Difference Between LPN and RN
LPN vs RN
LPN is a Licensed Practical Nurse and RN is a Registered Nurse. The main difference that can be noticed between LPN and RN is in their duties and practice.
A registered nurse is one who has graduated with a 4 year nursing program with a Bachelor of Science degree or a 2-year nursing program with an Associate’s Degree. On the other hand, a Licensed Practical Nurse is a person who has graduated with a one year Practical Nursing program. While a person needs to pass NCLEX-RN to become RN, a person can become an LPN after passing NCLEX-PN.
When a person needs just one year to become an LPN, four or two years are needed for becoming a RN. As such a RN has to learn more than an LPN. A RN is known to have more knowledge about physiology, clinical practice, pharmacology, delivery systems, resource management, research utilization and team functioning.
When talking of responsibilities, it is the RN who has to take more responsibilities. The RNs even supervise the LPNs. The RNs can take independent decisions, which an LPN cannot. The LPNs are always under the supervision of RN or doctors. The Registered Nurse addresses wide issues than the Licensed Nurses. RNs also address a wider spectrum of issues than Licensed Practical Nurse.
Some of the main functions of LPNs include observing patients, collecting samples from patients, preparing and giving injections, inserting catheters, feeding patients, helping the patients with dressing and bathing and keeping them comfortable. Apart from these functions, the LPN also do chart out assessments of patients, give certain drugs or medications and even assign work for nursing assistants. But these nurses do not have the authority to give restricted medicines or intravenous narcotics.
The RNs are always at a higher level of the LPNs. The RNS can administer medicines, develop and manage nursing plans, assist physicians in examinations and treatments and take independent decisions.
In Hierarchy, the RNs are above the LPNs. Another difference that can be noticed between the LPN and the RN is their salaries. The RNs are paid more than the LPNs.
Summary:
1. A person needs to pass NCLEX-RN to become RN. A person can become an LPN after passing NCLEX-PN.
2. When a person needs just one year to become an LPN, four or two years are needed for becoming a RN
3. Registered Nurses have more responsibilities than Licensed Nurses. RNs even supervise the LPNs.
4. The RNs can take independent decisions, which an LPN cannot
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This seems like useful information, thanks. RNs who want to trade up to BSNs can now take their theoretical courses online, through online BSN completion programs.
First i would like to state that i am currently a CNA (Certified nursing assistant), and in my state i did have to obtain state licensure. Secondly i am currently a student in a LPN program. I know that RN’s do have more education than LPN’s i agree with that statement however i feel like this entire overview of the difference of LPN’s and RN’s sheds a very dim light on all the work LPN’s do. I do know in different settings they all (CNA,MA,LPN,RN,PA,NP ect) perform different tasks and yes maybe in a hospital setting a LPN may perform everyday tasks such as feeding and bathing where the RN’s admister med’s. However, in LTC (Long term care facility) LPN’s administer medications, CNA’s bathe, dress, feed, get vitals etc. LPN’s also do admission, hang IV’s, do just about everything that an RN does in the hospital even supervise other LPN’s. The only thing that does make them different in a LTCF is LPN’s cannot hang a bag of blood, of IV narcotics and of course the pay rate, because with more education comes more pay.
I just felt i should clear things up because all of the nurses in this entire world do alot of work for very little pay and sometimes even no pay and lord knows we are all under appreciated and i just dont want the work that any healthcare provider be lessened or appear to be less than another. We all have ALOT of job duites regardless the title, my job (CNA) more physically demanding, LPN more legally and paperwork demanding, along with patient care, RN’s about the same, Then we all have to back up the doctor and write statements for them. I just dont want anyone to be deplicted in an incorrect light.
Thank you for your time!