Nj-unemployed ma-loves pediatrics! What do i do next??

Published Mar 10, 2011

54 Posts

I would fist like to say hello to everyone!! I am new to this site, but thought I would register because a lot of useful info is on here and interesting people. Becoming a nurse has been a dream of mine for a few years now, but I just really am confused on where to start and what to do!!

I have some questions and I really hope someone can help. I am new to the medical field but always interested, especially in pediatrics so I decided to start off as an MA and see what happens. I only went for a very quick course, which I did great in, but didnt get a very good paying job.. I worked at a peds office for about 3 years. I really loved it!! I didn't work for the nicest people, but I learned a lot there. I only have experience with that job though.

I was laid off in 09 and have not found a job since. Now, still looking, I considered all the resaons why I am not getting hired. I know I need better training because I am out dated and that is a must...but besides better schooling for training purposes, I dont see any other reason why someone would not want to at least give me a chance.

I have been looking since my lay off and still found nothing! I am on every website for finding a job and not even calls back! When recently looking for a position again a few days ago, there were a few places hiring in the field of pediatrics. Some were looking for LPN's only. Which confused me because the last thing I heard, was LPN's are not really getting hired in offices because doctors don't want to pay them. When I did some research about LPN's the information that came up is they ususally do home care, and work with the elderly. I do not want to do any kind of home care or nursing homes. I strictly want pediatrics to be the end result for me. I know and understand that during schooling for nurse, you do everything while doing rounds and working with patients to learn.

RN will take very long for me to do because I have no college credits and did not take any of the math or sciences in high school. So, I have to start from scratch for RN. I am planning on doing that, but right now, I am looking to get hired doing peds for more experience. LPN takes one year to complete and that is OK with me. MA should also be from 6 months to a year also. A year is OK with me...any suggestions on what I can do in the mean time of looking for a job and schools? I need more on my resume!

Since it has been a year of not working,it is getting harder and harder to get hired due to the gap. I really love this field. what is the best thing for me to do?? Go for LPN or go for MA and get retrained again? What are the best schools for either LPN or MA?? Last year when I first got let go, I tried everything to get financial aid and the grant through unemployment. I was denied for both. I will apply again and if i get denied, I will have to figure out another way. I will do it to get the best schooling I can in NJ. I want to do it right this time!! I see a lot of these tech schools offering LPN, but it seems a little sketchy to me...and SOOOO EXPENSIVE!! Even if Medical Assisting is the way to go, I dont want to go to school that is a joke to potential employers.

If anyone has been or is in my situation and found a solution, please feel free to respond on this thread or PM me because at this point, I am so beyond confused!! Thank you to everyone who has read and been able to respond! :redbeathe