Restricted license LPN vs. RN

Nurses Recovery

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Hi Guys,

Im hoping you all can give me some insight and advice. I will be starting nursing school soon and Im pretty sure I will start out with some kind of restricted and/or probationary license for a past addiction problem and a criminal conviction on my record.

Anyhow, the nursing school I will be attending offers 2 programs. The LPN program and the RN program.

Do you think it would be easier to get hired with a restricted license as a LPN? (Since LPN's are usually working under a RN), or is it easier to find a job as a RN with a restricted license due to a larger variety of jobs?

I thought I could work as a LPN until my sentence is up, then do the bridge program to RN. Im assuming they dont make you go through the whole ordeal a second time when you become a RN....at least I hope not!

Thanks for any and all replies.

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I would suggest doing some research in your community on what's out there. I know in my community we really don't have any LPN's. There are RN and MA. Just put it in gods hands and go for it. I started out with a monitored license (still on the program) and was nervous that I would get a job. I had the same past issues you with addiction. I went to one interview and was hired on the spot. I was honest and open about my past and made a point to explain how I am a better person because of it. I wish you the same fortune god has give to me. Good luck on whatever you decide!

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From a year of perusing around this site I would say it's equally difficult to obtain positions whether an lpn or Rn. I know in my state, alaska, they higher fewer and fewer lpns, typically lpns work in out long term care centers (which by the way is an amazing job), and RNs work hospitals, education, and community.

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Specializes in PDN; Burn; Phone triage.

They may make you re-do the program. Some states make nurses who have successfully completed programs years ago re-do a program when getting licensed in another state. I would ask.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Wouldn't it be prudent to check with the BON to find out if they will even allow you to become licensed? Its been a while but I believe before we graduated we all had to do a background check for the BON. It wouldn't make sense to me to go through school and then not be able to be licensed.

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Wouldn't it be prudent to check with the BON to find out if they will even allow you to become licensed? Its been a while but I believe before we graduated we all had to do a background check for the BON. It wouldn't make sense to me to go through school and then not be able to be licensed.

Hi Jules,

Yes, I do think it would be better if the BON would tell me upfront if I can get licensed, before attending school. I agree with you. Unfortunately the BON does not see it that way and will only say that they will make a determination on a case by case basis after I apply to take the NCLEX. Its stressful to say the least...

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Specializes in Special Education (children/adults).

I went through something similar to your problem. I was looking into nursing school but wasn't sure if I was able to be a nurse with my background and my current medication I was on. (I'm a recovering heroin addict on Methadone). There are a few charges that if you have them on your record you will NOT be able to become a licensed nurse. Then there is the fact that they go "case by case". I'm in PA and I have a Paraphernalia charge and a possession charge that happened 10 years ago. Even though a background check is done at the school it does not guarantee you to get a license if you graduate from school. (which i'm sure you know) It a toss up, a gamble for sure. A scary and expensive one, but if you are determined and do your research you should be fine. I graduated LPN school Aug. 2014, I had t o then get an Authorization To Test for the Nclex and to do that I had to write to the BON about my convictions. I also sent in a background check. It took them a few days to determine that I was able to test. I did NOT disclose my Methadone medicine, because number one I feel that is none of their business and number two, it's none of their business. :) I did explain how I was in therapy and going to D&A outpatient meetings etc.

I guess long story short, find the list of charges that absolutly keep you from becoming an LPN and then go from there. BEST OF LUCK! Do not give up! If I can do it, a crap ton of other people can!!!!

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