Should I apply for a tech position to get my foot in the door?

[xxlilkacixx]

I am an LPN of 1 year that is about to complete my RN program and get licensed (I hope!) in January. I am very interested in working in L&D but being a new nurse and having very little experience (all I have done is worked seasonally giving immunizations like flu and pneumonia shots) I haven't really thought I would be able to start in that area. Recently though I found out that the local hospital is short staffed in L&D and starting to hire some new grads, plus I now have a friend that works there so I am now thinking maybe I can start there. Tonight I realized they opened a position in L&D for a tech and I was wondering if I should apply and work as a tech under the circumstances that they would put me in an RN position when I get my license. I would love to do this because I would like to get to know the floor, the nurses, and just get comfortable with everything and get some experience but I also fear that doing that would possibly encourage them to keep me as a tech for awhile even once I'm licensed or call me to be a tech when they are short staffed. Opinions please! Thanks. Kaci

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Scratch all of that, I misread your post :)

Check with your state's BON to see if you as an LPN can work as a tech/CNA/aide.

Some facilities may not hire licensed nurses as techs because of the liability reasons--my understanding is that you are held to the standards of the highest license you hold, which for you are LPN standards. They may also not be eager to hire you if they know you're getting your RN in January because they know you'll bolt once an RN job comes your way.

Also, don't expect them to guarantee you a RN job. Working as an aide/tech/CNA is no longer the "in" to RN jobs that it used to be. It helps but it's no guarantee. Do it for the experience, for the networking, just to get your foot in the door...those are all good reasons to do it. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that the RN job at the end is dead certain.

It couldn't hurt to ask them. Best of luck!

[amaterasu912]

I'm an RN trying to "get my foot in the door" somewhere and I had this very same idea. I have spoken to a number of hospitals that will not hire nurses into aide/tech positions. Good luck to you on your job hunt!