LVN Vs. LPN

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I am contemplating going to LVN school here in California. I notice that in my home state of Massachusetts the term LPN is used as opposed to LVN.

I'm curious to know if I obtain my degree in California and get an LVN License here will I have any problem working as an LPN in the State of Massachusetts? Does anyone know if the two States have reciprocity?

Barry

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

You'll simply need to apply for endorsement in Massachusetts if you want to work there. A California license is good in California, and a Massachusetts license is good in Massachusetts. If you possess a California license, all you need to do is apply for licensure endorsement in the state of Massachusetts.

BTW, California and Texas are the only two states that refer to basic nurses as LVNs. The other 48 states refer to basic nurses as LPNs.

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Thanks for the response.

Assuming I get my LVN license in California, if I subsequently move to Massachusetts and obtain Licensure there can I then call myself an LPN or would the term LVN still apply?

Thanks.

Barry

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

If you work in Tx or Ca then you refer to yourself as a LVN, any other state you would be a LPN. The two are interchangable

Thanks for the response.

Assuming I get my LVN license in California, if I subsequently move to Massachusetts and obtain Licensure there can I then call myself an LPN or would the term LVN still apply?

Thanks.

Barry

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Best wishes to you!

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