RN or LPN signature

[nursiemellie]

I became an official RN in July. I've been working at a nursing home as an LPN for a little over a year, and I'm still there while I look for RN jobs in the hospital. Everyone there knows that I'm an RN already, but I haven't officially changed my title from LPN to RN for fear of being kicked out since they're not really hiring RNs as much anymore. So I'm still receiving the LPN rate and benefits. The LPNs and RNs have basically the same responsibilities. When writing my nurses notes, should I put "Jane Smith, LPN" or "Jane Smith, RN"? I've been signing as an LPN since I have not changed my title there yet. But I was curious about this. Thanks!

[JB2007, ASN, RN]

I would think that you would have to sign you name Jane Smith RN. Personally, I would talk to my manager and ask him/her why my title and benefits have not yet changed from an LPNs benifits to an RN benifits. Even though an RN's and an LPN's responsiblities are basically the same at your facility, you will be held to a higher standard if something should happen due to the RN after your name. It took a lot of hard work to earn the RN after your name and you deserve the added benefits and pay. Good Luck in what ever you decide to do.

[Batman24]

You should be signing with your accurate title which is RN. You should also ask about RN pay and benefits ASAP.

[lpnflorida]

I am not sure about what title to use. One part of me says you sign the title for which you are employed as. Another says, well maybe you would use Rn. Ask your DON what you should be doing.

[Lorie P.]

i would discuss with personel as to why i haven't been changed from lpn to rn.

most places you can not sign as an lpn if you recently became and rn and the lpn license are still active. you have to use the rn because of it being senior to lpn. just my advice.

also you need to contact your bon to find out the legal aspects of this if the facility you work for doesn't answer this for you.

by the way why would you continue to use lpn when you work so hard to earn a rn title?

[GOMER42]

I think that you'd sign your name as the title under which you work.

If you are working in the capacity of an LPN- you sign as an LPN.

[nursiemellie]

The facility has not changed me from LPN to RN because I have not submitted my papers to them. So as far as the facility paperwork goes, I'm an LPN. I didn't give them my papers yet because I would lose all of my union benefits, and start from scratch on 3 months probation, and obtaining benefits after 4-6 months. I'm waiting on a nurse manager from the OR in another hospital to give me the official hire there, and I would be starting in October, so I didn't know if it would be wise to give up my LPN benefits now, or to stick with them until I leave. I've been signing as LPN because that's what I'm employed as, not an RN.

[Batman24]

Call the BON and explain the situation and ask for their guidance and opinion. That's what I would do.

I hope you get the new job in the OR. Why in God's name would your current employer punish a LPN for becoming a RN?! You would have to start from scratch and wait for new benefits, etc.?! That makes no sense. I'd leave too before going through that. Did you check with your union on all of this?! What a nightmare.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Since the state typically would hold you to the standard of the higher level of nursing licensure if something were to go wrong, you really should be signing with the RN title after your name.

[lpnflorida]

Actually I worked with an LPN who then passed her RN licensure. At that facility and again times change and each facility might be different. She was instructed to use LPN as her title as that was the job title she was hired for.

I do not believe in this day and age that a person is able to maintain both licenses again I might be wrong about that one. But back then 11 years ago one could for a time anyway.

I have not seen this come up where I presently work. The most recent LPN on the unit who passed her RN boards was hired on our unit as an RN. Perhaps that is what makes the difference.

I will be interested to know how this comes out.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Not sure, but I think that if you are on payroll as an LPN, and functioning as an LPN, this is how you should sign, for now. Another thought of mine is that while you are an RN in title, you are not oriented as an RN in that unit right now. They may function similarly, but there has to be a defining factor that seperates the LPN from the RN at your facility. Not being oriented, how would you know? I would call the BON though, because in actuality, you are an RN, and I suspect you may be held to those standards. It is a fine line, I believe. Most times, at my job, people who have successfully transitioned from LPN to RN are usually told how long they may have to wait for a position or are advised on what current positions are open. I don't know of any that have waited longer than 6 weeks.

[BinkieRN, BSN, RN]

Don't delay! You earned your RN, you deserve to sign it. Submit the paperwork. You may be pleasantly surprised.