Can a RN...

Can an RN work as a medical assistant? im unable to find an RN job so I was going to see if I can work as a medical assistant while applying for more RN positions.
Yes but be careful; you will be held to the standards of your license.

I would be careful. I don't have any experience in the area, but I'm thinking if you're asked to do something as an RN but you were hired under the scope of practice of an MA there could be a problem. You could probably be easily taken advantage of (getting an RN's scope of practice and skills for half the pay type of thing).

Appreciate your frustration and desire to work, I'd suggest you don't do it. But since my suggestion wont pay your bills, make sure you get a written job description for the MA job, either from your employer, state regulating body, or both if possible. Read it and adhere to it carefully to protect yourself and your license.FYI job shortages are geographical. One area is begging for RN's, another area has no jobs at all.

i would call your state board of nursing, some states do not allow you to work a job that is "under" your license.

Quote from red leafI would be careful. I don't have any experience in the area, but I'm thinking if you're asked to do something as an RN but you were hired under the scope of practice of an MA there could be a problem. You could probably be easily taken advantage of (getting an RN's scope of practice and skills for half the pay type of thing).

dont do it.

I completely agree with all that is written here. If you have a license, your BON will hold you to the responsibilities of that license, regardless of your position or title. Translated, this means that even if your position does not require you to act on something, you license does. It's hardly worth the reduction in salary you'll experience. My suggestion would be to continue to apply and interview. NETWORK! Go ANYWHERE an RN may be employed... hospitals, medical offices, school districts, corporations, factories... anywhere. Get your name and your face out there. And as was previously mentioned, you may find yourself quite in demand if you're able to relocate. I'm in the Finger Lakes area of upstate NY; nursing positions are commonly being advertised.Much luck and success to you.

Maybe I'm dense, maybe I haven't been exposed to the intricacies of RN licensing, but....How would "being held to the standards of you license" ever end up being an issue? Your scope can be restricted down as far as the job description wants, so working unless you took it upon yourself to work out of job description scope, then I really don't see what the issue is. Can anyone give an example? Can anyone actually name a case where this has been an issue (and not my mother's brother's cousin)?I don't know, this just sounds suspiciously like BS....

Quote from usalsfyreMaybe I'm dense, maybe I haven't been exposed to the intricacies of RN licensing, but....How would "being held to the standards of you license" ever end up being an issue? Your scope can be restricted down as far as the job description wants, so working unless you took it upon yourself to work out of job description scope, then I really don't see what the issue is. Can anyone give an example? Can anyone actually name a case where this has been an issue (and not my mother's brother's cousin)?I don't know, this just sounds suspiciously like BS....

BS response??? Ouch. In an effort to help the OP, I was merely stating what we had learned in school about scope of practice. Sorry it offended you. I won't do that again. Geesh.

Quote from donsterRNBS response??? Ouch. In an effort to help the OP, I was merely stating what we had learned in school about scope of practice. Sorry it offended you. I won't do that again. Geesh.