Can I work as LPN once I have RN license?

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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Hey everyone, I know this sounds like a strange question, and I am going to try my best to explain.

I am a LPN currently finishing my ADN (9/2011) and planning on going on to get my BSN (starting 10/2011) at a different school all within the same metro area.

So if I take and pass the NCLEX in October (a requirement for the BSN program), can I work as a LPN at my current job while in school, or do I have to try and find a new job as a RN? I work as an agency nurse, with 24 years experience and very few if any jobs around here for RN's, many that require a minimum 1 year experience that I will not have to be able to apply for the positions. :confused:

This subject has also come up with others in my ADN program who are CNA's and scrub tech's who are worried that they will not be able to find a job right away as RN's, and wonder if they can keep working as CNA's or Scrub Tech's.

Thanks for all the help in advance!!

Here is my question and answer from the Massachusetts BON.

"I am a recent grad Rn and am still looking for employment after 4 months. I was wondering if it is legal to take an LPN job to get some experience, even though I only have an RN license?"

Answer: "To practice as an LPN you would need to get an LPN license."

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

As strange as this may sound, as an RN, you can do the work of an LPN if you are hired as an RN or hired as an LPN. But you will never be hired as an LPN if you don't have an LPN license. Human resources have to be able present proper credentials to the powers-that-be of all employees hired in all positions or face the consequences involving accreditation, etc.

It is unfortunate that you haven't found a job in 4 months. Believe it or not, there are LPNs in your shoes as well. So sad....I read on here a while back where a nurse was being evicted from her home because she was unable to find a job. Keep searching. The jobs are there.mit might just require extending the boundary lines a bit more. Good luck!

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