Now an RN, BSN .. Should I keep my LVN/LPN or Retire it?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in CVICU and Trauma.

I recently graduated from an RN, BSN program. However, I started out as an LVN/LPN. What should I do with that license? Retire it? Retiring it costs the same to renew, I just wouldn't have to do the CE's for it. Any other ideas of what to do?

Is there anyone else out there who had their LVN/LPN first and are now an RN .. if so what did you do with it?

Thanks,

GB

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I've never had a LPN/LVN license but I personally would keep it. I wish I kept my CNA so that I could utilize it as a tool to be better accepted by them, to say that, "I was/am one of them."

Aystole BSN, RN

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Specializes in Addiction, Psych, Geri, Hospice, MedSurg.

Not sure what you mean by retiring it. When we attain our RN, our LPN is useless and bumped up to an RN degree. We don't have to pay to retire it, we just don't renew it.

Asytole RN, you'll ALWAYS be on of them. I was a CNA from '94-'99 when I became an LPN. I will always be one of them when I get my RN degree. It doesn't take away from anything, it just add very valuable experience.

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I just let mine lapse. It cost me nothing.

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Hi Gingerbell,

Congratulations on Graduating, that is so awesome!

:yeah:

I had an Instructor that has kept her LVN license now for about 20+ years and she highly recommended to always keep it active because she said you never know what can happen in life and if you got your RN license taken away or revoked for any reason, you will still be able to work as an LVN. Not so expensive to keep active either. But that was her feelings, I see her point and kinda agree. It can't hurt to keep it!

BTW, I was wondering what program you went to and if you were in CA. I am currently an LVN and have more than half of my BSN prerequisites completed. I was looking to apply to either Holy Names University or University of Pheonix. Any Advice you can give would be great! :confused:

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

I just let my LPN lapse. I don't buy it that if you lost your RN license that you would be allowed to work as an LPN. As soon as someone verified your LPN license it would surely pop up that you also had a revoked RN license....who's gonna proceed to hire you at that point. Sounds like rubbish to me!

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Specializes in none.
I recently graduated from an RN, BSN program. However, I started out as an LVN/LPN. What should I do with that license? Retire it? Retiring it costs the same to renew, I just wouldn't have to do the CE's for it. Any other ideas of what to do?

Is there anyone else out there who had their LVN/LPN first and are now an RN .. if so what did you do with it?

Thanks,

GB

Here in Jersey you can't have an LPN license and RN license. I would just let the LPN license expire. Doesn't cost you a thing to let it lapse. But get your RN license first.

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Specializes in CVICU and Trauma.

I think I've decided to keep my LVN until I find employment as an RN. I believe California lets us keep both. I currently have a job as an LVN so that will pay the student loans until I get a new job. So I'll pay for one renewal. It's sad for me though, I had such a rough start in life and I really worked so hard for my LVN and I have always been very proud of it. But upward and onward (is that how the saying goes? LOL)! Thanks to those who replied!

:nurse: GB

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Specializes in Home Health,ID/DD, Pediatrics.

Where I got my RN you can't hold both. You are legally required to practice under the highest license you have, which would be an RN. From the point of RN licensure on LPN license is no longer usable (in my area). I believe in several states it is this way.

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Specializes in CVICU and Trauma.

Misscandy ... PM me and I'll answer whatever questions you want about my program.

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Specializes in CVICU and Trauma.

Danaroo .. I REALLY hope that's not the case for California! I work for the State and they won't let me work under the higher license until I apply and get hired on as that higher license. They can't let me work as an RN at LVN pay (I'm told). So for now I have to continue to sign "LVN" after my name at work :no: . I think I will call the California Board of Registered Nurses on Monday and ask just to make sure!

I did just get an 18 week new grad residency position in the ICU but it doesn't start for 5 more weeks and even then it's not enough hours to pay the bills.

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I have met many nurses in CA who maintain both licenses. Expensive but possible.

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