Accept the LPN position or keep working as a CNA?

[ivyrain]

School is starting in one month. I will be entering third semester and will be going full-time. I passed my boards and have my LPN now. I was recently offered a position as a LPN, but the pay is only $1.30 more than what I am getting every other weekend. My question is, should I take the opportunity to work as a LPN in a different facility for the experience or keep working as a CNA? I am only working every other weekend as of right now also as a CNA.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Since you are licensed your licensing board will hold you to LPN standard even if you are paid as a CNA and that's your job description.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

Since you are licensed your licensing board will hold you to LPN standard even if you are paid as a CNA and that's your job description.

Thats not the case in every State. In CT you can work as a CNA with an LPN license.

http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/phho/nursing_board/minutes/2009/may_2009.pdf (see scope of practice calls in the minutes of this meeting, I copy/pasted what it said, but to verify it did come from the State of CT BON I listed the link). The majoity of the calls came from myself and other LPN's in my facility when management was asking LPN's to pick up extra shifts and work as a CNA during a time when we were very, very short staffed of CNA's. I was one of the callers :) I wanted to know 100% from the State that we would NOT be held to LPN standards while working as a CNA in the facility we were hired as LPN's for.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE CALLS

Diane Cybulski reviewed the calls received in the Board Office for the month of March, 2009. There have been several calls requesting whether an LPN can work as a CNA. The answer is yes, and they are held accountable to that "job description" and cannot work beyond the scope of a CNA. There were also several questions regarding the RN going into independent practice and also questions regarding patient home care.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

I think having nursing experience will help you when you get your RN..

[rache1rotz]

I would work as a LPN so you can gain more experience and networking.