Obtaining Critical Care Experience

nurse2be13 · Jul 10, 2015

I don't believe you'll be able to work as a tech because you are a licensed LVN.

jnix1 · Jul 10, 2015

Yeah it's a really tough decision for me. I was debating whether I should go one way or the other.

So nurse2be13 do you have any advice?

calivianya, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2015

The PP is saying you might not have a choice. You'll have to check your state BON to make sure, but you might not be able to take the tech job even if you want to.

VANurse2010 · Jul 11, 2015

Many hospitals use LPNs in tech positions. However, they are typically undesirable to use as techs because they cost more. You will be held to a higher standard by the board, also, should anything untoward happen - although i would imagine this is less of an issue with an LPN working below their scope than an RN doing the same.

jnix1 · Jul 11, 2015

@vanurse2010 thanks for the reply. I was hoping to set myself up in the best situation possible in order to get an ICU internship. I guess I'll take the LPN snf position hopefully I'll be able to apply once I'm ready.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2015

Are there any LTACHs in your area? I worked in one that had some LPNs, although they were working at going RN-only. But it's worth a look. If you can find an LTACH job, you'll learn things like cardiac monitoring and vents that will translate well to an ICU.

HazelLPN, LPN · Jul 24, 2015

I am a retired LPN and worked most of my hospital years in critical care. I would actually call and talk to the nurse manager of the MICU and explain that you are an LVN and are currently working on your RN and wish to work in critical care. It is possible that they just might be able to think outside of the box and allow you to work in the MICU as an LVN vs an unlicensed tech. Even if they don't, you have put your name out there and have established a human connection which are very important when it comes to finding jobs. Every job that I ever had...including the volunteer job I have now...have been through human connections.

If they give you the position in the MICU as an LVN, then jump on it. The hospital that I retired from does not hire LPNs in critical care units anymore except for the LPNs who are in school for their RN...and even then it's on a case by case basis. Once they become RNs on the unit, they require a much shorter orientation and have already established themselves.

If they are unable to think outside the box, I would simply ask for advise which shows that you are interested. Maybe an LVN can't work in the unit, but maybe another nurse manager in step down or on one of the more acute floors might consider an LVN who is in school for her RN. From my experience, infectious disease tends to get some pretty sick patients that sometimes could easily be in the MICU, depending on what the resident decided or the staffing levels...and those nurses seemed to have an easier time floating to the units as they had their share of meds and vents....at one time they even took intubated patients and A lines back in the dark ages (1980s!).

If that does not pan out, if it were me I would even contact other hospitals to get your name out there, and then take a job as a nurse as a last resort on a skilled nursing unit. I would, under no circumstances, take a job as an unlicensed tech when you have a license to practice nursing as you will be held to that standard while not allowed to practice the skills or to be compensated financially for it.

Remember to make those connections...so important!

Best to you,

Mrs H.