So I've been applying as a new LVN grad and only offered MA positions!

Nurses LPN/LVN

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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. :confused:

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I'm in Indianapolis, and work as an LPN in the ED. 2 years ago we had a similar problem. All tech, paramedics, and LPNs employed by the hospital network were to wear tech color clothing while all "nurses" wore navy blue. Thankfully, the hospital wasn't "magnetized" and still employed a fair amount of LPNs. We gathered together and raised a huge hissy fit arguing the same things you mentioned, Nclex, nursing school, and even our own hospitals motto of nursing statutes employing the best possible care from Registered nurses AND Licensed practical nurses. Thankfully, the LPNs won respect and now wear the same clothes as all other "nurses".

Its slowly fading to black though. I worry every day about the acute care LPN/LVN. I'm only 27 and love my job with all my heart and, in fact, would love to stay an LPN- i love my job that much b/c I float somewhere between a tech, a paramedic, and an RN with ALL those responsibilities and my hospital frequently even pays the difference between the RN and LPN salaries when I, an LPN, must take over RN duties. Its amazing.... but b/c I worry so, I feel I MUST get that RN and one day, even that BSN.... I often feel I will be in school the rest of my life and it becomes a real drag...

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
So I guess my question is this: would any of you take this MA job if it were you?
Do you have any other options at this time? If not, swallow your pride and take the job. If it were me, I would do virtually anything to keep the bills paid.
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Do you have any other options at this time? If not, swallow your pride and take the job. If it were me, I would do virtually anything to keep the bills paid.

:) 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.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I think it would probably be a good idea to contact the BVNPT Education Division to get clear guidelines on what you can or can't do as a person working as an MA with a nursing license, since MAs are governed by the Medical Board. Number 10 on this list of FAQ addresses it. Never hurts to arm yourself with as much information as you can! I hope you are eventually able to get an LVN job!

BVNPT - Frequently Asked Questions

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When I was an aide at the hospital, both the LPNs and the RNs wore navy blue, while the CNAs and techs wore maroon. It didn't matter that the "magnet" policy had degraded the LPN role to glorified techs. The fact that they were still LICENSED NURSES ensured they could still wear "nurse" colors.

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I live in NJ and here once we are liscensed we cannot work "below" our credentials.

EX. an LPN cannot work as a CNA in a LTC

Have you tried other routes, such as going to an agency? Sometimes you can get sent to a place and a nurse mg. will see your potential and hire you. Have you tried contacting DONs that you did your clinical rotations at? I am in LPN school now and when I was in my first quarter the HR contacted me and offered me a job as a CNA and then to hire me as an LPN when I finished school bc the nurses told them how well i preformed in patient care.

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