Can an Lpn work as a CNA in the state of NJ

Sour Lemon · Mar 7, 2020

6 minutes ago, Carol McGlinchey Beardsworth said:
I'm employed at a Rehabilitation facility in NJ. They announced yesterday that since they can not find or keep CNA's , as they only pay 12.00 an hour, that they are going to start using LPN's as CNA's. You will not know if you are going to be a cart nurse or a CNA until you come to work. Can the facility do this legally?

Yes. There's nothing that a CNA does that's out of an LVN's scope of practice.

TriciaJ, RN · Mar 7, 2020

The designations RN, LPN, CNA indicate the upper level at which you can practice. Some employers keep the distinctions rigid, others not so much. Like Sour Lemon said, an LPN can do anything a CNA can do. Likewise, an RN can do anything an LPN or CNA can do. So there is no such thing as performing duties below your scope of practice.

The only issue is that if you were hired as an LPN and get paid accordingly, they can't arbitrarily drop your pay. You perform whatever duties you are assigned, as long as you are not doing anything above your scope of practice. The one caveat is that if you are licensed, you will be held legally accountable to the level of that license.

Carol McGlinchey Beardsworth · Mar 7, 2020

Thank you Tricia J. I was worried this would be the answer. I'm an older nurse and know that CNA work will be too much for me.

Thank you Sour Lemons.

TriciaJ, RN · Mar 7, 2020

10 minutes ago, Carol McGlinchey Beardsworth said:
Thank you Tricia J. I was worried this would be the answer. I'm an older nurse and know that CNA work will be too much for me.
Thank you Sour Lemons.

I don't imagine there are too many nurses working rehab for that very reason. It might be time to look around for something a bit more body-friendly. Good luck!