RN with LPN license

[Rhonda V]

I have been an RN for 10 years, and I recently decided to re-activate my LPN license. The reason I did so is because some of the places I'd like to work (like walk-in clinics) are only wanting to hire LPN's. I know I'd be making less money, but that's OK. These are the types of jobs that I'm most interested in. So far I've been turned down by two places before even getting an interview. I thought that having an LPN license in addition to an RN license would make me a more desireable choice. I know that it might look questionable why an RN would want to work as an LPN, but I'm not asking to be paid as much as an RN. Can you think of any reasons why they'd turn me down? Am I too overqualified? Thank You!

[mingez]

Wow. Keep your head up! I'm thinking you're right, they may be seeing you as being "Over-qualified".

Use your cover-letter to convey that message! Explain that you prefer the walk-in clinic setting. Tell them exactly what you just told us. Perhaps if they knew you weren't expecting any special compensation or treatment then you would be considered more of an asset. Maybe that'll get you in the door.

When I used to conduct interviews, I'd occasionally get the "Please don't consider me over-qualified" applicant. I'd appreciate the candor of such a statement and consider them every time. The issue is that such applicants are perceived as "short-timers" or not serious about the job. But if you tell them that you desire to specifically work in that type of setting (The walk-in clinic) I'm sure you'll get better results with some persistence.

Good luck to you!

[Rhonda V]

Correction: Actually, I've only been turned down once so far. The first LPN job I applied for was in a family practice clinic. The job posting got cancelled. Anyhow, I was really hoping to get the walk-in clinic job, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. Still, I'm really surprised why they wouldn't consider me.

[CraigB-RN, MSN, RN]

I've never been anywere were you could have both licenses. Everywere I've been you give up your LPN when you get the RN. If you've still got the RN, you liability may still be as an RN. I'd do a little more homework on the legality of it all.

As to getting hired. If you resume was to come across my diesk, my eyebrows woule rise and I'd wonder if there was something fishy going on.

Good luck and be carefull.

[Drysolong]

I've never been anywere were you could have both licenses. Everywere I've been you give up your LPN when you get the RN. If you've still got the RN, you liability may still be as an RN. I'd do a little more homework on the legality of it all.

As to getting hired. If you resume was to come across my diesk, my eyebrows woule rise and I'd wonder if there was something fishy going on.

Good luck and be carefull.

CraigB-RN: Hi, I notice you are in GA as I am. One of my previous instructors had both LPN and RN license. She stated specifically that she always kept up her LPN and CNA licenses just in case.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

I think even if working as PN you will still be held to RN level, something to be aware of

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

I have both licenses current. I am in PA. I hope you get a job you will like!

[CraigB-RN, MSN, RN]

I'm not sure what the "just case" mentality entails. Anything that would make you loose one license will probably make you loose them all.

It just surprises me. Bt then again, I've never done that, so other than the places were I was in nursing administration, I never looked at it. I'm not convinced that professionally it is a safe thing to to. It's hard enough keeping scope of practice issues straight now,

[BinkieRN, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't re-instate my LPN license. I would tell them that you are an RN but that you are willing to work for an LPN salary in order to obtain the position you want. RN for LPN pay, I would think the clinic would jump on that

[Jules A, MSN]

Please check with your nurse practice act. Imo you will be wasting your money to reinstate your LPN license because your RN negates it. When I was a LPN I tried applying for a CNA position in an advanced speciality just to get my foot in the door, but no dice, since I was already a LPN I wasn't legally allowed to practice below my scope. Good luck.

[MikeyJ, RN]

If you are hired on as an LPN, I would be sure to self-advocate... because there may be the slight chance that the clinic hires you as an LPN, pays you LPN wages, and then asks you to do work that is only in the RN scope-of-practice.

I've heard of nurse practitioners who go back to bedside nursing and get taken advantage of and are asked to do things that are outside of the RN scope of practice.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I have friends that have maintained both licenses for job opportunities. One in particular obtained his LPN license while he was an an RN program. After obtaining his RN, he told me that he decided that he will keep both licenses because at this time, he is working in ICU as an RN, but enjoys working in home health, where he is caring for one patient for the day as an LPN. He says that he is still doing what he enjoys, and gets a bit more rest, so to speak. At the agency that does home care, RNs are not utilized this way, and he doesn't want to just stop in, do assessments and leave...wants to have a more intimate relationship with his clients. He does understand that he will be held to the standard of his higher license, but stated that he always plans to give good care.

Have another friend (I share this story alot on this forum, it seems) was an LPN, then, said that she decided to become an RN because there were more opportunities to do things she liked. After becoming an RN, she saw interesting positions for LPNs moreso (go figure). We work for an agency that calls me more than she because they can send several LPNs to a particular site, and only on RN to supervise us (and it isn't always my friend).

What I wonder, just to put a spin on it is this: Have there been any RNs that decided that they don't want to work as one, and then, reinstated their LPN license and let the RN lapse? If so, was this a conflict to do so, or compromising to find jobs?