Question regarding RN wanting to work as LPN

[Rhonda V]

Hi! I have been an RN since 1998 and before that time, I worked as an LPN. Once I became an RN, I stopped renewing my LPN license. Lately, I've had the desire to return to office nursing. I've noticed that many Dr offices aren't looking to hire RN's, and they want LPN's instead. I've had an interest in applying at a few places, but don't know how they'd feel about hiring me as an RN. When I first became an RN, I was told that I no longer needed to keep my LPN license current, but now I wish that I had.

I know it probably doesn't look that good for an RN wanting to work as an LPN, and it brings up questions, but I don't mind the pay-cut in exchange for an office job with regular hours.

Is it possible to keep both licenses and work as either an RN or LPN? I'm planning to contact my state board of nursing to see how I'd go about reactivating my LPN license which I received in 1996. I would like to know your opinions on this matter, and if you think it's OK to do this.

Thank You!

Rhonda, RN

[suzanne4, RN]

If you are an RN, you will be held to those standards, no matter what your pay is or the title that you are working under.

Not sure where you live, but there are plenty of physician's offices that want the RN there. I would try to do that first.

Best of luck with whatever that you do.

[caliotter3]

If your LPN license has been expired more than four years, you will have to take the boards again, and may have to go to school again. Your state's board can give you the required info. It doesn't matter what job ad you answer. You must show your RN license to your prospective employer. It is a mutual understanding what your job title would be and what the pay would be, as well as any differences in job descriptions. If you are willing to work for the lower wages of an LPN, as an RN, you are more desirable to the medical practice. Legally, remember that you will be held to the standards of the higher license, should the topic come up in court or with your board(s).