silly question but would you could you demote yourself?

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I'm very sleep deprived so forgive the silly question..but there's a method to madness behind it...

I am a newly returning RN after a 9 year hiatus..I only worked as an RN for six months (in hospice care) and had a full year experience as an LPN in long term care/hospice. When I was an LPN I worked for a staffing agency and I always had enough work because there are so many nursing homes in my area.

I do not have enough experience yet to work as an RN in staffing..and I don't really want a full time job..I like the flexibility of scheduling as a temp nurse. It does not really truly matter to me career wise if I work as an RN or LPN, I run a business on the side that is rather profitable so it would work best if I only worked a few days here and there.

It seems that the most flexible opportunities for staffing happen to LPNS that work nursing homes.

Assuming all of this is correct, is it possible to downgrade one self from RN to LPN? I know most state boards won't allow a RN to do LPN job..so would it be necessary to apply to be an LPN thru state board, or is it even allowed?

I know this sounds silly but I really loved the flexible scheduling as a LPN in long term..

thanks

thekid

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I'm not positive about this, but I don't think you can work as LPN if you're an RN. You would have to surrender your RN license (and you worked so hard to get it!!)

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Do you have an LPN that you have let lapse. I have an LPN and and RN license and plan to maintain both. I ended up never working as an LPN but most of my friends that have LPNs are maintaining theirs

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

It is my understanding that you will be held to the higher standards of each licensure. i.e. if you have an RN license, you must work at that level--or you are accountable at that level. I know of several ARNPs who work as RN and their scope of practice as a bedside RN is held at the "prudent ARNP" level, even though they can not work "actively" as an ARNP if they are t in that bedside position. Does that make sense?

Check with your B.O.N. and see what your state says.

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A good number of people that I have met maintain both of their licenses.

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I hadn't thought of maintaining both licenses, that would be ideal..will check into it. Yes I have an LPN license that lapsed when I became an RN

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