Seeking advice for new grad

[msnapplicant]

Actually I am an NP student with recent RN license and BSN degree but no experience as a nurse. I've been looking for part-time nursing job, of which there aren't many for new grad, and I got an offer for part-time lvn job for hospice care. I will be providing total care for one patient at home. I'll get about 3 weeks of training, but would that be enough for a new grad? Otherwise, I think this would be a good opportunity to have hands on experience.

Thank you so much, I am both excited and scared.

[jlynn2303]

Wow, is it possible for an RN to work as an LVN/LPN? I'd do it, for the experience. I am a new grad BSN who wants to work in hospice. They want experience, experience, experience. It's the old question of how do I get experience when everyone wants experience?

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

MSNApplicant, it sounds like they have the budget to pay an LVN, but not the budget to pay an RN. So, in hiring you, they'd be getting an RN at a reduced rate. As an RN, you can do more. I bet they'd expect you to do everything you can do by training. In any case, you would be held to the standards of what an RN can reasonably be expected to know, in situations where things go wrong. Since you're an NP student, you would be held to the standards of what an NP student would reasonably be expected to know. That's even a bigger concern!

Sure, you CAN do the job, but do you really want to do it? There are no rules against someone with more training doing a job requiring less training. But, it's a serious case of letting yourself be used, in my opinion. It also could put you in a bit of a situation. Will you be able to say no if they want you to do things outside of what an LVN is legally permitted to do? It's kind of a Catch22 thing. You're expected to know things and held responsible for them, and yet not allowed to do them! You wouldn't be covered by the facility's malpractice insurance if you do anything outside the written job description for an LVN or legal boundaries. You might not even be covered by personal malpractice insurance.

What kind of care would the one patient require? Do you know how to do those particular things autonomously? Will the 3 weeks give you enough experience? Will the 3 weeks be passed caring for that patient so you understand his or her needs fully?

What happens when this particular patient dies? Will you still be employed? A patient in hospice could die any day. You could be without work quickly if you wouldn't be kept employed. Is it worth it?

If you're willing to accept the lower pay, can you negotiate that the position must be of RN rather than LVN? And have it in writing?

All things to think through...I do wish you luck. Hospice care is a wonderful, wonderful thing. I did it and it was a true blessing in my life.