Can I be a LPN with a RN license?

U.S.A. New York

Published

I know this is probably a stupid question, but I figured I would ask anyway.

I keep seeing job openings for LPNs left and right, some even welcome new grad LPNs. It seems like finding a job as a RN is near impossible now so I was wondering if it would be okay for me to apply for a LPN position. Is this legal in NY State?

I would gladly take the pay cut, as long as I'm still around the nursing field.:confused:

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Call your state Board to find out if this is allowed in your state. If so, then apply away.

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Tinkerbell I think you are eligible to sit for the LPN Board exam ( not 100 percent sure)

Here is some more information

NYS Nursing:License Requirements

I know years ago, if you completed 3 semesters of nursing school you could sit for the LPN board exam. Things have changed since (one person told me its because they used to cover all the material by the 3rd semester but theyve changed the curriculum and put womens health in the last semester)

Would be great to know the answer to that.

Its so sad that we have RNs looking to go backwards (LPN - CNA) in order to get hired. My classmate passed her boards, had brains and excellent people skills. Got hired as a CNA --buttttttttttttttttttt she did prove herself I guess, and now she has a job. YAY!

Good luck to you, times are tough. I was one of the naysayers that said (nursing is a recession proof profession) HA! Who's got egg on their face ...this guy. LOL

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Specializes in Renal/Cardiac.

I would definitely check your State board of Nursing because here in the State of Florida you can not go backwards a friend of mine tried and the Fl board of nursing would not allow her to

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Specializes in Oncology; med/surg; geriatric; OB; CM.

I'm not sure I would do that....basically because if there is a lawsuit at any time, you will be sued to the scope of your training. Basically even though you're working as an LPN, you will be sued as an RN.

We have many people at our hospital who have graduated Nursing School & passed their NCLEX's but can't find RN jobs...they are still working as CNAs. But they can be sued as RNs as they have graduated & passed their boards.

It's ironic that an RN has to take a job as an LPN just to be hired. Not knocking LPNs (I was one myself!); just very ironic and sad IMO.

Good Luck!

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OK I want to know where you live in NYS because I am a new LPN grad w/license and all I see are RN jobs!

I live in the Rochester area.

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OK I want to know where you live in NYS because I am a new LPN grad w/license and all I see are RN jobs!

I live in the Rochester area.

:idea:

I was just told that NYS Department of Civil Service are hiring LPNs.

Try calling them **********or going on their website.

Also try searching on indeed.com or simplyhired.com.

Good Luck to you.

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Did not read all the posts but let me say that it all should be fine as long as you tell the TRUTH

that you are an RN (scope of pratice and all). They will find out when they check the LPN board and find out your not listed. They will then know you lied. Also wearing anything indicating you are something other than you are might have some other issues attached. And before people start jumping on me. I understand a RN can work down and do EVERYTHING in the scope of practice for an LPN. Just if legal issues were to arise things might get sticky. And lastly LPN jobs should be for LPNs. That is my 2 cents ( feel free to jump on that part)

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I'm not a LPN or RN (in nursing school) but I am curious - couldn't they just hire you as an RN and and just pay you the same as a LPN? An RN can do anything a LPN can - correct?

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Specializes in Hemodialysis.
I'm not a LPN or RN (in nursing school) but I am curious - couldn't they just hire you as an RN and and just pay you the same as a LPN? An RN can do anything a LPN can - correct?

Yeah, no, they can't do that.

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I don't know what part of NY you are from, but I do know that Canton-Potsdam Hospital is looking for RN's. After a year of not being able to get a job, they just recently hired me. I moved there all the way from CT. Its alwyas worth a try. Good luck :)

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Specializes in med/surg, ortho/neuro, ambulatory surg.

I'm not sure if it is different in another state but I once applied for an LVN position (I have my RN license) and was told I could have the job but they would be paying me LVN wages but my name tag would reflect RN. Needless to say I found an RN job that paid me RN wages :) but if you are willing to take the pay difference I dont see what the problem is.

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