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.
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.
Most LVN's work in LTC but I don't see that in your list. Did you not mention them OR are you not applying to them?
You can work below your license, but can only work at level of employment - except in emergencies. So you can be hired as a CNA and but cannot do LVN work at that particular job. You still are working under your own license as well and in an emergency are expected to work at highest level of training/experience/skill.
I'm in San Antonio and my LTC facility has high turnover and is constantly looking for new nurses. I've been there since JUN 12 and have seen a number of nurses get replaced and get replaced again - rinse and repeat.
Specializes in Clinical Documentation Specialist, LTC.
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.
Pretty insulting to LPNs IMHO.
Anyway, it doesn't appear to be that way in my area. LPNs and MAs are not interchangeable here. LPN salaries are higher than MAs and have a broader scope of practice. For example, I work in a wound healing clinic and do everything the RNs do except new patient admissions, and that is because a LPN cannot do initial assessments, but I can do all follow up appts. with no restrictions. I also run the Hyperbaric chambers and that requires a professional license as well.
If a clinic wants a MA they specify MA. If they want a LPN they specify LPN, same for RN. I have honestly never seen an ad here that was worded "MA or LPN needed for family practice, urgent care clinic, pediatric clinic, etc..."
I'm in TX too but I was told that I could not work as a CNA unless I took the CNA class first. Even though I am an LVN. Make sure you check before applying. It would suck to be called for an interview and find out you aren't qualified. (that makes me laugh though..you are definitely qualified).
zieglarf, LVN
57 Posts
Most LVN's work in LTC but I don't see that in your list. Did you not mention them OR are you not applying to them?
You can work below your license, but can only work at level of employment - except in emergencies. So you can be hired as a CNA and but cannot do LVN work at that particular job. You still are working under your own license as well and in an emergency are expected to work at highest level of training/experience/skill.
I'm in San Antonio and my LTC facility has high turnover and is constantly looking for new nurses. I've been there since JUN 12 and have seen a number of nurses get replaced and get replaced again - rinse and repeat.