Is it possible to work as an LVN when you are a RN??

Sour Lemon · Oct 1, 2016

I have been wondering about this concept. I am basically burned out. I've been a nurse for over 26 years. I worked NICU for 24 years now I work in a busy call center for over a year. My ideal job would be in a clinic at this point. Every time I look online through my organization almost all of the clinic jobs are for LVNs. I think RNs stay in their clinic jobs and never leave. I want to find out how much the LVNs get paid and go from there. I might be willing to take a substantial pay cut. However maybe the legality of it wont work out. Can a RN work as a LVN??

You would still be an RN, but if you're willing to take a pay cut, they might bite. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 1, 2016

Just remember that no matter the job title or description, the BON is going to hold you to the standards of the highest level of licensure you hold.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Oct 8, 2016

OP- you might want to consider home care peds. Your NICU background would serve you well, the pace is ....well, a LOT slower. Find the right client and it's almost not like work.

At one point in my career, it kept me from walking away.

elkpark · Oct 8, 2016

Just remember that no matter the job title or description, the BON is going to hold you to the standards of the highest level of licensure you hold.

And the courts, also, if anything ever went wrong enough to end up in court.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2016

All the docs offices use the MAs now and the MAs work under the docs license. They start at min wage sometimes. If they're long term I've seen them get more. The docs are mainly about saving money. Go and apply and tell them your story and that you're willing to take a big cut. It doesn't matter what your title because you are an RN and that's the standard you are held to no matter if it says CNA after you name.

I can tell you what will happen. The doc will lean on you big time so I would be careful. Because of your experience they will expect extra from you. Docs offices can be very hectic, especially a clinic.

Foster care homes are big these days (only need CNA cert to do that). That's some fair cash if you have an extra bedroom or two. Starting a nursing agency is also another one. You're an RN, you can hang your shield and open up a small business in what you like. My girlfriend just started a nursing consult business. Brainstorm; what makes you happy? With all that experience you could set up anything. Also, home health is good.

lindseylpn · Oct 10, 2016

You can apply for LPN jobs but, your job title will still be RN. My job used to post jobs as LPN needed but, RNs and LPNs would both apply. Now they post jobs as LPN or RN needed. My job has separate RN and LPN pay but, I once worked at a clinic that would occasionally hire RNs but, only at an LPN pay rate.

smartnurse1982 · Oct 10, 2016

Ah,this question comes up frequently.

With the big push for the Bsn,we better believe this question will come up even more.

Back when I posted this question in 2010,many said you would need an Lpn license,which now that I think about it,did not make sense.

An Rn's education encompasses everything an Lpn does,so why would one need an Lpn license specifically?

Considering that Lpn's and Rn's could work as nursing assistants without Cna certification made it even more confusing.

I would love for an Rn that applied and got hired in a position advertising for an Lpn to post their experience.