Wisconsin Hospitals Hiring MAs not LPNs

[nwbsoon]

Hi all,

I start my nursing program (ASN) this coming Fall. The program at my school is structured so that students can sit for the LPN after the first year and graduate with the ASN the second year. My concern is that I will not be able to work in a hospital because hospitals in Wisconsin are looking to hire MAs not LPNs.

Since hospitals are looking for MAs, should I go for MA then RN?

If so, how easy would it be to transition from MA to RN?

I also have a Bachelor's degree in another field but the can't attend an accelerated program because the only one in Wisconsin is too far away and way too expensive.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The MA role is a part of the medical model, whereas the LPN and RN roles are part of the nursing model. If your goal is to be a nurse, the MA will not help you get there any faster.

MAs are typically not used in a nursing capacity in the hospital setting. For instance, the hospital where I work employs them as unit secretaries who are responsible for admitting patients into the computer system, applying armbands, getting consent paperwork signed, scheduling appointments, and notifying physicians of consults. As you can see, no procedural skills are being used.