What is my job title?

[fournee, LPN]

Crazy question, I know. I was hired as a Certified Medical Assistant 4 yrs ago. I just became a LPN and I signed my name with LPN and now I am thinking I should not have done that, since I wasn't hired as a LPN. I have not had my annual review, and I know I need to ask some questions in regards to my title. I work in a granted position, and the grant was written for CMA. I have never asked for a raise, so this is going to be hard for me to request more money based on my new creditials.

I don't know if they will consider my LPN since they did not hire me that.

I am union, I will talk to my union steward and see what they say, but I just want to see what you nurses think.

I am nervous about asking for a raise. I am an excellent employee. In 4 yrs, I have NEVER called in sick, I may have been late on 3 occassions, but I always stay longer then required. I am always willing to help my fellow co-workers. On my previous reviews I have gotten 4.0 ,4.5 and 5.0 on a scale of 1-5. The 4.0 was because I have always be afraid of facilitating a class. They give the 3% yearly. What so I say? As a medical assistant, i make good money, but as a lpn, I am about 4000. below the average in Illinois.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I would certainly consider asking for a raise based on your performance alone. I suspect that for now, you would still be considered to be a Medical Assistant, since that is what you are being paid to do. I'd speak to the union, but also, I'd consider seeking a position in what you are now trained and licensed to do.

Do not be afraid to ask for what you are now worth. You are a licensed nurse, and I'm sure you didn't do that in order to do the exact same thing for the exact same pay. It needs to be recognized, in my opinion. Do you like where you are working? Do you think that the powers that be would be supportive? I think they should if they know you went to school for this; if they did know, then, this is the inevitable-they should expect that you would ask for a raise, or maybe even leave. Don't bite your nose to spite your face-be diplomatic, because you worked for this place for 4 years and need a reference. I just think that this was probably assumed that eventually, you would approach them. Best of luck!

[Starr1966]

hello,

if it was me, i would approach them about working as an lpn since you have your license now.

are they assigning you to do cma duties now or lpn duties? also, i don't see why you couldn't sign your name with both credentials. ex. name lpn/cma.

i think you sound like a wonderful asset to their facility. definately have proven reliability. not missing one day of work in 4 years and only being late 3 times is remarkable. that is hard to come by in an employee.

:ancong!:on getting your lpn and i hope that you enjoy your career in nursing.

wanda

:prdnrs:

[fournee, LPN]

My duties in the clinic will not change so much. I triage, I give immunizations, I call in refills, I assist in pap smears. I do phlebotomy. I order supplies, I do discharges and medication adherence for patients.

I know I need to get more experience as a LPN, so I know I need to seek a position with more duties. I find it so hard to live my job because I really love to work there.

I will still find a way to ask for a raise, and I will seek a part time job at a LTC or hospital. Just to get my feet wet.

Thank you

[Starr1966]

my first position was in long term care. for me, i feel that was a mistake. i was night charge and alone other than two cna's. i didn't feel that i knew enough to be night charge alone and my comfort level was very low.

i then went to work in a hospital, felt a lot more comfortable because there were other nurses there. i stayed there for 3 years before returning to ltc.

i would suggest working a hospital first, then ltc if thats what you want to do. i know each person is different, so you will have to find what is right for you. this is just my thought.

i wish you much luck in the route you choose to take.

wanda/ne

[fournee, LPN]

my first position was in long term care. for me, i feel that was a mistake. i was night charge and alone other than two cna's. i didn't feel that i knew enough to be night charge alone and my comfort level was very low.

i then went to work in a hospital, felt a lot more comfortable because there were other nurses there. i stayed there for 3 years before returning to ltc.

i would suggest working a hospital first, then ltc if thats what you want to do. i know each person is different, so you will have to find what is right for you. this is just my thought.

i wish you much luck in the route you choose to take.

wanda/ne

thank you so much, you are not the 1st person to tell me that. i just thought it would be hard as a newbie to get into a hospital setting. i will look into hospitals and see what they have to offer. thank you sooooooooooo much.