Working as a CNA after obtaining LPN licensure

Nurses LPN/LVN

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  1. Should you work as a CNA while having an active LPN license?

    • 3
      Yes, you can work as a CNA with an LPN license as much as you want.
    • 1
      Only work a couple shifts, and don't pick up too many extra.
    • 30
      No, you should work at the level of your licensure and not below.

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Hi all,

I obtained my LPN in January of this year. I have been working at a facility as a CNA since November 2012. Upon getting my LPN they had promised me a job, but as my license came through, they told me that since I have no experience already working as an LPN they were not going to give me a job. I have stayed at the same place working as a CNA one weekend a month (I have yet to get my raise that was supposed to happen 11/09/14 mind you), and it seems to be they want me to pick up a lot this summer before my last semester of the RN program.

I've heard that you really should not work "under what you are worth." I don't mind being a CNA by any means, but I also do not want to pick up any extra shifts, for one until my pay is right, but also because I know going into the last semester of school it is going to be horrible and I want to prepare early.

Does anyone have any advise for me about working at this facility with what they have done to me (I figure it's pointless to get a different job now with my RN being 5 months away), and working as a CNA while I have an active LPN license in general?

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At this point, being so close to finishing RN school and looking for RN work, I would continue so that you can "salvage" this employer as an employment reference. No other reason. They have made it very clear how they regard you. You need to ease your way out of there without creating more ill will. Believe me, employers will take it out on you once you leave. They will say things to keep you from getting work, no matter what kind of employee you were, so don't ruffle their feathers.

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omg that's crazy.. you're a licensed nurse, you passed the NCLEX that means you have the ability, skills and knowledge of being a NURSE... if i were you just finish your RN and find a job elsewhere..

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Only if they paid me according to my license. My job was short CNAs and they pulled a newly licensed LPN to work and she got her nursing $$$.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Just remember that while your job restricts you to a CNA scope of practice, your state will most likely hold you to the maximum licensure that you hold. This could lead to a discordance in what your job allows you to do and what your BON expects you to do and may cause either job or licensure issues should something happen.

Personally, I'd avoid that situation completely by not working below my level of licensure.

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