goodkarmaluv

:) Yes, I am more than happy to suck it up and get it done to pay the bills. At this point I am just about to enter panic mode since school loans are kicking in, but like I mentioned earlier, I am just worried about how this kind of career move (going backwards in a sense) can be counterproductive for a new grad, especially on a resume.

I posted a couple weeks ago about how hard it has been to find a job as a new LVN grad in the SF Bay Area. I'm still searching, still applying, still hoping someone will give me a chance to work as an LVN. Crazy thing is, I have had employers offer me Medical Assistant positions. I was an MA while in nursing school, so I guess this is what is drawing the MA jobs in. At first I was turning the MA jobs down, but now that a few months have passed since grad and my school loans are kicking in, I'm really starting to panic. I NEED to work now. So the most recent position offered to me is an MA (temp to perm) job in an acute care facility -- one of the largest and most recognized teaching hospitals in my area. Honestly, it is my ultimate dream to work for this hospital. It is really difficult to get a position (any position) at this place, and given the fact that I really need the money, I said yes to the MA job, but I'm doing it halfheartedly because I know I don't really want to be an MA again. I keep telling myself that it's only temp for now, and I guess I have nothing to lose. And if it works out and I do great, hopefully I will be able to transition to an LVN role at the same hospital at some point if the opportunity ever presents itself. Sounds reasonable, I guess. But why am I feeling so defeated? Two things really triggered these feelings: 1. When I ordered my uniform, I found out that MAs, some clerical staff, and CNAs - we all wear the same color scrubs. I know it sounds so petty and immature - it's just scrubs, right? But for some reason I can't help but feel bad about it! Don't get me wrong, I respect CNAs, MAs, all staff 100% and would NEVER ever look down on anyone. I guess at this point I feel like all the hard work, tuition, weekend clinicals, countless NCLEX study sessions are almost a waste since I'm right back where I started, especially when I saw that LVNs have their own color scrubs. Silly? IDK. I asked a few nursing buddies and they said they would've felt the same as me. I really can't explain why I feel this way. I just know that I should be wearing those LVN scrubs. 2. The longer I work as anything other than an LVN, I feel like the less credibility I will have (other than my nursing license) because I am not really working in the job that I worked so hard to do. I kind of feel like employers may not take me seriously once I apply for an LVN job if they see that all I could get after graduation is another MA job. I know we all have to start somewhere, but I would rather do all the grunt work that comes with being the LVN noob. So I guess my question is this: would any of you take this MA job if it were you? Am I selling myself short out of desperation (to pay my school loans!) by taking on another MA role? I am so confused.

Thank you for your replies! I appreciate the feedback. I am still applying like crazy , still no progress. I may try the jails now, as well as home health care. I really hope someone out there gives me a chance to work as an LVN.

so nursing school is over. my lvn program was brutal, but i managed to graduate with honors, pass the nclex, and guess what? after hundreds of applications to various facilties (snf, ltc, acute care, home health, schools, city jobs) all i get are "we regret to inform you..." responses. no one wants to hire me because i don't have 1-2 years of "working" experience as an lvn. well, i how do i get that experience if no one wants to hire me? :bowingpuri have 2 years as an internal medicine ma and about 7 years of hr/admin experience on my resume. idk what to do! i'm already in the lvn to bsn program through isu. i am open to anything and everything except moving out of the sf bay area (family responsibilities). i've seen tons and tons of job openings but no one wants new grads! does anyone know who is hiring new grad lvns out in this area? i was just hired on by mollen immunization clinics, but that is only seasonal and doesn't start until august -- and even then there are no guarantees that i will get any shifts since it is first come, first serve. please share any information if anyone out there has any information! thanks! btw, i am also looking into additional certs for lvns -- does anyone have any recommendations for this? thanks again!