Should I Take This Job?

SunnyAndrsn · Feb 17, 2009

I would not because it may be harder to earn respect from your CNAs once you are working as an LPN. Second, is this place lucky enough to not need any on-call nurses? They wouldn't be willing to hire you as an on-call? I'd pass, but if you NEED a job NOW, I get why you'd want to take it.

I was looking for opinion about this position that was offered to me:
I was offered a position within a nice company with great team members and a great place to work as far as employee care goes. I have been an LPN for a short amount of time and my background has a lack of work experience period. I missed them hiring two new LPN's by two days so they have no openings but would like to hire me as an LPN because they really think I match what they are looking for. So, in order to keep me, they have asked if I would be willing to take a CNA position until another LPN job opened up, if it did. What do you think. I would be making LPN pay just working under my CNA license. Since I don't have a lot of experience, I am thinking of taking it because it is a swell job and very hard to get your foot in the door. I would also be able to see what entails with the LPN position without actually being in the role. Good or bad?

caliotter3 · Feb 17, 2009

I took a CNA job at CNA pay at a facility until an LVN position opened and regretted it. But that was because the facility was a disaster. I was criticized for not being able to get the CNAs to work when they weren't required to work in the first place. It was night shift and the CNAs were paid to sleep all night long. Of course, I couldn't get them to do their job. The DON said it was fine for them to sleep because most held two jobs. Way more to this story but I seriously doubt that you are going into such a hell hole. If they want to pay you LPN pay for CNA work, fine, take the job. As you said, you can learn the ropes and prepare to take over LPN duties when the time comes. I say go for it. Especially good if the job market is tight in your area. Good luck.

PJROR · Feb 17, 2009

I would take it. A good facility is hard to find. Once you are in you will start working as a nurse real fast. CNA work is nursing work.

evilolive, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2009

I would recommend doing what you need to do in this money-tight time! I'm a supervisor RN on night shift, and I often do rounds with my CNAs at night, and do some pt. care (when I have an easier than usual night). I feel like working hands on with my particular CNAs has helped me earn some more respect from them. The CNAs I've encountered do appreciate the help and they might see you in a different light if you continue to help out a bit when you move into your LPN role.

It also might be a good experience to gain some rapport with the aides, especially if it is on the shift you will be working as an LPN.

Just a thought, good luck!

bluescrubbss · Feb 17, 2009

I would not take it, as a new nurse you need experience as a nurse. You are not going to get that doing C.N.A. work. If there are a lack LPN jobs in your area, then by all means do what you have to do, but how are you ever going to learn if your not getting the experience that you need.

Up2nogood RN, RN · Feb 17, 2009

I would not take a job as a CNA after you worked so hard to get your LPN license and I think it's crazy and demeaning that they would ask you to do that. Why can't they hire you on as per diem and orient you as an LPN?

schroeders_piano, RN · Feb 17, 2009

I don't know about your state, but in IL if you are licensed as a LPN then that is the standard you are going to be held to even if you are working in a CNA role. Just keep that in mine if you take the position.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Feb 17, 2009

You are held to the high license level any any state, but if you need the job, take it. It may be the very thing you are looking for, if not, you are at least making money until something else opens up. Good luck.

itsmyturn · Feb 18, 2009

Thanks for the input. I already have a job but pay not as good. I have an interview this week with an acute care facility which I want while I go to nursing school which starts in the fall. I looked in a little farther about this job and found some previous employees that either quit or were screwed by the company. So, that is out. I did not mind stepping down into the CNA position but I certainly don't want to be stuck in an empty-promise job no matter what the pay. As for being demeaned, well, I worked as a CNA and I will continue to work as a CNA because those skills are listed beneath my skills as an LPN and are required of me if there are no CNA's. I don't mind doing that.