RN to Caregiver.

[nurse_16]

Hi! I 'am RN-BSN new grad in CA, since August of last year I 'am sending hundreds of application to different Hospitals in-state and out of state and honestly I don't know what nurse recruiters are looking for in applicants. I feel so hopeless. But earlier I received a job offer as caregiver. Do you think is it ok to work as unlicensed caregiver? Is there will be any conflict of interest and putting my license in jeopardy before I even started?

Need some advice.

Thanks a lot!

[vkaila]

I'm in exactly the same boat as you. I've applied & called everywhere...hospitals, home health, hospice, nursing homes and nothing. I found a caregiving agency yesterday and the owner completely understands my situation. He said he knows how hard the job market is right now for new grads and he currently has LVNs and even RNs working for him right now while they are looking for jobs. The pay is nowhere near RN pay but at least we are working in the field and getting paid something! He said he would also be willing to be listed as a reference and would write a letter of recommendation if needed. I have an office job that would pay more but if I don't find anything better in the next week I am seriously considering working as a caregiver while waiting for a nursing job since it is at least in the healthcare field. I don't think you'll have a problem as long you stay within the scope of practice for the job you are being paid to do; you would be responsible for just basic things. The employer should be able to tell you what you can and can't do if you're unsure. Good luck!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Don't actually want to rain on your parade, but the PP's advice was not exactly accurate. If you can't find a nursing job yet - it would probably be better to look for something completely outside of healthcare until a nursing job opens up.

Once you have a license, you are accountable for your own practice and adhering to your nurse practice act - no matter what the scope of the job. Say for example, if you were employed as a caregiver and noticed your patient having respiratory distress, but did not intervene because it was beyond the scope of the job - you would be putting your license in jeopardy. Licensed professionals' first duty is always to their profession and secondly to their employer. This is why most organizations will not hire anyone in a 'downskill' position.

Check with your own state BON to make sure, but this situation is pretty much the same for all licensed professionals no matter what discipline.

[GA2208]

I just passed my licensure exam in california. Can I still continue working as a medtech/caregiver while waiting for a Rn job oppurtunity?