Can I sign LVN in a LPN state?

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Specializes in M/S,LTAC, ER-not exactly specialized.

Hi, everyone. I am licensed in my home state as a LVN. I have relocated out of state for the year, where I have received a license by endorsement.

It seems like a petty issue that can be resolved just by signing LPN, which I do. But out of curiosity, do I legally have to sign LPN?

I could not find it on the board of nurses website for my new state.

When I go back home next year, I will have to switch again. After signing your name so many times through out a 12er, it becomes automatic and I have accidently signed LVN soo many times already.

Anybody know? :idea:

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

If your endorsed license in your current state identifies you as an LPN, I believe that is how you must sign your name and title. I don't think you can use a title that doesn't exist in your current state, even though it is valid elsewhere.

Contact the state board of nursing for a definitive answer.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Agree 100% with Jolie's advice: you function under STATE license, so use initials LPN as that is what state license reads.

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Specializes in M/S,LTAC, ER-not exactly specialized.

Well that makes sense! Thanks!

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Specializes in Palliative Care, NICU/NNP.

I just did some research on this question and the only thing I could see is a lot of sites say LPN/LVN so that makes me think you use the title on your diploma. I don't know why there are two separate titles in the first place.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
I just did some research on this question and the only thing I could see is a lot of sites say LPN/LVN so that makes me think you use the title on your diploma. I don't know why there are two separate titles in the first place.

Ginger,

A diploma indicates successful completion of an education program, but does not confer a professional title. The title of LPN or LVN is granted by the state upon licensure.

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Specializes in Palliative Care, NICU/NNP.
Ginger,

A diploma indicates successful completion of an education program, but does not confer a professional title. The title of LPN or LVN is granted by the state upon licensure.

If I went to the old Detroit School of Practical Nursing, my diploma would say that I am an LPN. The MD's diploma usually hung on their office wall says that he/she is now a Doctor of Medicine.

This is a good question for the BON.:balloons:

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If I went to the old Detroit School of Practical Nursing, my diploma would say that I am an LPN. The MD's diploma usually hung on their office wall says that he/she is now a Doctor of Medicine.

This is a good question for the BON.:balloons:

No need for that really, it is pretty clear. You practice under the license issued by the state you are in. Therefore, it is that title that you are to use.

Doctor of Medicine is a degree, which can be issued by a school. However, licensure as a Medical Doctor can only be issued by the state. Having never been an LPN/LVN, I can't speak as to why it would say LPN on a diploma, because you are not a LICENSED practical (or vocational) nurse until the state says you are by actually issuing your license. Schools do not have the power to issue a license. Therefore, it doesn't matter so much what it says on a diploma. It is what it says on the license that is important.

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Specializes in Palliative Care, NICU/NNP.

You're absolutely correct. Thank you.

California Professional Code

2864. Every licensee under this chapter may be known as a licensed

vocational nurse and may place the letters "L.V.N." after his name.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
If I went to the old Detroit School of Practical Nursing, my diploma would say that I am an LPN.

It's my understanding that your diploma would read something like this: Graduate of LPN education program. That is not the same as being an LPN, as licensure is required in order to use the title of LPN.

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Specializes in Palliative Care, NICU/NNP.
It's my understanding that your diploma would read something like this: Graduate of LPN education program. That is not the same as being an LPN, as licensure is required in order to use the title of LPN.

I've surrendered into understanding. Thanx.:balloons:

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