Not sure what to do. Licensed RN working as tech.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 26, 2012

I agree: it doesn't sound like you have much of a future at this place, so start looking elsewhere for a nursing job...and when you get it, leave this job on the best terms possible.

Best of luck.

wanderlust99 · Sep 26, 2012

Agree with the others. Look elsewhere. If they valued you at all, they'd hire you as an RN. Hopefully you can get a good reference from a charge nurse or another nurse if you think there's a chance your manager may not.

BiBi777 · Sep 26, 2012

As for "going over their heads"....don't go there, you'll just make waves that will probably do more harm than good.
You'll get farther in life with sweetness and sunshine.

@itsmejuli, I second that 100%!! :)

zieglarf, LVN · Sep 26, 2012

Getting your RN wouldn't mean you automatically get a promotion. You just have a foot in the door over any new-grad applicants from outside.

If you really want to be THERE then just wait for your chance - if you really want EXPERIENCE then apply everywhere and go get it.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2012

I DO like working at my job and would like to work there as an RN, it's the politics and management that I don't like.

Unfortunately, as an RN you're going to deal with politics and management more than when you're a tech, especially if you plan to move up in the ranks of nursing as you progress in your career. You're better off looking elsewhere to work as a nurse. Like others have said, if they wanted you to work there as a nurse, things would have happened by now.

Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2012

This happened to my friend earlier this year, and she had worked for the facility for 5+ years. They kept telling her things like "We won't sponsor you to work as a GN, because we have been burned before" Then when she got her RN "This floor isn't hiring new grads" Meanwhile other new grads from our graduating class got hired on to the same floor. She ended up getting a job in LTC, but had wasted months, because she kept thinking that they were going to give her a job or that other opportunities in the hospital would pan out. I would recommend applying to other hospitals and nursing facilities. LTC is often undesirable to new grads, but it really is a good learning experience. It also definitely makes you more appreciative for the hospital environment. It seems hospitals, in my area at least, like to hire nurses who have worked in LTC.

Honestly, this could be purely fiscal. I work with five of my nursing school classmates on a floor, and one of those classmates had worked as a lab tech at the hospital for around five years. She told me that the director was hesitant hiring her on our floor, because she is more expensive than a normal new grad. They must pay her for her years of service to the hospital, which can really add up. I know that this can feel really personal, but I wouldn't classify seeking other employment options as leaving with your tail between your legs. Sometimes things do not work out, and I wouldn't waste any more time. Good Luck!

Spikey9001, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2012

This happened to my friend earlier this year, and she had worked for the facility for 5+ years. They kept telling her things like "We won't sponsor you to work as a GN, because we have been burned before" Then when she got her RN "This floor isn't hiring new grads" Meanwhile other new grads from our graduating class got hired on to the same floor. She ended up getting a job in LTC, but had wasted months, because she kept thinking that they were going to give her a job or that other opportunities in the hospital would pan out. I would recommend applying to other hospitals and nursing facilities. LTC is often undesirable to new grads, but it really is a good learning experience. It also definitely makes you more appreciative for the hospital environment. It seems hospitals, in my area at least, like to hire nurses who have worked in LTC.
Honestly, this could be purely fiscal. I work with five of my nursing school classmates on a floor, and one of those classmates had worked as a lab tech at the hospital for around five years. She told me that the director was hesitant hiring her on our floor, because she is more expensive than a normal new grad. They must pay her for her years of service to the hospital, which can really add up. I know that this can feel really personal, but I wouldn't classify seeking other employment options as leaving with your tail between your legs. Sometimes things do not work out, and I wouldn't waste any more time. Good Luck!

Good point. But it's weird about the whole fiscal thing because I know for a FACT that the hospital is understaffed in certain areas (with exp. floor nurses leaving and transferring), even with the hiring of new grads. But like I said before all the vacant positions up as of now all require exp, which I don't have.

DEE S. · Sep 26, 2012

Long story short, I got a job as a tech at a hospital during nursing school for the sole purpose of working there as an RN once I graduated. Well I got written up earlier this year which prevented me from doing the new RN grad program (I applied in jan but got written up in march). I had to wait six months before I could transfer or do anything. Well fast forward to this month, I get my RN license and my six month "probation" is up. I figure I'd start orienting as an RN but apparently that's not the case. I was told I would still have to work as an aide and wait for a position that I qualify for to show up. Thing is that the GN positions only pop up once a year and all the other postings I need exp. and certs. for.
So, now I'm losing skills and knowledge. I have started applying outside the hospitals to LTC (which is the last thing I wanted to do). I feel unsupported by my manager and I don't know who in the hospital I can talk to. I've already talked to the HR director as well as my manager. The only thing I can think of is talking to them again about this issue, seek out other floors in the hospital for a position or going over their heads.
Any advice/comments would be appreciated.

I honestly would try to apply for another tech job in the hospital. This gets you away from your current manager and gives you a chance to make new contacts and show you have what it takes. I would not make waves by going over their heads because your repetation of going over heads may get ahead of you when you are looking for jobs else where or land a job. I would keep my name sparkling clean with no negative vibes attached. Any chance of telling us why you got written up? Handle write ups humbly, you are new to this field and need support in and out of this hospital.

pgnurse79 · Sep 26, 2012

My advice: Continue being a tech until you find a job somewhere else as an RN. When you find an RN job elsewhere, QUIT!

A tech who has the knowledge of an RN is cheaper for the hospital. Also, increases the level of care.

A hospital spends a lot of $ to train a new grad. Sounds to me that they are trying to save some $ by playing this little politics game with you.

Apply somewhere else and quit. You just can't wait a year...future employers will notice that as well.

Artista12 · Sep 26, 2012

If you can join the military as a nurse. You will be a officer, good pay, bonus and see the world.

bradleau · Sep 26, 2012

Long story short, I got a job as a tech at a hospital during nursing school for the sole purpose of working there as an RN once I graduated. Well I got written up earlier this year which prevented me from doing the new RN grad program (I applied in jan but got written up in march). I had to wait six months before I could transfer or do anything. Well fast forward to this month, I get my RN license and my six month "probation" is up. I figure I'd start orienting as an RN but apparently that's not the case. I was told I would still have to work as an aide and wait for a position that I qualify for to show up. Thing is that the GN positions only pop up once a year and all the other postings I need exp. and certs. for.
So, now I'm losing skills and knowledge. I have started applying outside the hospitals to LTC (which is the last thing I wanted to do). I feel unsupported by my manager and I don't know who in the hospital I can talk to. I've already talked to the HR director as well as my manager. The only thing I can think of is talking to them again about this issue, seek out other floors in the hospital for a position or going over their heads.
Any advice/comments would be appreciated.

What ever you do, DO NOT step out of the tech skills. Otherwise you will be written up for NOT doing your job. If you see a RN need, find one to take care of the problem. YOu would only be safe with CPR. Sounds like they do not want to hire you. In some cases the hospitals loan an amount of money to your education with a contract that says you will work for them to pay it off. If not hired for the job they loaned you money for, you are off the hook on payback.

sjbrk · Sep 26, 2012

I, too am surprised that they are keeping you on as a tech. My local hospital hires their techs after they get their license, or they are let go. They are never allowed to stay on as a tech. It is a liability for the hospital to do so -- because the temptation to extend the scope of practice to your RN skills as a tech is great.

I would start looking for other work. If you are a full time tech, try to give more than 2 weeks notice -- especially if you do want to work at that hospital some day.