I have been in my position for three years as a temp.

Anonymous

June 10,2023 at 2:10PM UTC

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I have been in my position for three years as a temp. Last year I was told that I would be given a perm. Work, but it would just take time. They explained that because there had never been an LPN in this agency, I was assured that would not be a problem. I was told yesterday that it didn't look good when giving me a perm position. I feel used! I do everything the RN does. what can do besides look for another job!?

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AnonymousJune 10,2023 at 2:14PM UTC
Always get temp to perm verbiage in your contract with a specific timeline based upon performance. I contracted for 4 years and got burnt in the end. Never again.
AnonymousJune 10,2023 at 4:50PM UTC
Unfortunately for you, the nursing landscape is changing. More and more medical facilities are requiring BSN prepared RNs. Most, however, have a tuition reimbursement program to support LPNs and LVNs to meet the job requirements. There's been a trend in nursing to phase out non-RNs at most facilities for at least a few years now. Consider taking one of the several programs to attain your RN BSN (while you're working as an LPN, even if you need to depart that temp job). Check into working someplace that offers tuition reimbursement. Usually requires a commitment to work at their facility for 2 years after you graduate with your RN BSN.
Thank you for being a wonderful nurse!!!
AnonymousJune 10,2023 at 5:57PM UTC
look for another job and heed the advice given!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 10,2023 at 6:47PM UTC
LPNs are in high demand - fire up that resume.
AnonymousJune 13,2023 at 7:00PM UTC
In Pennsylvania, LPN'S are mostly relegated to working in long term care facilities and nursing homes. RN's are in HIGH demand in hospitals.
Balanced372207June 10,2023 at 7:26PM UTC
You can look for another job, or return to school to become an RN. It's my understanding (at least in my state), that there are things an RN does that an LPN is not trained to do. And if you are doing those things, that could be problematic.
AnonymousJune 11,2023 at 11:20AM UTC
Go back to school and get your RN. Be more qualified to be able to take on the full duties. You can't make them do anything. Or find another job.
Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJune 11,2023 at 1:27PM UTC
Also check your States employment laws. It may be illegal to keep you on temp status for that long.
If you choose to go back and get your RN, there are many excellent hybrid programs which I have been told are completely worth it
AnonymousJune 13,2023 at 7:02PM UTC
It's not illegal in Pennsylvania. The PA Turnpike Commission has outsourced its clerical jobs to a temp agency, and those folks are what I call "permanent temps."
Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJune 13,2023 at 11:32PM UTC
This is why unions are important.
AnonymousJune 11,2023 at 1:33PM UTC
No wonder you feel used, you have been. I’d be angry at being strung along too! it you are looking for a perm job, you aren’t going to get one with this employer. Let them know when you give notice that you’ve appreciated the work and need a perm position and didn’t appreciate being told that this would become one.
One more thing. Be honest with yourself about the difference between an LPN and an RN. You can’t do everything an RN does, there are limitations. Either accept that the two aren’t the same and be ok with it or get the degree.
Balanced372207June 13,2023 at 6:59PM UTC
"Either accept that the two aren't the same and be ok with it or get the degree." BEST ADVICE ON THIS TOPIC.
AnonymousJune 11,2023 at 4:43PM UTC
Nothing, take your experience wrap it in a bow and look for a place that wants commitment day one.
When leaving where you are don't burn the bridge be grateful because you never know when they might get a FT role and call you back! Then you can leverage your experience there to ask for a higher salary. Things do happen and the cost of perm vs contract hires or their budgets may be the stopping point.
AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 2:24AM UTC
If you want to be treated like an RN, then you need to get the education and BECOME an RN. That said, this company is clearly not looking to convert you from Temp to a regular employee. So if you want to be a regular employee, you need to look elsewhere. Good luck!
AnonymousJune 13,2023 at 12:45PM UTC
This honestly may be a budget thing and have nothing to do with the work you're doing or the quality of your work. Sorry, but your best bet is to look for another job in this case.
Joycelyn M. SiameJune 13,2023 at 12:50PM UTC
Look for another job, period. A temp for 3 years?! That is bananas, no matter what industry you are in. If it were a contract job, where you are working fulltime and it clearly states for only 3 years, fine, but no my friend, I would have been out of there after a year, MAX. You are kind of being exploited, in my opinion. You should just leave and look for a permanent LPN position. You know your worth, now show it to other places that actually care. Good luck!
Bridget HarringtonJune 13,2023 at 5:15PM UTC
I think others gave you great advice (get your RN and look elsewhere). One of the reasons why I moved cross-country was because the labor market in my home state was and still is horrible. After being downsized for the 3rd time in 5 years through no fault of my own, I had trouble finding permanent work. EVERYTHING was low paid and "contract." And I had "contract" jobs lasting over a year. Depending on where you live, this is a common tactic for companies to take when they want to have skills but don't want to have to pay your market rate, benefits or give you other perks a permanent employee would get. It's unethical and filthy in my opinion...but not illegal. Go somewhere where you are valued. Even better -- some places will train you or pay for you to get an RN. Make it known in the interview process that this is a goal AND do they have a training pathway or tuition reimbursement? I personally know a few RNs who got their credentials that way...and it is moreso now that some areas have nursing shortages. I am seeing a lot of facilities in my area advertising that they will give sign on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, practicum hours and more to nurses who are willing to work while they are learning. In that kind of a situation, you are getting a benefit from it.
Zeecil KimmelJune 14,2023 at 1:10PM UTC
Take it from someone who spent 8 years as a contractor to a company using the same "carrot" trick - it's not worth it. I eventually became an employee at the company only by applying for a completely new job and after wasting another 8 years of my career there I finally picked myself and got the job I deserved. Find a company that will hire you, invest in you, and train you. There are places out there - just open yourself to it. Take your eggs out of this basket quickly.