Should I renew my LPN license despite recently getting my RN license?

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Specializes in ICU.

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I received my LPN license back in 2019 & recently got my RN license a few weeks ago. At first I didn't consider renewing my LPN because it seemed silly.. why pay another $200 when I'm going to get my RN anyway, right. Can I not work as an LPN with my RN license? Just as I could work as a CNA with either LPN or RN.

Also, do I just let it expire or should I request inactive status? Is there any reason to renew it??

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I was a CNA when I was in nursing school. When I earned my RN license I kept my CNA certification active until it was time for renewal, then simply let it lapse. You don’t need dual licenses. And yes, you can work as an aide or an LPN, but you’ll be held to the standards of RN licensure. So working at a lower level doesn’t make much sense, either...unless your organization pays RN wages! That’s the only way I’d agree to take a CNA or LPN shift. I’m not above “grunt” work, but I want my regular wage because I’m going to be held responsible as an RN if something goes sideways and I don’t respond properly. Just my $0.02 worth.

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Some states automatically inactivate the other license. However, I would put it on inactive status because now that you're an RN, you'll be held responsible as an RN even if you were working in an LPN capacity. Plus, employers will have to pay you as an RN since that's the license you're working under.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
3 hours ago, NurseBlaq said:

now that you're an RN, you'll be held responsible as an RN even if you were working in an LPN capacity.

Exactly. There is no need to maintain your LPN license, OP.

3 hours ago, NurseBlaq said:

Plus, employers will have to pay you as an RN since that's the license you're working under.

No, they won't. If OP is working in an LPN role and chooses to remain there, her job title is LPN and that is all the facility is required to pay her. There is no law that requires RN pay for a non-RN job. That fact and the liability issues of being held to the level of licensure vs. the restrictions of the job role are why I advise never working at a job below one's highest licensure level.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

No, you don't need to renew the LPN license. In my experience once you have the higher license level the lower one automatically moves to inactive or expired status as it is superseded by the higher level.  If this isn't the case in your state, I'd just let it expire.

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4 hours ago, Rose_Queen said:

Exactly. There is no need to maintain your LPN license, OP.

No, they won't. If OP is working in an LPN role and chooses to remain there, her job title is LPN and that is all the facility is required to pay her. There is no law that requires RN pay for a non-RN job. That fact and the liability issues of being held to the level of licensure vs. the restrictions of the job role are why I advise never working at a job below one's highest licensure level.

Hence, why I said put the LPN license on inactive. That way she's only working under the RN license.

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Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.
20 hours ago, Lurkndmurk said:

Can I not work as an LPN with my RN license? Just as I could work as a CNA with either LPN or RN.

No, you could NOT “work as a CNA “ as an LPN or RN. Your highest licensure dictates your status.
As you’ll find clarified in many other threads, it doesn’t matter what your job title or description is, if you hold a valid RN license you WILL be held to the RN standard of practice wherever you work. You can “work as a CNA” (for an employer who perhaps thinks it can get away c it) but you will be held to RN standards for assessment, analysis, planning, and implantation/delegation by the BON anyway.  Period, the end.

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

Just don't renew it...let it lapse

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Specializes in Med Surg, Oncology.

In the state of Indiana, where I  live and work, your RN license over ride your LPN license.  ?

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Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.

Linda, since you’re new here you might not know that your name can be searched online and found if you use it for your posts here. You never know who might do that.  It’s wonderful to have you —welcome!— but please go to your account and pick an alias or ask the mods to help you do that! 

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Specializes in Med Surg, Oncology.

thank you so much I appreciate it.  

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Congratulations on becoming an RN. Good luck in your new role. I wish you success.

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