Can an RN Apply for LPN Jobs?

BetterMeRN · Aug 16, 2011

Do you have an LPN license? If no, then no you can't apply for that position. If however you do you can apply for an LPN job even if you are an RN. You should be aware that if charges were ever brought up against you, your higher license (RN) will be the one that would be judged.

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Aug 16, 2011

Do you have an LPN license? If no, then no you can't apply for that position. If however you do you can apply for an LPN job even if you are an RN. You should be aware that if charges were ever brought up against you, your higher license (RN) will be the one that would be judged.

I think she means if the ad calls for a LPN and she applies as a RN, work as a RN, is that possible? I do not see why not, especially in LTC. A RN can do the job, and do it without accepting lower pay.

BetterMeRN · Aug 16, 2011

I think she means if the ad calls for a LPN and she applies as a RN, work as a RN, is that possible? I do not see why not, especially in LTC. A RN can do the job, and do it without accepting lower pay.[/quote
She can not work as an LPN if she doesn't have the license. Even though you have an RN license, you may be willing to work at a lower wage as an LPN but if your not licensed as one you CAN'T work as one.

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Aug 16, 2011

I think she means if the ad calls for a LPN and she applies as a RN, work as a RN, is that possible? I do not see why not, especially in LTC. A RN can do the job, and do it without accepting lower pay.[/quote
She can not work as an LPN if she doesn't have the license. Even though you have an RN license, you may be willing to work at a lower wage as an LPN but if your not licensed as one you CAN'T work as one.
I am saying that I do not think she wants to work AS a LPN, but as a RN. She just wants to apply for jobs that may call for LPN. For ex, "Hello, my name is Stardust. I know your ad calls for a LPN, I was wondering if you are interested in considering a RN for this position......" No one said she would be working as a LPN. SHE WOULD BE WORKING AS A RN. Wouldn't a RN be able to perform the same duties as a LPN? She would be signing her name as Stardust, RN. She would NOT be doing anything illegal. The job would have hired her as a RN, although they considered a LPN for the position, they hired a RN. So instead of a LPN working, a RN would be working. Are you getting it yet? I can only say it so many ways... SHE WILL NOT BE PRACTICING UNDER FALSE PRETENSE, SHE WILL BE A RN DOING A JOB AS A RN.

Karl Farmer · Aug 16, 2011

An RN can work as an LPN but cannot rerer to himself/herself as an LPN. Any LPN job in LTC can be filled by an RN. They only advertise for an LPN to indicate the pay will be that of an LPN. In fact, RNs are replacing LPNs in the Phoenix area, because new grad RNs will accept starting pay much less than LPNs were used to being paid. A nasty new trend is here, people~

BetterMeRN · Aug 16, 2011

I am saying that I do not think she wants to work AS a LPN, but as a RN. She just wants to apply for jobs that may call for LPN. For ex, "Hello, my name is Stardust. I know your ad calls for a LPN, I was wondering if you are interested in considering a RN for this position......" No one said she would be working as a LPN. SHE WOULD BE WORKING AS A RN. Wouldn't a RN be able to perform the same duties as a LPN? She would be signing her name as Stardust, RN. She would NOT be doing anything illegal. The job would have hired her as a RN, although they considered a LPN for the position, they hired a RN. So instead of a LPN working, a RN would be working. Are you getting it yet? I can only say it so many ways... SHE WILL NOT BE PRACTICING UNDER FALSE PRETENSE, SHE WILL BE A RN DOING A JOB AS A RN.
I really didn't think anyone needs to tell her that she can apply for a job that she is overqualified for....people do it all the time.
There isn't a need to belittle me, you may have understood her post a little different than I did. Thank you so much for clarifying next time leave out the insult.

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Aug 16, 2011

I really didn't think anyone needs to tell her that she can apply for a job that she is overqualified for....people do it all the time.
There isn't a need to belittle me, you may have understood her post a little different than I did. Thank you so much for clarifying next time leave out the insult.
Sorry if it appears insulting, your second post could have been read the same way. I in no means tried to belittle you. Just as you were trying to get your point across, so was I. I honestly believe that the OP wasn't sure if a person could apply. Use of capital letters can come across a little (LOUD). You used the word (CANT) in your second post to reiterate your point. I just used more words. We can shake hands and move on from this (I hope). Obviously Karl Farmer is better with words than I am, and I am not insulted in the least. Karl Farmer said exactly what I was trying to say, but in a much better way.

BetterMeRN · Aug 16, 2011

"Are you getting it yet?"

That comment would lead me to believe you were trying to belittle me. I took it personal but do accept your apology.

Karl Farmer · Aug 16, 2011

For that matter, graduate nurses often work as nursing assistants, also. But even a graduate nurse (or RN or LPN even) can't refer to himself/herself as a certified nursing assistant, in states that regulate nursing assistant practice, but can use 'nursing assistant'. (I can actually call myself a Naturopathic Physician in many states, having no such training, BTW- since so few states regulate the practice of naturopathic medicine). But my last job paid CNAs up to $15/hr, and now that same place is hiring new grad RNs at $19. Be scared- it's headed back to the days of Old Florence Nightingale!!

netglow, ASN, RN · Aug 16, 2011

You can take a job doing anything at your license level or lower in my state. An RN can work as a CNA even. But, some hospitals won't allow it due to the potential legalities involved. You will be held to your license, but that part is a concern of you and your license no matter where you go. IF there is a job listed as looking for an LPN, and they understand you are an RN and are willing to hire you, go for it. Changing your title to suit to an RN probably won't happen if it is a largish organization due to HR job descriptions and benefits provided to be equal to all those of a certain level unless they are OK with the idea of a change in job description and title. I wouldn't plan on them giving you an RN job if one comes around, I know several that kept on working as techs while looking/waiting in line at their facilities for the next RN job that came up for a NG. None got hired. All this hiring preference for existing employees to move up kinda went away in my area for NGs.

DizzyLizzyNurse · Aug 16, 2011

I interviewed at a LTC place inside a hospital. I've worked as an LPN for 7 years. They told me I couldn't have the job (not enough experience - why were they interviewing me then???) but they liked me enough that they thought they could finagle a job either RN or LPN.

The kicker? If it was an LPN job I'd start out at $14/hr. I make $19/hr at my LPN job now. No thanks! Not worth it to get my foot in the door at the hospital.