Is it possible to be registered in British Columbia as an LPN and RN at the same time

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 12, 2012

I would check with the Board of Nursing (or whatever they call it in Canada) in British Columbia for the most accurate answer.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 14, 2012

Moved to the Canadian Nurses forum for more responses.

Fiona59 · May 15, 2012

A better question is why would you want to be?

They are two different professions requiring registration with two different Colleges.

I mean if you enjoy paperwork and want to spend close to $1K in registration fees.....

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 15, 2012

I'm guessing that the OP has both licenses but is having a hard time finding a RN job and/or can only find LVN work...that would be the main reason I think one would want to hold both licenses. But I'm not Canadian so I don't know how that works up there.

Fiona59 · May 16, 2012

I'm guessing that the OP has both licenses but is having a hard time finding a RN job and/or can only find LVN work...that would be the main reason I think one would want to hold both licenses. But I'm not Canadian so I don't know how that works up there.

The OP has only one other post and it's about starting their own agency in the UK, so it appears they are still living there and haven't migrated to Canada, so this whole discussion is moot.

Canada isn't hiring overseas anymore unless they are looking for extremely specialized nurses. BC (especially the lowermainland and island) pretty much is bare of jobs for any grade of nurse. The jobs in Northern communities really aren't for new grads or people who don't "get" the cultures up there.

uk.nurse · May 16, 2012

Thanks for the replies. I am still in the UK. The reason I'm exploring being registered as an RN and LPN is to cast a bigger net for employment. I thought maybe if I can't find work as an RN then maybe I could find an LPN position.

Fiona59 · May 16, 2012

Honestly, I can't see a nurse manager hiring you as an LPN if you have an RN permit. They know that you will just be marking time whilst looking for an RN line. If you enjoy Geriatrics and LTC, you can always find work as an LPN in LTC. Personally, I'd work at Tim Hortons before going back to LTC.

The scope of practice has a very fine line between the two in most provinces. I found BC less LPN friendly and was glad to move on. My skill set is very specific and in Alberta were appreciated. In BC, I was told I couldn't work in my specialty area because I wasn't an RN.

RN_Canada · May 19, 2012

You can have a dual license...however, you can never give up your obligation to work according to professional standards.

So with dual license if you work as an LPN, you get paid as a LPN and you do LPN work within their legislated scope of practice, but you would be expected to work under your RN professional standards. If you have a RN license you cannot abrogate those standards.