RN but wants to work as an LPN

[Rhonda V]

I've been an RN for almost 10 years, but now I'm thinking about working as an LPN. I often find some good LPN jobs that I'd like to apply for, but I'm afraid they would not consider me if I'm an RN. I like clinic/office nursing, but most of the time they are looking for LPN's. I didn't keep my LPN license after becoming an RN because I heard it over-rides the LPN license. I know most clinics want LPN's so they don't have to pay them as much as RN's. Is it possible to have both licenses? I'm not concerned with the reduced pay, but I know it would be taking a step back.

[lil' girl, LPN]

You want to work as an LPN but it would be taking a step back? Could you please explain to me what you mean?

If you feel it is taking a step back then why do it?

Just call me LPN

[suzanne4, RN]

You are going to have issues with that as since you have been trained as an RN, you will be expected to live up to thos expectations and function as such as long as you have passed the licensing exam.

If you did not pass it, then it would be another story.

Suggest that you check out your BON and their take on it, we are starting to see more and more posted about this. Even if you take the job as an LPN and with that pay, you will be expected to function in the role of the RN as long as you hold that license.

I would seriously reconsider what you want to do and why you wish to do it, it may not be in your best interest to do so per your BON.

[Rhonda V]

I'm not implying that LPN's are less than RN's. It's just that I put a lot into getting my RN....lot's of studying, test taking, stress, and anxiety. I think I would have been very comfortable working as an LPN and making good money, but at the time everyone said to go for the RN. I don't think there is really that much difference between an LPN and RN...just more education and what you legally can and cannot do in the clinical setting. I think LPN's sometimes get the better jobs, but aren't paid as much.

[lil' girl, LPN]

Well then Rhonda you should do what your heart tells you. If you think you want to do LPN work then go for it. You can always change your mind.

[CHATSDALE]

i know some nurses who kept their lpn liscense after becoming a rn but after a few years they usually dropped it..i think that they were just holding on to a life raft in case they felt they were not going to 'make it' as an lpn

i think that you can find a job as an rn that suits you good luck

[Valanda]

You might be surprised if you applied to some of the jobs requesting an LPN. I am an LPN, but there have been times when I have worked as a CNA. I totally understand the "reduced stress" idea. Seems like generally the employer has a specific list of duties they need done and if all they must have is an LPN then that is what they ask for, but if they can get an RN at the same wage or slightly more, then they may consider it. Depending on the job, your list of duties/responsibilities may be no different.

[caliotter3]

When I was in RN school I asked the question about keeping my CNA certification as well as my LVN license once I got the RN license. The instructor stated that working lower than an RN level when holding the RN license is not advisable because legally one is held to the higher standard of practice. My state's board has a position paper on this subject. It is true that you can work at the LPN level, if you want to. The trick will be finding someone to hire you in this capacity without an explanation on your part that they can accept. They should be overjoyed to get an RN for the price of an LPN. I work in home health and LVNs and RNs are hired in the same capacity. So essentially they are doing the same job. Particularly when you consider that most of our clients are LPN level care level. Usually an RN will be paid a little more for the same work because they are an RN. Good luck finding the job that suits you.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

As mentioned by others, I know plenty of RNs that continue to hold an LPN license. Some let it lapse after a time, while others keep it active and work in both. But, you WILL be held to the responsibility and expectations of an RN if you keep both active, and I suspect that even if you let the RN lapse, it may still be considered because you have in fact, learned the legal ramifications of an RNs scope of practice.

One of my girlfriends told me that she moved on to become an RN because she did not receive as many opportunities, but when she did become one, she started seeing interesting things offered to LPNs, so, go figure! Anyway, I would certainly ask the BON, and do what is best for you. Sometimes, it is not always the money, but the responsibility and accountablity that drain people. Good luck, and I'd be interested to know what your BON says about this matter.