Would you take an MA job?

[STNA]

I am a new LPN who wants to work in a physician's office. Very few physician's offices advertise openings for nurses in my area. They all seem to like paying MAs to do similar jobs for less pay. So, I recently applied for a job as a medical assistant. I figured that I would be working as a nurse, but taking a slight pay cut. My interviewers have expressed delight at my nursing credentials and I like the job descriptions. However, I don't want to hurt my future options and have people say that I have no nursing experience. What do you think? Is it a good or bad idea for me to take a Medical Assistant job?

[caliotter3]

If it means having a job, then take it. When it comes time to move on, indicate that you were working as an office nurse on your resume, because technically that is what you will be doing. You should be offered a dollar or two more an hour because of your nursing license, but even if you work at the lower MA pay, you will still be held to the standards of your nursing license. Being held to the standards of your nursing license, entitles you to state you were working as an office nurse. And don't fail to obtain malpractice insurance. You have a license to protect. That is the difference between you and an MA, no matter what the rate of pay.

[STNA]

caliotter3, thanks for the advice. I've been at the job for about a month and a half and I really like it. Since I'm the only clinical person in the office, I have a surprising amount of nursing and administrative duties. It's a lot of fun and I really like the day shift hours.