Can an accredited NP work as an RN (in scope) in Ohio?

[Iconic]

Can anyone direct me to any previous threads on this ? I wasn't able to locate any.

I recently graduated with an MSN/NP. Instead of a congratulatory pat on the back, I was told by my manager that I can "no longer work here or have 12 weeks after passing board test to work as an RN."

Can't find where this is true on state board of nursing page and thought it seemed as if I was being punished for getting an education. I was planning on moving on when the right opportunity came about, but being told to move on wasn't in my plans.

Any advice ?

[rnkaytee]

This may be a hospital policy - I would check there first. There are NPs that work as bedside RNs after graduation but my understanding has always been that you are held to the highest standard of your license, no matter what role you are in.

[Iconic]

Thank you for your wise suggestion. I started with in-house policy first and can find none. It was a verbal conversation.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I believe that in all states you maintain both your APN & RN licenses separately, so legally you are not prohibited.

However, there are often internal rules and regs that aren't reflected in a formal policy. Sounds like you need to contact HR or your CNO directly.

[marigoldey]

OP - what did you figure out? The reason I'm interested in this post is I've often wondered "what if I don't enjoy being a nurse practitiioner and pine for bedside nursing"? Can one do either/or, (or both?) so long as staying within the scope of the license/job?

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

What does HR say? I can't imagine why you can't do that as long as you stay within your scope of practice.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

At the very least you would need to carry APRN-level malpractice insurance.

[Valcorie34, BSN, MSN, RN]

I would respond in writing to you employer asking for written clarification of facility policy. That way you know it isn't something someone just made up or missing interpreted.

[RaeMarieRN]

I would check with HR. I know a lot of nurses at different hospitals that I have worked at that have varying NP degrees, work as RNs, and teach as well.

[casias12]

I only have one license in Florida, and I know NP's who work as RN's. But, my understanding is you are only held to the same standard as anyone else in the same position.

Example. I know someone who is a podiatrist and psychiatric NP. When he is psychiatric NP, he isn't held responsible for a patient with an infected foot wound that goes untreated. Other than.....if the wound smells so bad it is noticeable to him, and/or the patient complains, he has a due diligence to refer that patient to appropriate care. He isn't obligated, in this position, to order xrays and debride the wound.

That being said.....If you really want to keep your position at this facility, skip the board of nursing and HR and contact an employee rights attorney. They will be able to read the law and send a LEGAL STATEMENT OF FACT to you and the facility. If they force you out because of your degree, you may not prevent it, but you may have some recourse. Likely, when they know the law, they will leave it alone.

[Salter444]

The real question is WHY would anyone choose to work in Ohio?

[russianbear]

I am in the Cleveland area. Legally, yes, you can work as an RN even if you have passed boards. In my hospital I worked with a guy who had passed his NP boards and continued to work as an RN in the ED for over a year. He was extremely picky about where he wanted to work as an NP, this is why he took so long to get a job. One of the NPs who works in our ED still works as a bedside RN at a different facility. The only caveat is that when working as an RN she is not to exceed that scope of practice.