A licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a registered nurse (RN) are vital healthcare team members. They both provide patient care, but there are some key differences between them. In this article, however, we discuss the meaning and main differences between LPN VS RN, their duties, the scope of practice, salary, and differences with BSN.
What Is A LPN?
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a nurse who cares for sick, injured, or disabled people. LPNs work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses (RNs). They work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies. In some states, they may also work in long-term care facilities, such as assisted living facilities and independent living centers.
LPNs are trained to take vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, and to give injections and start intravenous (IV) fluids. They also clean and dress wounds, give bed baths and help patients with showers and other activities of daily living. In addition, LPNs may provide emotional support to patients and their families.
What Is A RN?
A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse with a high level of training. That’s a nurse who has completed an accredited nursing program and has passed a national licensing exam.
There are many types of nurses, but registered nurses (RNs) are the most common. They are educated and licensed to provide direct patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and help manage overall patient care. RNs can work in many settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and home health care agencies.
Furthermore, each State’s Board of Nursing determines the scope of practice for an RN. RNs are responsible for assessing patients, developing and implementing nursing care plans, and providing patient education. They also collaborate with other healthcare team members to ensure patients receive the best possible care. Additionally, RNs use their knowledge of the human body, nursing science, and technology to provide safe, compassionate care. Continue reading for more information on LPN vs RN!
LPN vs RN: The Key Differences
There are numerous differences between the duties of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a registered nurse (RN). Hence, here, we outline the LPN and RN main differences, including the duties, scope of practice, salary, and vs BSN.
LPN vs RN: Duties
There are a few key differences between the duties of an LPN and an RN. Below are some LPN vs RN duties:
- First, LPNs typically provide basic nursing care, whereas RNs give more comprehensive care.
- Secondly, RNs have more responsibilities when it comes to patient care, as they are often responsible for coordinating care and overseeing LPNs and other healthcare professionals. RNs may also have a more specialized practice area, such as pediatrics or geriatrics.
- And finally, RNs can administer medications and start IVs, while LPNs cannot.
LPN vs RN: Scope of Practice
LPNs and RNs both provide basic patient care. However, an RN has a wider scope of practice than LPN, and the LPN vs RN scope of practice include:
- First, when it comes to LPN vs RN, an RN has a more complex scope of practice than an LPN.
- Second, an RN can perform all the duties of an LPN, plus they can administer medications, start IVs, and provide more complex patient care.
- Third, RNs also have more responsibility for patient safety and education.
Note that every State’s Board of Nursing determines the scope of practice for an RN. In most states, RNs can perform any nursing tasks a physician or other licensed healthcare provider orders. They also have the authority to delegate tasks to LPNs and other unlicensed assistive personnel.
LPN vs RN: The Level Of Education And Training
The level of education and training for LPNs and RNs can depend on the state in which they practice. In general, LPNs have completed a shorter, less intensive training program than RNs. This means that an LPN must complete a shorter, more focused educational program than RNs, which results in a more limited scope of practice. RNs, on the other hand, must complete a longer, more comprehensive educational program that prepares them for numerous nursing responsibilities.
RNs have typically completed a two or four-year degree program at a nursing school, while LPNs have completed a one or two-year training program at a vocational school, community college, or hospital. Thus, LPNs have less education and training than RNs, but they can still provide quality care for patients.
Furthermore, LPNs typically have an Associate’s degree in nursing, while RNs have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. RNs also have more clinical experience than LPNs. However, both LPNs and RNs play an important role in the healthcare system. LPNs provide basic care for patients, while RNs render more comprehensive care. RNs also can specialize in a particular area of pediatrics or geriatrics.
LPN vs RN: Licensing And Certifications
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) must have a license to practice nursing, but there are differences in the licensing process.
LPNs must complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
RNs must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
LPN vs RN: The Working Environment
The final key difference between LPNs and RNs is the working environment. Their working environment can be quite different. LPNs typically work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or clinics, while RNs work in any of these settings, as well as in doctor’s offices, schools, community health centers, and home health agencies.
In addition, LPNs typically have more patient contact than RNs, as they provide most bedside care. RNs may have more contact with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and pharmacists. This is because they coordinate care and provide more complex nursing interventions.
What Can An RN Do That An LPN Cannot?
An RN can work in a more broad range of settings than an LPN. These include:
- First, an RN can work in more advanced nursing roles than an LPN. They can work autonomously as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists. While LPNs cannot because an RN or a physician always supervise them.
- Secondly, RNs also have more responsibility when it comes to patient care. They develop care plans, administer medications, and educate patients and their families on disease prevention and health maintenance.
- Lastly, RNs also have more freedom to make decisions about patient care than LPNs.
LPN vs RN: Salary
Here’s LPN vs RN salary. The average salary for an RN is $71,000 per year, while the average salary for an LPN is $45,000 per year. RNs typically have more responsibility than LPNs and therefore earn a higher salary. RNs may also have more opportunities for advancement than LPNs.
LPN vs RN vs BSN
In the world of nursing, there are three main types of nurses: licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) nurses. Below are some LPN vs RN vs BSN differences:
- LPNs are the most entry-level type of nurse, and they typically provide basic patient care, such as taking vital signs and helping patients with activities of daily living.
- RNs are more advanced than LPNs and have more responsibilities, such as administering medications and providing patient education.
- BSN nurses are the most advanced type of nurse and typically have management or leadership roles within a healthcare facility.
So, what’s the difference between an LPN, RN, and BSN nurse? The main difference is education and training. LPNs have the shortest amount of education and training, RNs have more education and training than LPNs, and BSN nurses have the most education and training. LPNs typically have a 1-year associate’s degree, RNs have a 2- to 4-year bachelor’s degree, and BSN nurses have a 4-year bachelor’s degree. The extra education and training that RNs and BSN nurses receive allow them to have more responsibilities and provide higher levels.
Is LPN Even Worth It?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Each individual’s needs and interests differ, and what may be a valuable addition to one’s career may not be as valuable to another.
Even though LPNs earn less and work under RN supervision, they are vital to the healthcare system. So, whether or not pursuing an LPN degree is worth it depends on the individual’s goals and priorities.
Is An LPN A Real Nurse?
An LPN is a licensed practical nurse. They are to provide basic nursing care. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse or a doctor. Many people believe that an LPN is not a real nurse because they do not have as much training as a registered nurse. However, an LPN is a real nurse who plays a crucial role in the healthcare system.
Can I Go From LPN To RN?
Yes, you can go from an LPN to an RN. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common way is to complete an RN program. You can enroll in schools, both online and in person. After completing the RN program, you then take the NCLEX-RN examination to become licensed as an RN.
Moreover, switching from LPN to RN entails expanding your scope of practice, earning potential, and future job chances.
What Is Better An LPN Or RN?
LPNs typically have fewer educational requirements, and their scope of practice is more limited than RNs. RNs must complete an accredited nursing program and pass a national licensing exam, while LPNs only need to complete a state-approved nursing program. RNs can work in many settings and have more opportunities for career advancement.
Both LPNs and RNs provide basic patient care, but RNs have a more comprehensive understanding of nursing theory and practice. RNs are also better equipped to deal with complex medical situations and provide more comprehensive patient education. In general, RNs provide higher quality care than LPNs and are better for positions that require more responsibility.
Conclusion
LPN and RN play an important role in rendering patient care but have some key differences. LPNs typically have less education and training than RNs. They provide more basic patient care.
RNs, on the other hand, have more education and training. They typically offer more complex patient care. So, if you’re considering a career in nursing, understand the difference between LPN vs RN.
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