbuck's or a convenient store on your weekends off.

good luck....

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Are you a certified home health aide? In my state CHHA's are certified through the board of nursing and also regulated. If you don't have a CHHA cert and are working in a job title of CHHA then it could become an issue with your nursing license as you would be acting in a position that you do not have the certification/training for (yes there is some skills overlap).

Save your back. Some of the pediatric private duty agencies hire new grad LPN's. You'd be 1:1 with a medically needy pediatric patient, often most of the hours are often after school & weekends. (though some are nurses who accompany a child to school) and generally the positions are per diem so you decide your own schedule availability.