Nursing is one of the most rewarding professions there is. Nurses play an indispensable role in everyday life, whether making a seemingly impossible diagnosis or helping a patient get home after surgery. When you want to become a nurse, there are two paths you can take: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). These two professions differ in many ways, but the most obvious is that LPNs also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVN) can become RNs. Registered nurses hold a higher license than practical nurses. It is important to know whether you will become an LPN or RN because this will determine which certification you will need to practice as a nurse.

This post offers an overview of both to get a basic understanding of what these paths entail. It includes information on the difference in education, licensing salary, and career outlook.

What is a Licensed Practical Nurse? (LPN/LVN)

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a nurse who has completed an accredited program in practical nursing and passed the National Council Licensure Examination NCLEX-PN exam. An LPN’s main role is to assist a physician or other healthcare professional providers in their duties by performing tasks. The licensed nurse practitioner such as assisting patients and performing physical tasks such as bathing and dressing wounds.LPNs may work in nursing homes, and other residential care facilities providing direct patient care and work in outpatient settings or at hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. They may need additional training for skills such as IVs, procedures, or surgeries they are definitely a celebrated part of the nursing team and can delegate work to certified nursing Assistants (CNA’s) and techs. Many times we see LPNs in clinical settings such as doctors’ offices, long-term care facilities, with the aging population, and in some specialty areas but not many.

What is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

Registered nurses who have completed an associate degree – 2 years or a bachelor’s degree- a four-year degree in nursing and passed the Registered Nurse Licensure Exam NCLEX- RN. Thus they are eligible to be licensed. They have more extensive training in healthcare than LPNs and can perform many medical procedures like administering injections, starting IVs, and suturing. They are responsible for the general welfare of their patients, and they have a broad scope of practice. This means that RNs are qualified to provide not just direct patient care but can also provide advice on disease prevention and health promotion. Registered Nurses have expertise in critical thinking, advanced cognitive skills, and assessment for illness or injury that LPNs cannot provide independently. Many educational options are available to registered nurses they are able to bridge their degree while working using an online program, or even an accelerated nursing program if they already have a degree.

The Differences Between an LPN and an RN

Although both receive extensive training in the classroom, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) are not two very similar professions. Here are some differences:

Educational requirements and training

LPNs typically complete a shorter program of study than RNs. LPN programs typically include basic nursing skills and clinical practice courses in a healthcare setting. LPNs are able to go to licensed vocational nurse nursing schools that are sometimes in the hospital or work setting. Many vocational schools offer a diploma program.

On the other hand, RN programs are more extensive and include more advanced coursework and clinical experience. RNs also have the option to specialize in a particular area of nursing practice in some colleges. Community colleges offer Associate of nursing programs. A bachelor of science in nursing program tends to offer more robust clinical experiences, especially in the united states.

Job Responsibilities Duties

As a healthcare professional, the primary duty of an LPN is to provide basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of RNs or doctors. This may include tasks such as:

• Taking vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
• Administering medication and some injections
• Assisting with personal care, such as bathing and dressing
• Changing dressings and bandages
• Collecting samples for laboratory tests
• Monitoring patients for changes in condition
• Providing patient education and support in some areas
• *** Require supervision of a registered nurse ***

RNs have a broader scope of practice and may be responsible for tasks such as:

• All Tasks and LPN duties the RN is able to do
• Developing patient care plans
• Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals
• Supervising other members of the nursing team, such as LPNs and nursing assistants
• Administering medication and monitoring patients for reactions
• Providing patient education and support
• Assessing patient needs and making recommendations for treatment
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families

Work settings

LPNs and RNs work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. However, RNs may have more opportunities to work in specialized settings or management positions.

Salary

According to the U.S. bureau of labor statistics, RNs typically earn higher salaries than LPNs. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for LPNs in 2020 was $47,480, while the median annual wage for RNs was $73,300.

Advancement opportunities

RNs may have more opportunities for advancement than LPNs, due to their more advanced education and wider scope of practice. RNs may be able to pursue leadership positions or specialize in a particular area of nursing practice, such as intensive care, critical care or pediatrics, or other higher acuity specialties in the hospital setting.

Conclusion

LPNs and RNs are both types of nurses who work to provide patient care. They each offer very different careers and training opportunities. Both play important roles in the healthcare system and work to ensure patients receive high-quality care. While LPNs and RNs may have different education levels and job duties, both are essential healthcare team members.

References:

https://www.allnursingschools.com/articles/registered-nurse-vs-licensed-practical-nurse/

https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/lpn-vs-rn-advantages-of-being-registered-nurse/

https://www.herzing.edu/difference/lpn-vs-rn

https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/lpn-vs-rn-vs-rpn

https://nursinglicensemap.com/nursing-specialties/licensed-practical-nurse/

https://www.practicalnursing.org/lpn-vs-rn

https://nurse.org/resources/rn-vs-lpn/

https://www.regiscollege.edu/blog/nursing/rn-vs-lpn

About the Author

Priscilla Is a nurse practitioner that has been working in healthcare for over 10 years. She started working as a patient care tech, a Certified nursing assistant, A Licensed practical nurse, a registered nurse, and a board-certified Family Nurse practitioner. She has worked in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and homes as well as working in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatrics, maternal, adult care, Military nursing, immediate care, and family practice.