Difference between LPN and LVN ??

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Hello,

I am starting school to become an LPN this fall. I just moved to Florida from California. I am finding alot of jobs in the classifieds for LPN's here, of course not for hopstials, but the jobs are out there.

Now, when I do a search in California, in case i were to ever go back, I dont see any LPN jobs. I see tons of LVN's. Are they the same thing? If I go back to CA and would I be able to get an LVN lisence or would I have to go back to school to be an LVN?

Thanks for any help you can give me!

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

they are the exact same thing . california and texas uses the term lvn and the rest of the states use lpn.

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I second that!

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really? So if we were to move back to California I can just sit in for the LVN test?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

California and Texas refer to their basic nurses as LVNs (licensed vocational nurses, and the remaining 48 states refer to their basic nurses as LPNs (licensed practical nurses). It is the exact same type of nurse.

I am licensed in California and Texas, so I am called an LVN. However, I would be called an LPN if I were to move to any of the other 48 states and endorse my license there.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
really? So if we were to move back to California I can just sit in for the LVN test?
The 'LVN' test and the 'LPN' test are the same (NCLEX-PN). Once you sit for the NCLEX-PN and pass it, you'll never have to take it again. Once you have an LVN or LPN license from any state, you can simply pay the money to endorse it into another state, if you plan on moving.
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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

i don't know what i would do if i moved and had to sign my name lpn..ive signed it lvn for so long..

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
i don't know what i would do if i moved and had to sign my name lpn..ive signed it lvn for so long..
one of my coworkers is from louisiana, and has been a nurse since 1969. she still signs her name 'lpn,' because old habits die hard. :)
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Thanks for answering the question so fast. This is a great message board. Wealth of info here. I've been reading this for the past few days now. THE COMMUTER- i think i have seen your name 100 times in the past few days! Thanks for all the info.

My husband was relocated here with his job and all my family is in Southern California. His family is in NY. It's good to know I can go just about anywhere when I become an LPN and get a job.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
THE COMMUTER- i think i have seen your name 100 times in the past few days! Thanks for all the info.
You're very welcome. ;)
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