Can you work as a CNA/NA/LPN as licensed RN?

Nurses General Nursing

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I know why would you want to right?

Well, no RN jobs and just wanting to have all options. Does anyone know if you can do this? Can you apply for a job that requires a CNA license with an RN license?

I didn't think so but then I do hear around here of RN's applying for CNA jobs...can it be done? Or is that a state by state thing?

THX

Specializes in Med Surg.

Where I work we sometimes have an RN cover an LVN shift when no LVN is available. We also have a brand new RN who is continuing to work as an LVN until an RN slot opens up or she finds an RN position elsewhere.

When I renewed my TX LVN license I noticed a "dual license" option listed. I assume this means you can hold a dual RN/LVN license in this state?

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I work as a pool nurse and every so often they attempt to assign me as an aide which I refuse. I was hired as a nurse and my job description says nothing regarding working as an aide, plus I understand that no matter the assignment I would be held accountable legally as an RN.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I guess I don't understand the concern about "being held accountable as an RN." It's not like, if I'm working as an aide, I'm suddenly going to not care or be irresponsible. I wouldn't suddenly ignore a person who is turning blue and apneic.

Yes, the facilities I've worked at will sometimes float RNs to NA positions if there is a need. Guess what? I still get paid my RN salary, and I don't have to chart or pass meds. Woohoo!

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

In answer to the original question, in both AZ and CO, RNs can work in the role of NA. I even work with several RNs who have advanced degrees (NP, CNM), but work as simply RNs in the OB department. They've all said that they enjoy the lesser amount of responsibility they have working as simply an RN.

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In the State of Indiana, you can work under whatever license you hold is valid. So for example, if you're a licensed RN but your LPN license is valid, you can work as an LPN. I just called the State Board of Nursing and asked. However, you are held to the standards of the highest license you hold.

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

Nope not in GA, you must hold a certificate for CNA and a LICENSE for LPN to work as one.

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I'm in GA. And I am having the same frustration: no one wants a "new" nurse. How is that in your state?

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Specializes in education.

Everything that a care aid or a LPN does is within the scope of a registered nurse so...

When you have a RN license and you work as a nurse you are held to the standards of the profession no matter what work you do.

If you work as a care aide and get paid as a care aide ( or an LPN) but you have a RN license you still must uphold your professional nursing standards for the work you do.

In other words, just because you are not doing a job that is classified as an RN job does not mean you have license to operate beneath your professional standards.

So same accountability but different work and less pay......

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I live in the Chicago area and passed the NCLEX in July- there are no jobs around here for newbies. I am going to start trying on Monday to find a CNA or PCT job just to be working :(

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