does working as an lpn stop the clock for rn experience?

In an Rn who just accepted an lpn position in a ltac facility for the time being. Would my accepting an lpn postion sttop the clock for my Rn experience and restart the clock for my lpn experience?

If someone asks about experience,could I just say"6 years experience as a nurse"?
Would it be wise for me not tell co workers I'm also an Rn?


Ps:I have both an Rn and lpn license. Last edit by smartnurse1982 on Jun 1, '10
I am glad you asked this. It had never occurred to me that an RN would be hired as an LPN. hmm

As an LVN and soon to be RN I would like to know the answer as well.

In some facilities, 2 years of LPN experience counts for 1 year of RN. That is how I got a higher wage at my current job. But not all places count that. It really will depend on the facility and job you will be looking at in the future. Since you are not working as a RN, I would list it as it is - LPN experience.

Quote from FaeriewandAs an LVN and soon to be RN I would like to know the answer as well.

The RN working as an LPN/VN would be held to the same standards of practice as an RN, despite functioning in the role of an LPN/VN.

Quote from kcochraneIn some facilities, 2 years of LPN experience counts for 1 year of RN. That is how I got a higher wage at my current job. But not all places count that. It really will depend on the facility and job you will be looking at in the future. Since you are not working as a RN, I would list it as it is - LPN experience.

Quote from �NurseThe RN working as an LPN/VN would be held to the same standards of practice as an RN, despite functioning in the role of an LPN/VN.

you may personally hold an lpn license and a rn license but the lpn license is of no use to you. the rn license is what you will be held to standards. sounds to me like this facility is "saying" this is an lpn position, as in paying only lpn wages....but you will still be working as an rn...being paid lpn wages.

Quote from smartnurse1982I understand that,but I wanted to know if that could damage ny resume.for instance:2/2004 -3/2008Workes as lpn at this ltc facility3/2008-5/2010Worked at P. Home health Agency as an Rn5/2010-5/2012Worked as lpn at this ltac facilityI think it would raise eyebrows,I'm not sure. Maybe it could signal to future employers I wasn't ready for the rn role?

They are being cheap by hiring you in as an "LPN" but you are an RN. It's not a smart move on your part... That's NOT a good company. They may want you to do RN things but only pay you as an LPN. No way!!!

Quote from lovegoddess1977They are being cheap by hiring you in as an "LPN" but you are an RN. It's not a smart move on your part... That's NOT a good company. They may want you to do RN things but only pay you as an LPN. No way!!!

The experience as an RN may not count BUT when you go on future interviews, you may mention your experience in the lpn role and the clinical skills you became familiar with. When I worked in ltc I did a lot more clinical skills ..less as a RN in ltc because where I worked, the RN was charge nurse and there was less practice of skills. But I'm sure that varies widely by facility.My main point is to point out to future employers that you DO have experience. Supervisors look for people who have more than what can be listed on a resume as number of years. Really emphasize to an interviewer that you are familiar with ltc environments AND that you understand the realities of being a nurse in one. As you know, time management is BIG. If I was a supervisor, I would hire a RN that had LPN experience over an RN that had nothing. What's always worked in my favor at interviews is that I make sure the new supervisor knows that I worked as a CNA, LPN, and RN. By the time I was an RN I was very familiar with ltc. I returned to nursing after a ten year leave, and was offered a job as a nurse service coordinator for an insurance company because I pointed out the SKILLS I had learned along the way..not how many IV's I started but my familiarity with ltc (and later hospice and home care_. Remember that supervisors are also looking for candidates who possess the very same KEYWORD characteristics they use on their job posting. Think in terms of time management, problem solving, excellent communication, independent but works great in team situations. I'd also suggest practicing interview questions..there are some standard questions you will probably be asked to see how you would respond in various situations. You can ask questions of the supervisor as well, if you ask intelligent questions it shows interest in the job. Resumes come in by the handfuls so your interview is where you can sell yourself. Networking helps. Or when all else fails, ask the universe for what you need