You are LVN, why are you applying CNA or MA?

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i got my Texas LVN license in September 2012 until now January 2013 still cant find job, got tons of interviews even desirable hospitals/rehabs; I never had medical experience, i work for HR now still employed there but wants to pursue my dream career in nursing but no one would give me a chance.

So I thought about applying for MA, CNA or Patient Care Tech just to get in the door.Then while working, continue to RN school or keep applying for LVN positions still. But what if I got an interview question like this:

"So you're a licensed LVN, why are you applying as CNA/MA?"

Should I be honest about not being able to find job after months? Or tell them I have no experience and this would help me or what? Im confused at this point of this career right now.

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I believe that you should tell them both IMO

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

You are looking for the job you know you will be happiest with; the job you will build you career upon; the job that isn't just a paycheck but instead a calling!

That's the romanticized version.

I found my first job 1 month after graduating through a friend from nursing school who graduated a semester before myself. It may be all about connections and resources.

Good luck, friend

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Sometimes finding a nursing job is all about who u know ..cause its hard out there because they do want somebody with experience...good luck and something will come ur way!!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, Med-Surg/Tele, LTC.

Employers generally are not going to hire you for those positions because they know you will leave once an LVN position opens up for you. It's a waste of their time and money to train you for a job that you're not going to remain in. You can't really omit your LVN training, however, because how else are you going to explain your qualifications as a CNA, MA, or PCT without having explicitly received training as one of those? IMO you should just continue to search for an LVN job. In the meantime, get whatever certifications you can and try to do some volunteer work.

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I guess my main question is, will I qualify for CNA/MA positions being a licensed LVN?

And how would I response if Im asked "Why you want to work as CNA/MA or Patient Care Tech behind the fact that you are an LVN?"

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Specializes in 4.

Yes you will qualify but they will most likely expect you to work as an LVN yet get paid as a CNA/MA. As an LVN you are licensed so the employer will most likely expect you to work as an LVN. You will be doing yourself much disservice.

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Also keep in mind that in most states, once you're a licensed nurse, you are held to that standard. What happens if someone falls, or needs CPR, or some other situation? You would be held responsible as an LPN, even if you're hired only as a CNA at the time. So you could be in danger of losing your license if something big goes wrong because you "should" no better. Im not positive thats true but thats what ive always been told. It sucks but if you have to, find a different minimum wage/ lower wage job while you keep searching for your nursing job. Alot of places wont hire you as a cna if your a nurse already. Good luck to you!!! It WILL happen!!!

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This is true and NurseyNurse is right. You are held responsible by your highest standards so working as a CNA won't do you much justice. It's best to just continue searching for that LPN job.

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Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

Don't work as a CNA. You're not a CNA, you're a nurse.

It will be difficult to find a job, there is so much out there and we are inundated with applications. It's easy to get lost in the mix. I will tell you a few secrets as to how I pick an applicant before I've met them:

1) Resume. resume. RESUME. Don't go overboard, keep it simple and honest- and YES- I WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR NON-NURSING EXPERIENCE. It's important!

2) Fill out the application COMPLETELY. Do not leave anything out. If you can't fill out the application right, I will doubt your ability to fill out a MAR/TAR or nurse's note right.

3) Dress like you have the interview, not like you need one. I wil do an on-the-spot, but only if you think that the job is important enough to prepare for the event that it may happen. Shows me that you think ahead.

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Employers generally are not going to hire you for those positions because they know you will leave once an LVN position opens up for you. It's a waste of their time and money to train you for a job that you're not going to remain in. You can't really omit your LVN training however, because how else are you going to explain your qualifications as a CNA, MA, or PCT without having explicitly received training as one of those? IMO you should just continue to search for an LVN job. In the meantime, get whatever certifications you can and try to do some volunteer work.[/quote']

I'm trying to find a private school close to me . I have no car, and with helping my sick mom and 4 siblings it's more convenient to go to school close . Do you think american career college is a good school for a LVN program ? Or Angeles college ? Please I need advice /: thank you /;

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To he honest, many (if not most) doctors offices consider LPNs and MAs to ne completely interchangeable. They have the same job description and make the same pay. And the urgent care clinics in my area employ a handful of RNs and a lot of what they call "clinical support associates" to fill out 90% of the non-provider staff. The CSA needs to be a MA, a LPN or an EMT. But they all do the same job and make the same pay. The CSAs who are LPNs cannot have "LPN" or "nurse" anywhere on their badge and cannot ever represent themselves as nurses to the clients. They are classified as unlicensed personel.

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