Can an RN Apply for LPN Jobs?

[stardust1974]

Say you were a BSN who was having nothing but bad luck applying for hospital jobs (like, months of trying.) You see a small hospital advertising for an LPN. Would they be likely to hire you if you are an RN who specifies you will work for LPN salary? This is a BSN who just needs to get her foot in the door, somewhere. There is a glut of nursing graduates in this area and competition is fierce for positions. Moving isn't an option. The ad specified experience in geriatrics a plus and this nurse has years of LTC experience, she just doesn't know if the hospitals will consider hiring her since she is not an LPN.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Some facilities will not hire an RN for an advertised LPN spot... believing such an applicant may be "carrying some issues," or will only remain until she / he finds an RN position, or doing so may result in other workplace problems.

[Marshall1]

Where I live, in the Northeast part of Georgia, RN's apply for LPN positions all the time. I personally know several that have - sometimes the pay is lower - sometimes not - but they are applying and getting the positions. I'm not sure where some of the posters on here are getting you would be held to a higher standard if charges were ever brought etc. That seems like an odd thing to say/comment on..because basically, if any licensed person ends up in court they will be, obviously, held to whatever standard is their professional license is attached too. Before applying you can always email/call the potential employer and ask if they are willing to consider an RN for the position.

[1hotnurse08]

I suggest you just apply as an RN seeking emploment with the facility and if you get the chance to interview; inform them that you will be willing to pass medications if needed etc,. We are having a situation at the facility I work at PRN now: RN supervisors are not willing to pass medications if the scheduled nurse does not come in. When u are a supervisor there is a great chance that you may have to fill-in if relief does not show up). I only suggest this because we do have RN's who do this and who still receive RN pay but take on LPN duties just for the shift!! Im not sure about a hospital allowing this, but Im sure a LTC facility would be more than willing, because you would rather have A nurse than No nurse at all!!