What's the Difference Between an RN and an LPN? Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses have less in common than you may think. The similarities stop at the desire to care for others and to work in health care. Education and Curriculum o Registered Nurse: ▪
A Bachelor's or Associate Degree from an approved nursing school is required.
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Registered nurses study the same topics and licensed practical nurses, but go much more in depth. Social sciences, psychology, community health, leadership skills, and critical thinking are all the key focuses of RN curriculum.
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Hands-on training is mandatory.
o Licensed Practical Nurse: ▪
A high school diploma or GED are sufficient to enter an LPN education program.
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After 9 to 18 months of training and passing a state licensing assessment, one has become and LPN.
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Food and nutrition, biology, nursing fundamentals, human health and diseases, pharmacology and more are studied in this shorter nursing program.
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The clinical internship is required for this course.
● Practice Scope o Registered Nurse: ▪
With a Master's Degree, a registered nurse has many caring opportunities and career prospects. Nurse practitioners, nurse specialist, nurse educator, or nurse administration are all options available to registered nurses.
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Doctorate holders can pursue careers in policy and practice, education, and management.
o Licensed Practical Nurse:
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With work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors, the scope of practice can be limited. Becoming a registered nurse is attainable with experience and some more education.
● Workplace o Registered Nurse: ▪
Medical and surgical hospitals are where registered nurses are commonly employed. Physician's offices, nursing care facilities, and home healthcare services are also good places to find registered nurses.
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Even more options include: ● Correctional facilities ● Schools ● Summer camps ● Government agencies ● Educational services ● Military forces ● Administrative and support services
o Licensed Practical Nurse: ▪
Physician's offices, home healthcare facilities, medical and surgical hospitals, community care facilities, and nursing care facilities are all options for the licensed practical nurse.
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Psychiatric hospitals, correctional facilities, dialysis centers, blood banks, and outpatient clinics are also common workplaces for LPNs.
The responsibilities that a nurse must perform are complex tasks like handling medications and other drugs, testing and creating reports about patients, management roles, and other various tasks. Moreover, they can do things on their own without guidance or directions. Responsibilities for licensed practical nurses include performing fundamental responsibilities as their primary job. Moreover, they must take vitals while being
supervised by an RN, and LRN’s are not permitted to make important decisions or start IVs. Earning Potential o Registered Nurse: ▪
$71,000 annual salary
o Licensed Practical Nurse: ▪
$44,030 annual salary
● Career Advancement o Registered Nurse: ▪
Experience and more education can lead RN's to chief positions or advancement of practice. Can also move towards the business side of health care.
o Licensed Practical Nurse: ▪
Supervisory positions
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Additional education can take LRN's to other medical specialties, such as registered nursing.
Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses both have a passion for caring for others. They perform different duties, but the concept is the same. Taking care of others as a career is amazing, no matter what way you choose to do it. Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter