Difference between a lvn/lpn and RN?

Question

Can anyone tell me what is the difference between a LVN/LPN and a RN beside one having more education and training and the pay scale because they both seem to have same responsibilities unlike a cna that does basic direct care?

Answer 1

Usually, LPNs/LVNs have about 1 year of education/training while RNs have 2,3 or 4 years (Associate degree, diploma in nursing or Bachelor's degree). Both LPNs and RNs do direct patient care in many areas of health care. Different states have different rules/laws in terms of IV administration.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

There is far more difference between the LPN and RN than just the number of years in school and being able to put in a feeding tube or give IV meds. RNs learn more about complex physiology and pathology (disease process). They learn how to perform complex physical, mental, social, and environmental assesments and are responsible for prioritizing care needs. They need to be able to interpret lab results and apply that knowledge to the symptoms they are seeing in their patients.They come up with nursing diagnoses, create care plans, and are responsible for all aspects of that patient's well being - even if menial tasks like taking vitals are delegated to CNAs or LPNs. To be honest, LPNs are really not too much more than glorified CNAs who can pass some medications - and I honestly mean no disrespect to LPNs because what you do is valuable to your patients and your co-workers, but the fact is that LPNs are completely limited in their jobs because of their limited training. You are always better off going for the RN, better long-term career stability, more job opportunities in a wide variety of settings / specialties, etc. Most states perform background checks, but unless there has been a charge that relates to some kind of abuse or shows you would be a danger to vulnerable adults or children, a misdemeanor marijuana charge will probably not hinder her from being a nurse and getting a job. It also makes a difference how recent the charge was, as someone else mentioned. You said "teenager" - was the charge before she was 18? If so, juvenile records are sealed and they will not see the charge when they run her record. Another thing she could check on is seeing if she could get her record expunged. If she went before a judge and explained the circumstances, and how her record could affect her becoming a nurse, they can choose to erase her record.

Answer 3

Hi Im an LVN in the state of California the difference is in doing IV's....A RN can give medication through a IV and LVNs can not
The rules are different in every state, so also check with them...hope this helps!

Answer 4

something like twelve dollars per hour.

Answer 5

how many dr.s they slept with