RN--TO LPN

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Specializes in student nurse.

I am sure some of your are going to think this topic is rather silly but its not to me. New RN grads are finding it hard to find jobs in my area( thats old news...right) however i have seen jobs for lpn advertised with no need for experience. My bright idea was to apply for the job however i was told that i need a LPN license to apply for the job. Well my thoughts were just to get the job just to get some experience...i dont care about the pay and further more it will be alot more than what i make now doing nothing related to nursing. I find that really depressing and crazy all i want is to pratice what ive learned before i lose it. Whats your thoughts on the subject.

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Think about it for a moment. Why would I hire you knowing that you will jump ship at the first opportunity.

Hang in there, things will change.

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I have thought about the same thing but what the previous poster said is true. They see the RN and know that once you find that job, you will take it. Also, does your state allow you to practice under your license class? Another thing to consider. But, yes, I have also seen many LPN and MA positions advertised...I too have been looking since June 14. Two interviews and nothing. It is what it is and it does bite...hang in there with your head held high-easier for me to tell you to do that than do it myself ;)

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Specializes in Geriaterics, RN Student.

We are having just the opposite problem where I work. A bunch of new RN's have been hired and there is rumors circulating it has to do with the way our facility is billing medicare for nursing costs (sometimes they get a little creative) so now the DNS is moving toward more RN's. Its terrifying for me because I make excellent money here and love my position. I'm more than a little nervous right now.

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I have seen some LVN/CNA/Sitter jobs open to new grads... so some employers are down with it. It's a hard decision to make, I've definitely thought about it. If you need some cash flow & want to get out there and do something useful in your field while you search it might be the way to go. But at the same time, like the previous poster said, maybe you should wait it out & focus your energy on finding an RN position.

Good luck, I feel your pain! :sstrs:

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Specializes in student nurse.

I guess you guys are right maybe i should wait but how long do u wait. My problem is that i'm work as a customer service rep at a job for 7 years and i have people coming up to me asking me "why are u still here arent u a Registered Nurse". But bigger than that i dont want to lose my skills, i know how some seasoned nurses treat new nurses, so i want to retain all that i was taught.Furthermore i am excited about taking care of people and being the best nurse i can be. I've finally began the process of volunteering in a program working with the cna's at my local hospital...hopefully being in that atmosphere will help me retain and learn more about nursing hands-on. thanks for your insights

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

I took a CNA position to start when I was a new RN grad. I had waited and no one was hiring an RN that had no experience. I found an agency that would hire me and got the CNA certification which was so simple and worked for 1 year like that. I got hired as an RN a year later. I live in a remote place where there aren't any opportunities and experienced nurses move here all day long to retire but end up working.

I had to make a decision to lower my standards and bite the bullet or starve. I wouldn't trade that experience as a CNA for nothing. It has made me the best nurse that I am today. That was 16 years ago when there was this supposed abundance of nursing jobs. I know about 4 RN's that went that route. Who knows what would have happened but I wasn't going to sit around and find out.

Perhaps being a BSN that graduated Magna Cume Laude prepared me to be able to do such a task. This type of action is not for the faint of heart. You need to be able to keep your eye on the prize.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

Will you be allowed to practice as an LPN w/o a license? In my state, you must be licensed as an LPN to work as one. I'd check w/ BON first. How about a flu clinic? I see those ads in our local paper often.

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We are having just the opposite problem where I work. A bunch of new RN's have been hired and there is rumors circulating it has to do with the way our facility is billing medicare for nursing costs (sometimes they get a little creative) so now the DNS is moving toward more RN's. Its terrifying for me because I make excellent money here and love my position. I'm more than a little nervous right now.

If you are in NY in LTC, LPNs basically can't even touch an IV. A lot of facilities are doing more sub-acute care, or wanting to, which is the reason for the push to RNs as they are needed for abx therapy.

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Specializes in LTC, SICU,RNICU.

I worked in LTC in Alabama and we could work with IV's we just couldn't push meds (of course). We didn't get a lot of those though. I don't think they could actually hire you as an LPN without you having a license. They could pay you LPN pay but you would have to be hired as an RN. Is that clear as mud? LOL

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There is a new 5-star rating on LTC's in TN and basically the more RNs they have (regardless of whether they are direct care) the higher the facility rates in stars. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, don't know what to think about that one.

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

The answer is generally no. You have to have an LPN license to work as an LPN, you have to have a certificate to work as a "certified" NA. In some states the 2 year RN schools will allow the student RN's to sit for the LPN NCLEX after the first year, but it is my understanding that this policy is not wide spread.

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