Renew LPN if RN?

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2013

No. Just drop it. You are always held to your highest license anyway.

netglow, ASN, RN · Mar 30, 2013

Wait!!!

Search AN "RN working as LPN" read those threads. Some have found it wise to keep their LPN in hard times dependent on what job presents itself. But you need to see if it's OK with your BON.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Mar 30, 2013

I renewed my LPN license before I took my boards for the RN. If the market is tight, I would keep it. I did not know if I was going to have a job immediately after boards or pass for the first time; I did pass the first time, but in my area, I expected to wait for almost 1 year-18 months to get a position. It was about a year.

Now that I have a RN position, I may just drop the license when the next renewal occurs.

I suggest to keep the license, actively look for a RN position, and if you get a position, you can let the LPN expire; ask your BON how the process works.

SuzieVN · Mar 30, 2013

If your state allows both LPN and RN licenses, KEEP IT. There are possible unknown reasons why you don't want your LPN to expire/lapse. For a few hundred $, why risk anything? It gets more complex to have a license, more threats to them, etc. by the day. DON'T do it, says Nike!

MrsMig, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2013

Hmmm this is interesting... I must renew LPN right before obtaining RN... Never thought you could have both? I mean, the only diff in my state is delegations, PICC's, pain med pushes and hanging blood. If you are an RN.. Why couldn't you perform a job 'outlined' for an LPN? Scope would be narrower and less $$ but still within the scope of RN and not necessary to have LPN, specifically? Right? What's the diff?

SuzieVN · Mar 30, 2013

Every state is different, some don't allow dual licenses, some don't allow you to keep the lesser, some don't allow you to practice at a level lower than your highest license mandates. Welcome to the rabbit hole, Alice~

MrsMig, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2013

Every state is different some don't allow dual licenses, some don't allow you to keep the lesser, some don't allow you to practice at a level lower than your highest license mandates. Welcome to the rabbit hole, Alice~[/quote']
Hmmmm... Thanks. Pretty sure of my state but I (Alice) will look into it

Ella26, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2013

I was not aware that in some states you can have both. I renewed my LPN license in Oct. 2012 and graduated LPN-RN program in Dec. 2012. I passed NCLEX-RN in Feb. 2013 and on BON website both my licenses expire on same date (LPN and RN) in Oct. 2014. When I renew I will renew RN license only. I dont think my state will ultimately let me have both? I thought once you have your RN license you could not work as an LPN? thats tricky?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2013

Hmmm this is interesting... I must renew LPN right before obtaining RN... Never thought you could have both? I mean, the only diff in my state is delegations, PICC's, pain med pushes and hanging blood. If you are an RN.. Why couldn't you perform a job 'outlined' for an LPN? Scope would be narrower and less $$ but still within the scope of RN and not necessary to have LPN, specifically? Right? What's the diff?

Wrong-o. If you read the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, you will find that an RN has a great many more responsibilities and duties (by which I do not mean "tasks and assignments") than you think. Perhaps if that's your limited viewpoint you would be more comfortable being an LPN?

Bottom line: Ask your BON whether you even can hold both, and if so, if you can practice as an LPN when you are licensed as an RN (with all the responsibilities that license confers upon you-- you can't decide not to take them along with the license).

MrsMig, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2013

Wrong-o. If you read the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, you will find that an RN has a great many more responsibilities and duties (by which I do not mean "tasks and assignments") than you think. Perhaps if that's your limited viewpoint you would be more comfortable being an LPN?

What does that even mean? I'm talking about specifics to my BON... Not sure what you are referring to as it feels vague'. Your comment seems rude and condescending... Lets hope your not a DON ... Cause those comment are not encouraging or promoting to the nursing profession.

MrsMig, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2013

Wrong-o. If you read the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, you will find that an RN has a great many more responsibilities and duties (by which I do not mean "tasks and assignments") than you think. Perhaps if that's your limited viewpoint you would be more comfortable being an LPN?
Bottom line: Ask your BON whether you even can hold both, and if so, if you can practice as an LPN when you are licensed as an RN (with all the responsibilities that license confers upon you-- you can't decide not to take them along with the license).

Yeah... Still can't get your rude comment out of my head that you think I should stay a LPN ... Your gross!