RN wanting a lab assistant position

You guys might find it helpful to move to california to make up for the loss in salary vs a nurse. I believe it'll pay off alot more in that sense. You also receive the respect in the profession. Depends on location for CLS, as for nursing..it's pretty much the same everywhere in terms of job duties and the amount of hassle you have to deal with patient contact.

Hi Michelle,

I am also an RN going into Medical Technology. I see you haven't posted in a while. Did you pass the certification exam? Can you tell me how your liking life as an MT now compared to nursing?? We would love a quick update!

RN2ASCP,

I am still working as a RN now because, I will earn my degree in August. I have not taken the certification exam yet. I am in the process of looking for my first lab job. Once I start working in the lab, I will post my experience as a RN going into the lab.

-Michelle

Hello everyone,

I finally landed my first Medical Technologist job after three long interviews. I am so excited!! I plan to keep my RN license active for at least four more years. However, I will dedicate all my work time and energy to becoming a good medical technologist. I will not hold a side job in nursing for as long as my finances allow it.

I am now in this transition, "life after nursing".

-Michelle

What's wrong with nursing over there?

Rohan,

I am burn-out with nursing. Too many patients, not enough time, not enough staff, and too much paperwork and liability. Nursing is not the career for me. I realized that from day 1 and I am finally moving on to another career after 5 years of working as a nurse. And I don't apologize for it.

-Michelle

Congratulations Michelle!! Nevermind some of the negative people on this site. I'm happy to hear that your doing something you like better! You give me inspiration. I have a little ways to go in my program. Good luck as a Med Tech and thanks for updating us. Please do update us on how things are going if you ever get the chance. I'd love to hear it.

Michelle in Durham, North Carolina said: Hello everyone,

I finally landed my first Medical Technologist job after three long interviews. I am so excited!! I plan to keep my RN license active for at least four more years. However, I will dedicate all my work time and energy to becoming a good medical technologist. I will not hold a side job in nursing for as long as my finances allow it.

I am now in this transition, "life after nursing".

-Michelle

Quick questions...in the interviews did they focus a lot on the reasons why you decided to leave nursing? Have you taken the exam...if so, how is it compared to the NCLEX-RN??

The NCLEX was subjective compared to the MLS ASCP. No what would you do first type of questions like in the NCLEX.

The ASCP was concrete info, lots of memorization! I thought the ASCP was much harder because it was like you know the answer or not. You look at this side and it's this type of plasmodium.

I only had my associates in nursing, I had to take the extra classes for my MLS ASCP, so the BS degree was challenging, my CLS course work helped me pass the ASCP first try.

RN2ASCP,

Suprisingly, the lab managers did not focus too much on why I decided to leave nursing. They did ask that question. I gave them a quick answer such as "I do not want to continue working in direct patient care". Afterwards, they asked me more questions about how well do I handle conflict, working in a team, and customer service. Only one of my three interview asked me to explain how to perform a lab test. Another group of questions I was asked during the interviews relates to the instruments/analyzers used during my clinical rotations.

I have not taken the ASCP exam yet, but I do plan to take it by the end of the year.

-Michelle

Hi, so what is your status now? How do you like the job and the work environment?

Dear Madox01,

I really enjoy my new job in the lab. I am still in orientation/training during first shift. My permenant shift will be third shift. The lab section I am working in is core lab, which consist of hematology, urinalysis, and clinical chemistry.

I did take a cut in pay from my nursing salary but, it is worth it. I am less anxious working in the lab than I was working as a nurse. However, I had a few stressful moments in the lab in the past week but, nothing like the stress I experienced as a nurse.

My co-workers are wonderful so far. I am also working with one of my classmates.

I can see myself working at this job for over 5 years. I could not say that about nursing when I started working as one in 2005.

I am enjoying my life after nursing!

-Michelle

Wow glad to hear you are enjoying it. I am studing for my MLT now, and really like my classes. Hopefully I can become an MT like you in the future. So after 5 years where would you go, do you plan on on specializing in the field or going for Pathology assistant maybe? Thanks for sharing your experience!

Hi Madox01,

After five years, I may return to school to get a MBA, Masters in Health Administration or both. I would like to work in laboratory administration. Or I may work in a different area of the lab. Right now, I work in hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis (core lab). I would like to work in blood bank.

-Michelle

chozen in Oakland, California said: I am so happy you posted this. Everyone looks at the money first, but they don't see that you spend most of your time and life at work. Money won't matter when you are dead from stress. That's why I chose MT over pharmacy.

I would like to thank you for posting this. It's perfect timing since I am currently deciding between RN and Medical Lab Technologist (aka: medical lab scientist).

I too am burnt out working w/ patients (first, as certified nursing assistant in the nursing home, then as a medical assistant=total years working w/ patients 15 years).

the only reason Im thinking of becoming an rn is it's in demand. no matter where you go nationwide, you can use it. not to mention the high salary;however, the more I think about it the more I get so irritated and depress.

the only thing that Im concerned about Medical Lab Technology is ...I'm afraid I might have a problem finding a job after graduation.

kt, if the MT is in high demand, why are you worried you may have trouble finding a job after graduation? Are you familiar with the job market. Explain yourself.

Hi Michelle, is the job enjoyable so far? Do you and the MLT's work together doing the same tasks, or are yours more advanced and you check their work? I'm wondering if I should just become an MLT instead of MT and save time, I assume their pay are close to each other.

I wouldn't worry about MT's not being able to find a job. Right now, go to allnurses and look up all the recent RN's NOT able to find work after 12+ months of looking. I haven't heard the same about MT's, plus right now in my area there are TONS of new positions posted all the time and from what I heard all the recent grads in this area had multiple job offers.

Hi Madox01,

My lab job is very enjoyable. My co-workers are wonderful so far. My tasks as a MT is not different from a MLT, and I do not check a MLT's work. This is probably due to the lab I am working in and that I am a new grad.
Becoming a MLT is not a bad idea to get your foot in the door of this career field. A few of my classmate were MLTs getting their MT degree. It would be best to have plans to eventually get your MT degree if you would like to advance in the laboratory profession.

I chose to get my MT degree because I don't want limits on my career. I had experience this with being a Associate Degree RN.

-Michelle

This is a very interesting forum. I have been looking for work for two years as a RN. Unfortunately there are no programs in my area for this, but I did find some lab assistance jobs in my area. So hard to get out of this nursing career. They see NURSE and look the other way at my resume. Sad, because I would love just to have a job in anything right now. I don't even care.

aRNwoonds4j0b in Worcester, Massachusetts said: This is a very interesting forum. I have been looking for work for two years as a RN. Unfortunately there are no programs in my area for this, but I did find some lab assistance jobs in my area. So hard to get out of this nursing career. They see NURSE and look the other way at my resume. Sad, because I would love just to have a job in anything right now. I don't even care.

Oh, I would also like to mention that I am not a New Grad, I left the ICU to have my son and when I wanted to come back they made a ton of excuses that I let myself go. Nursing is not "family oriented". So screw em. If you want to be a nurse be a nurse and don't expect them to be there for you when you are ill or injured. They don't give a rat's well you know.

Hi aRNwoonds4j0b,

It is possible to get a non-nursing job. However, two of my RN/LPN friends that were able to get a non-nursing job were in low-wage jobs (fast food restaurant and bookstore).

You may have to earn another degree (associate's or bachelor's) in order to get into a good career that pays well. With another/different degree (than nursing), potential employers will see that you are VERY SERIOUS about leaving nursing.

When I earned my CLS degree, potential employers did not dwell on that fact that I was a RN. Now, I work full-time in the laboratory with no direct patient care and I love it!

Your degree does not have to be in clinical laboratory science, it can be any field. I have one LPN friend that has recently earned an associate's degree in criminal justice.

It was a challenging to go back to school for another degre, but it is worth it.

-Michelle

Michelle in Durham, North Carolina said: Hi aRNwoonds4j0b,

It is possible to get a non-nursing job. However, two of my RN/LPN friends that were able to get a non-nursing job were in low-wage jobs (fast food restaurant and bookstore).

You may have to earn another degree (associate's or bachelor's) in order to get into a good career that pays well. With another/different degree (than nursing), potential employers will see that you are VERY SERIOUS about leaving nursing.

When I earned my CLS degree, potential employers did not dwell on that fact that I was a RN. Now, I work full-time in the laboratory with no direct patient care and I love it!

Your degree does not have to be in clinical laboratory science, it can be any field. I have one LPN friend that has recently earned an associate's degree in criminal justice.

It was a challenging to go back to school for another degre, but it is worth it.

-Michelle

Well, I tried one and this is the letter I received.

Dear ,

Thank you for taking the time to apply for the Lab Assistant position at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital.

We have reviewed your background as it relates to the current opening. At this time, we have selected other candidates for consideration.

Thank you again, we appreciate your interest in Baystate Health and we wish you success in your search for a rewarding career. Please refer to our website at www.Baystatehealth.com/jobs to review our list of current openings.

Sincerely,

Recruiter
Baystate Mary Lane Hospital
Ware, MA

Oh when I asked why, I did not receive an email or a phone call back. The state I live in doesn't want to give RN a chance for career change. They see RN and they run. I just would like a job so I can have a paycheck. I have been home for the past 6 months and literally have been looking for a "decent" nursing job for the past two years. I use to work Travel in the ICU, I completed my last assignment, moved back to my hometown, and couldn't find anything. I worked in a few nursing homes only to get screwed over. We are struggling to put food on the table when before I had money to save. It is like they want me to be homeless.

This is why I hate when people say "there are jobs out there". When they don't understand that yes there is, but no one wants to hire just anyone.

Some people say I should move and others have mixed feelings.

Well, here was their response. I give up on working...

Thank you for your response. We have received applicants with clerical background and experience in a laboratory setting. We can notify you in the event we should extend our search further. Thank you once again for your continued interest.

Dear aRNwoonds4job,

Times are hard for anyone looking for job right now. May suggestion is to look outside your home town for a nursing job. Some hospital systems are still offering sign-on bonuses and relocation assistance. With your nursing experience, I think the problem with finding a job is the location your currently live.

When I graduated from nursing school in 2004, the hospitals that I trained in had either a hiring "freeze" or did not want to hire ADN nurses. I eventually went to another state to find my first nursing job.

You may also try, if you are not already, to apply to for nursing home positions.

I fully understand the desire to get out of nursing when you are unhappy with it. However, you need and want a job and now that may be the only line of work you can obtain. When you get your next nursing job, start taking actions to get out of the nursing profession such as taking classes or even one class that would work towards a new degree (associate's or bachelor's or Master's).

Taking a class or classes towards a new degree will make you feel better about your situation as you continue to work as a nurse. It made me feel better when I was in my CLS classes because I knew there will be a day when I don't have to make my living as a nurse anymore.

-Michelle

Thanks Michelle. I am totally thinking of getting out of here when tax return season comes and I wouldn't even need relocation assistance. I have done it before, but it was must simpler without a family to tote around.

I love nursing but my area is not interested in hiring me for anything and no one else rather.

Thanks so much for your insight. =)

Michelle, I'm glad that you are enjoying your new career. I have been a medical technologist for 7 years now and haven't enjoyed it. I am going back for nursing.
I guess it proves that there's a different niche for all of us!

Dear Ella,

Good luck on pursuing nursing. It is a total different world from the lab. I would like to warn you about nursing, not to scare you but to PREPARE YOU. You will more likely found nursing more stressful than the laboratory. This will be due to the fact that you will be dealing with people(patients and family) directly and not just the people you work with.

If I would have known how stressful nursing can be, I would have be more prepared for it and expected it. I would have enjoyed nursing more. Again good luck!

-Michelle

Dear Michelle,
I have followed your comments for the last year now and I would like to congradulate you on your new career. I commented on this forum last summer. I was a nursing student who dropped out and was considering CLS. I went back to nursing school but only to drop out again. I still have the option to go back but I just dont really want to. I remember being so passionate about becoming a nurse, but now that i am a student nurse my motivation and passion is completely depleted. And I feel like i should move on. So anyway, my question is now that you are working, how is it? What do you enjoy the most? What do you dislike the most? What are most days like in the lab? Do you specialize in any area of the lab? Do you have any plans for the future as far as career advancement? Hope to hear from you soon, Thanks.

Dear Chris,

Working in the lab is a lot better than working as a nurse. I enjoy not having to take care of patients and not having to deal with emotional stress. I dislike when the instruments/analyzers are not working properly; calling nurses when the sample is obvious contaminated when you review test results; and have to make a corrected lab report when I accidentally summitted results to the doctors/nurses that are questionable (rare). Most days have a steady workload and depending on the time of day (5 am) it can be very busy in the lab. The workload in the lab, even when busy, is not as bad as working as a bedside nurse.

My current lab job is in a core lab which consist of hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis. This is my first lab job. I would like to work in blood bank in the near future. My plan is to work as a bench tech for at least 5 years (equivalent to working as a bedside nurse/direct patient care) before going in to laboratory management/administration. I will also like to earn a master's degree in business administration or healthcare administration.

-Michelle

Hi Michelle, may you tell me what resources you used to find your job? Is there any website specific to medical laboratory jobs? I use Indeed.com usually. Any idea what is actual starting rate for MLT in the NC area?

Thanks!

Michelle in Durham, North Carolina said: Dear Chris,

Working in the lab is a lot better than working as a nurse. I enjoy not having to take care of patients and not having to deal with emotional stress. I dislike when the instruments/analyzers are not working properly; calling nurses when the sample is obvious contaminated when you review test results; and have to make a corrected lab report when I accidentally summitted results to the doctors/nurses that are questionable (rare). Most days have a steady workload and depending on the time of day (5 am) it can be very busy in the lab. The workload in the lab, even when busy, is not as bad as working as a bedside nurse.

My current lab job is in a core lab which consist of hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis. This is my first lab job. I would like to work in blood bank in the near future. My plan is to work as a bench tech for at least 5 years (equivalent to working as a bedside nurse/direct patient care) before going in to laboratory management/administration. I will also like to earn a master's degree in business administration or healthcare administration.

-Michelle

Hi Michelle, I'm so glad to hear you are doing well in your career. I am pursing my lpn nd then I want to get my bachelors and become medical lab technologist, I saw in your post you were talking about MT, is that the same as medical lab technologist, if not what ia an MT?

Dear Angelika,

Medical lab technologist is the same as medical technologist (MT) . These two terms are used to refer to MTs with bachelors degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science. Medical technician or medical lab technician (MLT) refers to a person with an associates degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science. I hope this helps.

-Michelle

Dear Madox01,

I looked on individual hospital websites for medical lab jobs. You can also use monster.com and other job search websites. As far as starting wages for MLTs, it may be at least $16/hr. I am not sure. When you look on individual hospital websites, some may tell you what the starting rate for a particular job.

Good luck on your job search.

-Michelle

Michelle in Durham, North Carolina said: Dear Madox01,

I looked on individual hospital websites for medical lab jobs. You can also use monster.com and other job search websites. As far as starting wages for MLTs, it may be at least $16/hr. I am not sure. When you look on individual hospital websites, some may tell you what the starting rate for a particular job.

Good luck on your job search.

-Michelle

Hey Michelle!

I was thinking about becoming a nurse, as I have two sisters who are in nursing school. But, I think I would get very tired of the direct-patient care too. I have always envisioned myself working in a lab. I am only 19 and there are other careers options I could choose but they all seem stressful and require a lot of learning (e.g. pharmacy). I am going to do a bit more research on clinical laboratory science : )

THIS HAS BEEN INTERESTING, FOR SOME ODD REASON IM AN GOING TO DOUBLE MAJOR. IM AT THE POINT WHERE IM DONE WITH PRENURSING COURSES BUT THE RN PROGRAM IS ONLY ADN. I KNOW I WANT MY BACHELORS IN MLS, BECAUSE I WANT MY MASTERS. BUT IM CURIOUS OF THE RN TRAINING, I KNO THAT ILL SUCCEED BUT I WANT TO GIVE 100 TO MLS TRAINING. I'VE COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT I'M A DEGREE JUNKY. BUT I SHOULD MAKE A GOOD NURSE EPIDEMIOLOGIST OR SOMETHING FANCY LIKE THAT.

Well I just read this whole thread and thank you all for your opinions. They weren't directed towards me, but I have been searching for honest opinions on these fields and this has been MOST helpful.

I have a BS Bio but looking at a MLT program. After discussing with my SO back and forth, not being able to commit to one program or another, I have finally just decided to go with what my heart likes- lab work. I have to admit I'm an intrinsically motivated person in a very extrinsically motivated society. I'm 28, and I see my generation seeking more more money and never living within their means, even as they get more and more money. I know that was a tangent, but just an observation.

I'm going to start a MLT program in the summer and will do it the RIGHT way. I worked way too much and took on too many classes while obtaining my BS degree and my GPA and grey hairs show it. I have saved and will be applying to every scholarship I can find so that I can focus on the material and not work fulltime.

Anyway, thank you all. Your posts have been extremely helpful and appreciated.

Karen

I completely agree. Classes are much harder for MLT. The only solution I see, to make employers aware of how underpaid MTLs are and start payindg them accordingly will be to go on strike (maybe an unethical) considering how many people depends on lab results to be treated. Any more intelligent suggestions? Why Medical Laboratory Technologist haven't done anything until these days to make their voices to be heard? I honestly think MTLs are very intelligent, sharp people who deserve to get a better pay. I am not a Medical Laboratory Technologist but my friend is an MTL and he mentions the overload of work they have every single day due they are short of MTLs.

Is Michelle still around to update us on her story? I feel like I've been watching a soap opera after reading 3 pages of this thread!

Hi thebigbang0011,

I am still working at my first lab job. I will be taking my ASCP exam in April (2 years after graduation). I have been studying for the ASCP exam for the past 2 years to mainly increase my courage to take the exam. I still enjoy working in the lab better than working as a nurse. I went on my first professional conference and business trip (Beckman-Coulter Headquarters in Calif) last year.

However, there are a few negatives in working in the lab including, short staffing, instrument problems, and increase work volumes ( a lot of samples to tests). But, I wouldn't go back to working as a nurse because of these negatives.

-Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Glad to hear you still like the lab. Do you see the work getting monotonous or "drone"-y after a while or do you find the work to be stimulating? Thanks!

Hi thebigbang0011,

At times, work in the lab is monotonous. It does not bother me that the work in the lab is monotonous. This is why I chose to work in the lab. Some days in the lab I learn something new or come across something very interesting.

In nursing, depending on which nursing speciality you work (I worked mainly med-surg and nursing home), on some days you don't know if a patient you will have to take care of is on the edge of death or stable in their health condition and will be discharge home soon. I did not like that. Some nurses are ok with a work environment like this.

-Michelle

Hi Michelle, i recently got my BSN degree but im working as lab assistant for 6 mos now, i'm really enjoying it that's why i decided to go back to school to earn a new degree. My question is, how long long did it take you to get your new degree? i really want to work in a laboratory particularly in micro, should i go for an MLT degree or microbiology? thank you so much!

How much of a pay difference did you take?

Hi Todd,

I live in Flower Mound. Is it easier to find MLT job here?

I am hesitating to select Nursing or MLT program at EL Centro? Can you give me any advice?

You can find my post above.

Dear Bioman11,

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply back. I think you should go for a MLT degree or better just a CLS (Clinical Laboratory Science) degree. A general microbiology degree will not go into as much detail as to how to work in a hospital lab and tests patients specimens.

Also, if you get bored in microbiology, you can work in an another department in the hospital laboratory such as blood bank or clinical chemistry.

-Michelle

Dear Teresa,

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply back. It depends on what you want to do and what you are comfortable with doing. Nurses has a lot of patient contact. MLT do not have a lot of patient contact. MLT work with a lot of technology and science. Nurses work with science and psychosocial aspects of individuals. As you may have already read on this forum there are both pros and cons to becoming MLT or a nurse.

Now, since I have worked in both fields, I can say for me working is a lab is better than working as a nurse. This does not mean there is no stress in working in the laboratory, but for me it is not as bad as working as a nurse. I do not regret my decision to become a clinical laboratory scientist/MT.

-Michelle

Michelle, I've read this entire forum and glad to know you're still updating/answering questions.. we truly appreciate this! I do need some advice..im also thinking of Medical lab as my profession..but having a hard time deciding if I should do MLT then transition to MT after. If I do MLT first..I have full grants at my community college and gives me a chance to know if how the classes are..instead of jumping straight to MT and end up struggling. (Chemistry isn't my strongest compared to biology itself) I do want to work in the lab..but just deciding if I should do the MLT first to see how I Like the program and how well I do with the chemistry classes along with it.

Leah,

If you feel that it is financially and academically sounded for you to become a MLT then transition to MT afterward, then go for it. I had classmates and have co-workers that began their medical lab careers as MLTs and later became MT.

-Michelle

Michelle, I am so proud of you & so happy to hear I'm not alone!!!! I'm preparing to embark on the MLT journey after 10 long miserable years as a nurse!! I'm so tired of hearing about the pay & the "why would you ever want to leave nursing" attitudes? People just have no idea!!! Not only the things you mentioned, but before going into nursing, realize that modern day people feel entitled to everything & most have been raised with a lack of respect. Prepare to deal with this in the majority of your patient encounters!!! I for one (Michelle obviously too) have had enough!!!!!! Thank you Michelle for the encouragement & best of luck to you!!! :)

Michelle in Durham, North Carolina said: Rohan,

I am burn-out with nursing. Too many patients, not enough time, not enough staff, and too much paperwork and liability. Nursing is not the career for me. I realized that from day 1 and I am finally moving on to another career after 5 years of working as a nurse. And I don't apologize for it.

-Michelle