can an rn work as an lpn or med tech

Nurses General Nursing

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Can an rn apply and get hired in a position that says lpns only?if I have no lpn license, will my title still be rn or will it be lpn? Same with med techs and cna level 2. When I was in nj,there was a big pay difference between rn and lpn(30/hr vs 22/hr.) Down in Nc, there is only a dollar difference(20 vs 21) which is why ill take the dollar pay cut bc its not so big. Also cnas have levels which is unheard of in nj. Cnas level 2 or 3 can basically do everything. Rns can do. I don't have an lpn license ic nc but in nj I let it expire. These hourly rates are for long term care and home care shift work.

Most employers who allow this require the appropriate license. Most RNs who work below their license work as CNAs in hospital settings or in home health getting paid the LPN rate of pay for LPN level case work. Theoretically it is possible, but not advised due to the legal issues.

I think that you should check with your state board of nursing. I believe that you must hold an LPN license to work as an LPN, are you asking if you could work a job that was advertising for an LPN as an RN? I believe you could, it would be between you and your employer and you would probably have to accept the LPN rate of pay.

The state I live in just had an article in their newsletter about working in an unlicensed position. They said that you can do it, but you shouldn't tell people that you are licensed, because they will ask you to do more than your position encompasses. It also said that you can only practice in the UAP scope, the scope of the job you are working.

I believe no matter what position you hold you are still accountable for your license as an RN and everything that goes with it.

Specializes in Sub Acute/Rehab; LTC.

I agree. If you accept an LPN position, you would still be required to perform as prudent RN in the same situation. In other words, if something happened to a patient requiring the skills of an RN, you could not say, your in a LPN position and shouldn't have to do it. However, checking with you State BONE is the best way to be sure.

By the way, out of curiosity, how are many putting pictures on their profile. Too cool!!

Specializes in Med/Surg.

I'm sure if you apply at some of these places as an RN they would take you over an LPN. MHO

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

"I'm sure if you apply at some of these places as an RN they would take you over an LPN"

I disagree. Hiring an overqualified applicant usually leads to a short-timer. An RN would likely jump at any higher-paying RN position as soon as he/she found one. Most employers would sooner hire underqualified applicants and train them, than hire overqualified.

Specializes in Sub Acute/Rehab; LTC.

Very true. Speaking as an employer (I do the hiring at my facility) if an applicant "settled" for a position he/she is over qualified, I would suspect that the position would re-open as soon as he/she found a suitable position. The same with job status. If someone is seeking full-time, but settles for a part-time position, I would suspect he/she would be still looking for a full time position.

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