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!

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

That's a question I will (hopefully, please GOD) face in another year -- does the RN automatically cancel out the LPN? I know if you call the board's automated line, they will give you the LPN number and then the RN number, so at least for a time there's an overlap, or do you carry both licenses as long as you keep both paid for/CEs, etc?

With the little nut cases we've had on the floor this week, they'd just use the double license as an excuse to try to sue you twice for not bringing them ice water q5minutes while on a fluid restriction....

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

That's a question I will (hopefully, please GOD) face in another year -- does the RN automatically cancel out the LPN? I know if you call the board's automated line, they will give you the LPN number and then the RN number, so at least for a time there's an overlap, or do you carry both licenses as long as you keep both paid for/CEs, etc?

With the little nut cases we've had on the floor this week, they'd just use the double license as an excuse to try to sue you twice for not bringing them ice water q5minutes while on a fluid restriction....

In New York, you can maintain both as long as you pay for both. The disadvantage, though, is that if something happens, you are held to the standards of the higher license, which is why most let the LPN lapse. I do know quite a few people that do maintain both, and even one of my professors holds recipocrcy (sorry for the typo) for her LPN in several states, even though she is a Master's Degree RN. Why? Who knows?

[Xbox Live Addict]

The fact that you've earned license and title aside, keep in mind that any staff screwups - including those of LPNs - are likely to be put on YOUR tab, if the NH finds itself in trouble. They could claim that since you were the RN in-house, you were responsible for supervising the care given by the LPNs and CNAs.

Since you are being held to the standards of the higher license, you should also be reaping the benefits of being held more responsible than your co-workers. You need to be recognized as an RN, with RN pay. Don't let the NH cheat you, and don't cheat yourself out of what you have earned and what you are accountable for.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

we have patient care techs working with us while they go through nursing school. they graduate, take their boards and most of them pass. they continue to work with us until they start their new jobs as rns -- sometimes in our unit, sometimes not. they continue to function as techs until the day they start their orientation as nurses. that means their computerized signature on vital signs, glucose checks, etc. is "joe schmoe, pct" not "joe schmoe, rn" until the day their rn orientation classes start. they may be rns in the interim, but they're not hired, compensated or treated as rns until the arbitrary date their rn employment starts.

[nursiemellie]

Thanks for all of the responses! :heartbeat

Well my supervisors aren't very sure either. But from the responses that I'm getting about being held to the RN standards of care, I should just give in my RN papers. It seems like either way, I AM an RN, and if something were to happen then it's still on ME despite that I'm currently employed as an LPN. Also, like many have said, I worked hard to become an RN and deserve to be recognized as one. Thanks again.