New Grad BSN RN accepted an LVN position. Question?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 30, 2015

I can sense your frustration - I also think it's horrible that new grads are having so much trouble getting their careers started.

However, I would encourage you to check with your BON to determine their position on an RN accepting/working as an LVN. In my state, it is just not permitted. Basically, no matter what the job description says, if you are in a patient care role, you are obligated (by by your state nurse practice act) to perform according to your scope of licensure ... exercising the knowledge & judgement of an RN, no matter what the job description says.

This could create problems - for instance, what if you (employed in an LVN role) know that the RN you are working with is not providing adequate (RN-level) nursing care. According to my state's nurse practice act, you'd be obligated to take appropriate action, even if it means overstepping the bounds of your job title. That's why our BON just doesn't allow it at all.

Jobs come and go. But you only have one license. Make sure the situation is OK with your nurse practice act before accepting it.

tchampoux86 · Apr 30, 2015

Thank I will call the Cali BON. I both have my LVN and RN license.

~Shrek~ · Apr 30, 2015

I have accepted a per diem position as an LVN at a prestigious "magnet" hospital because I was so afraid I would be jobless for two years just like the other nurse from the managers story! [/Quote]
I have made a similar mistake by taking a job because I thought no one would hire me. I got burned and learned my lesson! There ARE jobs out there, even in competitive areas. We don't know the personal story of the RN working as an LVN and all the details of her resume. Maybe she only wanted to work at a magnet hospital. Maybe she didn't. We don't know. And it's wrong to compare yourself to others and make yourself miserable and worried based on the story of someone you don't even know! Trust me, I made the same mistake. I learned the hard way! Don't panic about turning down the job offer. You haven't started working yet, and a month is plenty of time for them to hire their second or third choice. Be polite and gracious and honest--tell the, you got an RN job. They have other people lined up and are prepared. Best wishes to you!

~Shrek~ · Apr 30, 2015

Good Evening Nurses,
I moved to a city where it is over-saturated with new grad RNs (I had no choice my husband got stationed here!). I've read multiple posts in regards to how hard it is to find jobs. I have interviewed at UCSD for an LVN position and the manager over there stated that it is harsh out there for New Grads as one of her LVNS who is an RN has been working for them for 2 years and is now leaving the state to work as an RN.
Well a few days after I got my NCLEX RN results (passed) I got my RN license number within 2-3 days at the breeze website. I went ahead and applied to a new grad RN position. I got a phone call within a week and I interviewed with the manager and a panel. A week later I was offered a position. I cried of course and thank God for the blessing.
But I have accepted a per diem position as an LVN at a prestigious "magnet" hospital because I was so afraid I would be jobless for two years just like the other nurse from the managers story! I haven't started orientation yet but I have done all the paperwork etc. (I don't start until next month)
I feel nauseous just thinking about what has happened because orientation at the magnet hospital is 1 week of computer training and following another nurse fulltime as an LVN for one month.
As for the RN position I haven't received a start date and I feel real anxious as it may overlap with my other position as an LVN.
Anyways. I am just venting! The RN position is Part Time at nights and the LVN position is Per Diem at nights.
Please advise and have a wonderful day!

EDIT: I didn't read the whole thing! I now wee you have a PART time offer, not a full time! Ok then you have to be honest and forthcoming with both and plan a schedule that works out.

tchampoux86 · Apr 30, 2015

Thank you for the tips.

caliotter3 · May 1, 2015

Start both jobs and see how it goes, all the way around. You don't want to categorically quit the LVN job for the RN job (and vice versa) in case the RN job does not work out. Better to be employed at a lower level nursing job than not at all. If at all possible, keep both jobs as long as possible to beef up your experience and resume for that next step. Do not get wrapped up in the RN vs. LVN thing. It does not pose a problem in the day to day operations of the job for the most part. Don't make that an artificial barrier. Maintain both licenses for maximum employability in the near future. Good luck.

cat1235 · May 15, 2015

Didn't even know it was legal to take a job that is below your license level ...besides the standard of care you'd be held to, what about pay? I thought legally they have to pay you as an RN and not LPN pay.... and if they are paying you as an RN then are you only held to LPN standards of care? So weird ... after going to school for an RN degree you deserve an RN job and RN pay all the way!!

caliotter3 · May 15, 2015

Didn't even know it was legal to take a job that is below your license level ...besides the standard of care you'd be held to, what about pay? I thought legally they have to pay you as an RN and not LPN pay.... and if they are paying you as an RN then are you only held to LPN standards of care? So weird ... after going to school for an RN degree you deserve an RN job and RN pay all the way!!

Depends upon the state where the nurse works. Some states do not allow working below one's license. Others do. Pay is a different dog. Good employers are always going to pay an RN more, even if not much, others use the level of the job, or the reimbursement rate as an excuse to take full advantage of the RN. But in all cases, an RN is always held to the RN scope of practice. But in matters of practicality, what RN working as a CNA, is going to fail to follow through when s/he observes something that requires intervention, telling themselves, "I'm only the CNA here?" Not likely. To avoid any questions, some employers refuse, as a matter of policy, to hire people below their license, even though allowed in that state.

elkpark · May 15, 2015

I thought legally they have to pay you as an RN and not LPN pay....

Huh? There's no "legally" about it. As long as employers aren't violating state or Federal employment law (like the state and/or Federal minimum wage law), they can offer whatever pay they see fit (what the market will bear), and it is up to potential employees to accept an offer or not. There's no such thing (legally) as "RN pay" or "LPN pay."