Can I be a LPN with a RN license?

nikki36 · Nov 18, 2010

I'm not sure if it's the same in NY, but in Louisiana you can work as an LPN but you would only be responsible for LPN duties. Now if an emergency arise you would be expected to perform as an RN.

MaritesaRN · Nov 18, 2010

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.

Apply as an RN and take a paycut. What employers can refuse this offer? For example RN's can do piggybacks and other procedures that LPN can not. this is such a sweet deal !:)

muffylpn · Nov 18, 2010

First of all, we have no idea what type of job you are talking about. It might not be a hospital job. If it is and the hospital has a union the answer would be a HUGE NO. Second are you actually saying in writing you are a LPN like on the job application, cause that would be a lie; even though you might only be doing it to get the face to face interview. The person doing the interview might not see it the way you do. Lastly this question really only has to do with her state. The answers are going to be different in probably every state. The writer above. I can do piggybacks in MA. and central lines and piccs. I already wrote I feel LPN jobs are for LPNs but you need a job so I get it. If this is not a union job I would put a very colorful piece of paper on top of my resume that says RN WILL WORK FOR LPN WAGES. That should get anyone's attention and will probably get you a job. I know it hard

I just watched my daughter go through the same thing LPN jobs in MA. are hard to get. I work in a hospital as an LPN ( with a union ) and 2 of are aides have RN BSNs and they are working as aides.

bubbyb · Nov 19, 2010

Be patient. A RN job will show up. Even if you lower your standards and work as a LPN, you will be held accountable under a RN license. Just to let everyone know I am a former LPN and I am not knocking being a LPN. You work hard for your RN and you need to work as one and get that RN pay.

bubbyb · Nov 19, 2010

In CT, there are more RN jobs than LPN jobs.

muffylpn · Nov 19, 2010

I don't care if you were an LPN ( to the post above) there is one standard of care no matter what you are now or later. I am so sorry you ever had to lower yourself to become an LPN first; thank God you don't have to be with with us second rate nurses anymore. You're now an Real Nurse.

CariocaRN · Nov 19, 2010

First of all, we have no idea what type of job you are talking about. It might not be a hospital job. If it is and the hospital has a union the answer would be a HUGE NO. Second are you actually saying in writing you are a LPN like on the job application, cause that would be a lie; even though you might only be doing it to get the face to face interview. The person doing the interview might not see it the way you do. Lastly this question really only has to do with her state. The answers are going to be different in probably every state. The writer above. I can do piggybacks in MA. and central lines and piccs. I already wrote I feel LPN jobs are for LPNs but you need a job so I get it. If this is not a union job I would put a very colorful piece of paper on top of my resume that says RN WILL WORK FOR LPN WAGES. That should get anyone's attention and will probably get you a job. I know it hard
I just watched my daughter go through the same thing LPN jobs in MA. are hard to get. I work in a hospital as an LPN ( with a union ) and 2 of are aides have RN BSNs and they are working as aides.

Well, I'm in NY. I thought this was a NY board? Anyway, I live in Brooklyn and as you all know the situation in NYC is difficult right now, not only for nurses but teachers, firefighters, etc are losing their jobs too. I am still in school, btw. I am graduating soon, so I was just doing a general job search to see what is out there at the moment since I know I have to keep an open mind to the fact that i might not get my dream hospital job right away. I came across a few open houses which specifically target LPNs. The RN positions were slim to none, especially for new grads.

That's why I was wondering. I'm a single mom and I have no experience in the health field, so worst case scenario I'm willing to start as a LPN and then eventually be "upgraded" to RN. I'm not planning on lying about it, just explaining in my cover letter that I am willing to take the pay cut.

Thanks for the replies. I think I will end up just leaving NYC.