LPN and RN license

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2008

Hi...This might be a silly question, but I have and LPN license and just became an RN (got my license a month ago). Do I need to keep my LPN license up to date, or do I just let it go?

I would think that unless you're in California, which has separate nursing boards, your state board would just upgrade your license. If not, what's the point? It doesn't give you any increased scope of practice, and if you ever plan to take an LPN position for some reason, you'd be held to RN standards (without RN pay) anyways.

crawlyberry · Sep 7, 2008

Thank you....Just wanted to make sure.:wink2:

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2008

Thank you....Just wanted to make sure.:wink2:

That was just my opinion-- It can't hurt to ask your board of nursing.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 7, 2008

I was an LPN too prior to becoming an RN - I just let the LPN expire as the states I've been licensed in (NV, IN, IL) do not allow you to hold both an LPN and RN license.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2008

Thanks for asking this. I'm (almost) an RN, and am never sure if I should use LPN or GN. Not that it matters in my job - I'm not clinical, so not signing.

RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 7, 2008

you are held to the SOP of an RN now, no matter what role you are in, LPN or RN. so why bother keeping LPN.

Or thats what i was taught.

-H-RN

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2008

yep, same concept as CNA...once you get that RN license, you are held to that practice act....so, let the CNA go...

Thornbird · Sep 7, 2008

Most people just let the old license expire rather than "cancelling" it. LPN/GN's can use either or both titles until the RN license is issued. Depending upon where you work, continuing to work under your LPN license gives you somewhat more autonomy like not having to have things co-signed while you are waiting. Most of things that are actually out of the LPN scope of practice you don't get to right away in orientation/preceptorship.