Would you accept LPN wages as an RN just to have a job?

[mondkmondk]

I have a really good friend who is a DON at a LTC where I've worked before. She needs a night shift nurse every other weekend, which is what I'm looking for, nights or evenings. She is attempting to get the administrator to let her hire me...but the admin. is balking because she says to my friend..why hire an RN for an LPN job?

I need a job badly....I'm tempted to ask for lower wages just to get the job. What would you do?

Blessings, Michelle

[mondkmondk]

Update: My interview went smoothly and they offered me the position! This is the biggest LTC facility around and they employ many nurses each shift, so each wing has their own charge nurse. Plus their census is really good right now so money is no real big issue for them. I would work 2p-10p every other weekend and PRN; I would only be in charge of 26 residents and have a part time CMT and 2-3 CNA's under me. They also told me sometimes I may have to pass my own meds but it is very easy they assured me. There would always be other RN's and LPN's working the other wings so if I had a question or emergency, there would be someone there to get opinions etc.

I would be getting an RN wage although it is 18 cents less...but at least I have a job now! Now all I have to worry about is how to tell the other DON that was trying to get the admin. to hire me for nights. I'm good friends with her; we were co-workers prior to her being my boss and I don't want to lose her friendship...however, I think that she will understand.

Thanks everyone here for the advice and well wishes; it is much appreciated!

Blessings, Michelle

[Farmer Jane]

Congratulations!!!

[Truth66]

I'm glad to hear that you got the job. Like lpnflorida said, you have to pay your bills. I'm hoping that things work out well for you and that they don't take advantage of you. You're worth more than that.

[caliotter3]

Turning away an RN for night shift at a LTC facility doesn't make sense. Depending on the census, these facilities require an RN on duty. The criteria might differ for each state, but in the long run it still doesn't make sense. If this DON had the savvy that I've seen with other DONs, she would find a way to get an RN (you) to work for LPN pay. There really is nothing wrong with this if you need a job and are satisfied with getting paid something rather than nothing. You might like the arrangement. If not, you can continue to job hunt. I saw many nurses do this in LTC. Work there until they find another job. I hope it works out for you. Getting work these days is not necessarily easy, even if you are willing to accept lower pay.