RN going back to be a medical assistant

2 New grad 7 months out and still no luck. I know a lot of new grads are feeling my frustration. i'm contemplating if I should be a medical assistant for awhile as a "foot in the door"... I tried everything from dr's office to even abortion clinics to hemodialysis to rehab. I always have good tailored cover letters, joined 2 professional organizations, ACLS, and a decent gpa. several years of volunteer work. I even applied out of state and hundreds of miles away..Nothing. I feel like i've hit the brick wall, 50+ apps later and 1 phone interview. and zero job. . Its 2010 and I feel like I need to change my job hunt strategies. I'm looking for some advice from experienced nurses if this would potentially "look bad" on my resume, or if its just plain waste of time. So far I have a friend who is doing the exact same thing and she seem to be getting internal connections to get RN interviews. This hospital is very prestigious and they are not hiring externally at all. I'm not picky at all what I do, but i'm pretty depressed from this whole situation. I feel like I'm in a complete slump... and I just need to do whatever I can at this point to be back in the hospital/ be productive. My question is Should a RN ever go back to be a medical assistant with a RN license, and will that be a concern for future employers that I didn't use my license and did something easier? I'm just very afraid it might look like I gave up on the RN job hunt and settle for a MA position
i pray that 2010 will change this horrible job situation around. Last edit by nurse441 on Jan 2, '10
Can you move? I know some people can't due to many circumstances, but the lack of hiring is not nationwide. What I hear from this board is that in some States no one is hiring, not even experienced. Other States are still hiring new grads but maybe just not as many as before (but less is more than none).
Quote from TiffyRNCan you move? I know some people can't due to many circumstances, but the lack of hiring is not nationwide. What I hear from this board is that in some States no one is hiring, not even experienced. Other States are still hiring new grads but maybe just not as many as before (but less is more than none).
We hear over and over on this board from new grads in California & New York State. I'm sorry for the tough times you guys are having.
Instead of an MA training program, which is going to cost money, why not look into applying for non-RN positions at hospitals -- nursing assistant/PCA/PCT/tech/whatever title, unit secretary, registration/admissions clerk, etc. Even if you completed an MA program, you might experience some difficulty in getting hired as 1) employers know you'll jump ship as soon as you get an RN position and 2) as a licensed nurse you will always be held to the patient care standards of an RN.I wish you luck.
Quote from AltraInstead of an MA training program, which is going to cost money, why not look into applying for non-RN positions at hospitals -- nursing assistant/PCA/PCT/tech/whatever title, unit secretary, registration/admissions clerk, etc. Even if you completed an MA program, you might experience some difficulty in getting hired as 1) employers know you'll jump ship as soon as you get an RN position and 2) as a licensed nurse you will always be held to the patient care standards of an RN.I wish you luck.
Quote from nurse441actually, my friend got hired just with her RN license for the MA
Hello Nurse441! Sending hugs and best wishes that this year is a good one for landing you an RN job. In the meantime, if you can afford it (and there are more jobs available for MAs) and WANT to get the MA, then do it! Still interview for RN jobs and explain it this way: "RN positions are scarce; I needed employment in the health field so obtained my MA." I can't honestly see how anyone could blame you.
Quote from Altra as a licensed nurse you will always be held to the patient care standards of an RN.
It is so unfortunate that you cannot land a job as an RN. I just looked at my large local hospital's job board and it had 8 pages of RN jobs, but most said 1-2 years experience required. Are they crazy? If they are so hard up for RN's why don't they take new grad's? There were a couple jobs for RN in urgent care that said experience preferred. Is urgrent care less desirable? I would do that to get my foot in the door. I would take anything at a hospital I wanted to work at and keep looking for openings as RN.
thank you nurses for the replies. I've heard various things about working as an assistant, MA, CNA, LVN etc under a RN license. Some people say that's against hospital rules due to legality issues (as mentioned above), but some employers are okay with you working for them, just be sure to practice under the scope of your job title. my friend got hired on the spot for the MA position without going back for any type of assistant training. Several of my friends been working as CNA in nursing school, who are still working as CNAs due to lack of RN jobs. The only thing i feel fortunate about is that i'm not on the pressure to pay bills.
find out who the recruiters are and continue to e-mail and/or call them letting them know you are still interested. persistance is key. also look for new grad programs if you are willing to relocate. they are specifically looking for new grads and if you have the credentials you speak of along with the vounteer experience and good grades, you should measure up favorably to other new grads.
Please note, you can not work as an LPN/LVN without a license, just like an RN can not work without a license.Have you tried volunteering at a hospital, LTC ect.??? Sometimes that might get your foot in the door while your waiting to find a job, when they see your face and learn your name it might help.I hear your frustration, I'm a re-entry LPN because of the economy, I've been un-employed since May '08 so I'm returning to nursing.I do wish you luck, and keep thinking outside the box to find a job.