Does LVN experience count?

[LaJollalove]

Hi all,

Ive noticed that many Travel Companies require at least two years as an RN in your specialty. I was wondering if two years experience in the ER for example as an LVN would qualify me even if I'm a brand new RN (which I'm not yet, I'm just wondering if I should try to get a position as an LVN ER Nurse while attending an RN program.) Thanks for reading!

[NedRN]

Your experience is a valuable addition to your work history, but LVNs and RNs roles have different roles. No travel company (and there client hospitals) will (or should) hire you right out of school with zero experience as an RN. However, you may well be solid after one year (depending on you and the experience your first job provides) and can safely travel.

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

I don't know of any hospitals in my area that hire LPNs at all -- it's RN or nothing.

You can certainly get your LPN license and work in a LTC facility or in private duty nursing to get experience while you're getting your RN license, and that experience will likely make you a more desirable candidate to get hired into a hospital as a new grad RN, but I wouldn't count on being hired as an "ER LPN" unless you know for a fact that there are hospitals in your area that hire for such a position.