Dual Licenses? LPN and RN?

[SushiJoe]

I'm starting a 12 month LPN program next week. My plan is to sit for the NCLEX-PN and then go into the RN program at a local college that accepts all of my credits from the LPN program. Once I get my RN license, what happens to my LPN license? Can I keep both?The reason I'm asking is that I'm not sure which area of nursing I want to go into yet, but a lot of the things that interest me are not in a hospital setting. In my area (greater Philadelphia) many of these job openings are listed for LPNs and they prefer to hire LPNs over RNs (which makes financial sense). Would I have a hard time getting one of these positions if I replaced my LPN with a RN?

[Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM]

Here is what the problem is: When you work as an RN, you are expected to perform the job to the skill level of an RN and if anything goes wrong, that is the level of training that the state will hold you to.

The state doesn't care what your job title is or how much you get paid, what they care about, is your certifications. You can't take an LPN-level job and "forget" that you have RN training. Therefore, it cannot be used as an excuse if something goes wrong.

[SushiJoe]

Here is what the problem is: When you work as an RN, you are expected to perform the job to the skill level of an RN and if anything goes wrong, that is the level of training that the state will hold you to.I understand that much, but from an employers perspective, would having a RN license prevent me from getting a LPN job, say in LTC, subacute, or behavioral health?The state doesn't care what your job title is or how much you get paid, what they care about, is your certifications. You can't take an LPN-level job and "forget" that you have RN training. Therefore, it cannot be used as an excuse if something goes wrong.

I understand that much, but from an employers perspective would having a RN license keep me from getting hired for a LPN position?

[Juan-RN]

It's my understanding that when you get your RN license, your LPN/LVN license becomes inactive/invalid. At least, that's how it is in Ohio.

[alyiana]

You cannot have 2 licenses. The RN can do everything the LPN can do and more so your LPN license would be invalid. I don't know if they would NOT hire you because you are an RN or not. I say still apply to jobs that ask for LPN's after you have your RN because you might get a job. When I was looking for my first RN job I applied at several LPN jobs that asked for experience working as an LPN figuring that my higher degree might be just as good as work experience in my employers eyes. I didn't get a lot of call backs but it did lead to my current job in LTC, so I guess it worked.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

It does vary state to state........Some states YOu can pay to have two licenses if you wish but you will be held responsible to the higher of the two.

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

I carry two licenses ...RN and LVN...the reason though is I went to EC and if I move to a state that does not accept them I will have to practice as a LVN. ..I know a lot of people that keep both of their licenses active.