kdavis,RN

@roser13: An STNA is a state-tested nursing assistant, which is a requirement to work in any long-term care facility in Ohio. It is not illegal here to work as an STNA with RN licensure. However, I have heard several instances where working beneath a license was allowed only if licensure wages were received. After all, even though I'm performing STNA duties, I am still an RN. I guess my main concern is, what if a situation arises in which I am the one medically qualified and licensed to handle the situation? Would I have to remain "in my scope of practice" as an STNA because that is what I'm getting paid to do, or as an RN as I am licensed? @NoviceRN10: I understand your situation, especially not presenting yourself as an RN while you were still working as a tech. It's unfortunate that they didn't have a spot available for you after you received your license. This company I am working for did hire me a month prior for a part time RN position, beginning once I received my license number. However, now that I have it, I suddenly have to finish my scheduled days as an STNA (another 3 weeks full-time), even though the position is available and open for me. I feel almost overqualified for the position and the wages they are requiring me to accept after the promise of an immediate start day. Perhaps just a cost effective decision on their part?

Have you tried following up with submitted applications? I highly recommend contacting the company at which you applied a few days after submitting an application. I ask to be transferred to the Human Resources Director, either speaking to him/her directly or leaving a voicemail. Just mention your name, when and what you applied for, and that you were calling to see if there were any questions regarding your resume and application. This lets you know whether your application has been looked at yet. This can then set you up for suggesting a meeting to discuss your resume, as well as the values of the company and requirements for the position you applied for. This approach takes some getting used to because it requires a more aggressive approach, but this lets the prospective employer know how interested you are in the position. If you do secure an interview, make sure to send a thank you letter the day after ... My friend, a new grad, secured a job over 25 applicants because he was the only one who sent a thank you letter following an interview. Best wishes to you!

If you were in her shoes, how would you feel hearing this news? This might be a hard situation for her to believe at first; however, protecting her license that she has worked so hard for is the main priority of this situation. If she has this information made aware to her, it will be her decision about what action she will take next.

I would suggest shadowing a nurse in a career field you may be interested in. The beauty of nursing is the wide variety of areas you can specialize in, whether you have a passion for trauma, geriatrics, etc. It enables you to see the RN in action, as well as ask any questions that come up as a result of situations you may encounter while you are there. Best wishes to you!

I have searched all through Google for information regarding this topic without any luck, so hopefully this will shed some light on my questions and concerns! If I have my RN licensure, can I work as an STNA in a long term care facility? Am I entitled to RN wages, or can I be required to work with STNA wages until a position opens up for me? Please let me know where you found this information, as my attempts to find it have been unsuccessful so far.