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Discussion

Traction tech and not an LPN

Hi all, I filled out an application online for one of the local hospitals for an LPN position on the Orthopaedics unit. I have no experience other than my clinical time in school. (I'm a new nurse, never had a nursing job). I received a call today from the nursing recruiter to set up a phone interview. But she told me to be aware that I wouldn't function as an LPN, passing meds or patient assessment. She said I would be working with the traction team putting patients in traction. I'm a little concerned. Is this an insult? I'm going to do the interview just to see what the benefits would be. I can't afford to take a job making less money than I make right now as a data entry clerk. If I was offered the same amount of money I really wouldn't have a problem with it other than the fact that I would like to know when I would have the opportunity to work as an LPN. All thoughts and advice on this would be appreciated.

Thank you!!!

Featured Replies

I don't see any reason for you to be insulted. Facilities use LPN's in all kinds of roles. This position is just not for a floor nursing position.

If you are hoping to get a foot in the door at this facility or if you are having a hard time finding a job this may be correct for you.

But if you are quite sure you want a floor position, keep looking.

Good Luck!!

  • Author

I'm not sure what I want exactly. I just don't want to be put in a lower position. I was thinking this was more along the lines of a patient tech. I really need to get my foot in the door, so I guess I'm willing to take just about anything. I just don't want to get the short end of the stick. Thanks for the encouragement!

  • Experts

Kaiser Hospitals in California frequently use their LVNs/LPNs as surgical technicians in the operating room. Their job title is 'LVN', but they're not functioning in the typical LVN role.

i did an interview to work as an LPN in a local hospital and they were looking for someone to work on their IV team (who were all LPNS). During the interview i was so happy to know that I was doing something differently than having 50 patients to 1 LPN in LTC. I think you should go for it it sounds to me that a traction tech still requires a lot of assessment and nursing judgement and youll gain needed experience. Give it a shot!!!

  • Experts

I never knew a traction/ortho tech who was a nurse. It's a fairly easy job and I've set all kinds of traction myself. Actually I'd rather be a nurse. Once you string somebody up or put on a cast there's not much else to learn.

  • Author

P_RN, that's what worries me. Not trying to dis anyone here, but I feel like I was trained to be an LPN and offered a CNA position. I know CNA's work hard. I kind of wish I had done that before I went to nursing school that way I would have some kind of experience behind me. But the lady specifically told me that I wouldn't be passing any meds or assessing anyone. "put patients in traction" is all she told me that I would be doing.

Not trying to dis anyone here, but I feel like I was trained to be an LPN and offered a CNA position.

That's what it sounds like to me as well.

If the position was posted as an LPN position you would be paid as an LPN (at least in my part of the world). We have orthopedic technicians, OR technicians and both are required to have active LPN registrations in order to work. They also receive a slightly higher rate of pay because they are "specialists" Neither pass meds or "floor" nurse. Orthotechs apply casts, remove casts, etc.

You need to call her back and ask for clarification

  • Author

I started to call her back for clarification, but figured I already have the phone interview scheduled I may as well do it and try to get as many questions together as possible for the interview. Any ideas of what questions I should ask?

i understand taking this job as a means of entry into the facility,however you should really get on a unit and function as a nurse. all the schooling in the world won't give you what you need-experience nursing at the bedside. those skills will never let you down, traction/casts? sounds like a waste of a good education to me.that can be picked up as a part of your workday on an ortho unit. imo-don't settle for less. good luck

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