Can I work as an LPN?

[lalalalexi]

I am sure this has been addressed here at one point or another, but here is what I'm wondering. I will graduate in May with my RN-ADN. Last May I finished the first half of the program and became an LPN (took the boards and all that). So I'll have both my RN and LPN license come May, although I've never worked as an LPN. What I'm wondering is, can I apply for LPN jobs too or am I not allowed to once I'm an RN? I find that LPN jobs are much more plentiful right now in my area and I just want a nursing job!

[caliotter3]

Certainly apply for LPN jobs also, since you hold the license. That may be your ticket to employment. You will probably be hired as an RN. Do not hold back that you have an RN license. The employer will want to know this info even if they hire you as an LPN.

[kcochrane]

Check with your BON. I have both my LPN and RN licenses and plan on keeping them both. But that is allowed in New York State. As others have mentioned before you will still be held to the higher standard of an RN.

[lil pixi]

Good question.

I take that it could only be an advantage having both licenses, right? :)

[kcochrane]

I've heard people use it to get jobs they wanted that didn't hire RNs. Some keep it in case a facility gets rid of RNs to save money and they want to keep benefits/retirement until that turns around (usually a LTC facility). To me its a small price to pay to have other options available. But again, there may be states where this is not allowed by the BON, or where your LPN automatically becomes invalid when you get your RN.