Dual license?

[sunshineintheforest]

I tried briefly searching for the answer to this but didn't see anything. Are you allowed to hold both an RN license as well as a PA license simultaneously ? Meaning if you get both degrees can you work..say full-time as one and part time as the other? I know all the differences between the two, I'm not really looking for a lecture on choosing just one. I'm just curious if this is possible. Thanks in advance!

[caliotter3]

If there is anything against it, it would be a matter of the state you are in. I would contact either authority and ask.

[GreyGull]

For different employers it will probably be possible without any conflicts.

However, for any perceived conflicts, it would be best to contact the licensing boards for each.

Others have had concerns with dual licenses but generally when both credentials were on the same name tag with some overlaps like for Flight/CCT teams.

Ex. RN/EMT-P, RN/RRT, RRT/EMT-P

We do have one PA who is back on the job as an RRT since the clinic he worked for closed. We also have NPs working the floors again s/p layoffs.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

I'd suggest talking with a lawyer (Lord forgive me) because the worst case I can imagine is being in court trying to deal with the difference in license levels.

[morphed]

I'd suggest talking with a lawyer (Lord forgive me) because the worst case I can imagine is being in court trying to deal with the difference in license levels.

I had a similar thought. You're held to the highest license you have; I know if you are working as an LPN but have your RN too, you're actually still held accountable as an RN, not an LPN. I don't know how this would work with an RN and PA license though.

[luvthegsp]

I had a similar thought. You're held to the highest license you have; I know if you are working as an LPN but have your RN too, you're actually still held accountable as an RN, not an LPN. I don't know how this would work with an RN and PA license though.

You are held to the standard of care for the license that you are working under.

[cuteebeautee]

I'm just starting off in nursing school wish me luck:up:

[morphed]

You are held to the standard of care for the license that you are working under.

I don't think so. Maybe it is applicable in the RN/PA situation, but the RN/LPN situation has been discussed many times here and everyone seems to agree that even if you are an RN working as an LPN, in a court of law, you are held accountable to your RN.

[elkpark]

You are held to the standard of care for the license that you are working under.

Your employer tells you not to exceed the scope of the license under which you're working, but, if anything goes wrong enough to end up in court, the courts will hold you to the standard of your highest level of education and licensure, regardless of what your title was at work at the time. Legally, you don't get to "forget" you're a PA just because you're working as an RN that day (or forget you're an RN because you're working as an LPN, etc.). That's what creates the conflict and potential problems with holding dual licensure and working below your (highest) level of licensure. Lots of employers just won't hire (allow) people to work at a "lower" level, because of the additional confusion about scope and role and potential liability. People can choose to do it, generally, if they find an employer who doesn't mind, but IMO it's important to be aware of the risks you're taking. Probably nothing will go seriously wrong, but you never know.

I know there are older threads here that discuss this at more length and have actual sources/citations posted.

[NeoPediRN]

Yes. I applied to PA school and will keep my RN as a back up as well as extra income if I do get accepted. However, I could not be a PA where I work as an RN.