LPN versus RN?

Question

Can someone please explain the difference between a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Practical Nurse, and why an LPN is considered a "lower ranking" than an RN? Just wondering, thanks.

Answer 1

An LPN can't give out medications(or their not supposed to) and an RN can give meds.Most LPN's have a two year degree and RN's a four year degree.(Although there are 2yr programs in some areas for RN's) RNs are in charge,whereas LPN's are more the workerbee's.If you're thinking of a career in this field,go with RN.More money for RN's also.

Answer 2

AN LPN or LVN (in some states) attend a vocational school. They are Licensed Professional/Vocational Nurses. They can do most things that an RN (registered nurse) does. It depends on your states "Nurse Practice Act" The only thing I have not been able to do as an LPN is push narcotics, hang blood, and hang piggybacks.
As an LPN I have worked Home Health, Occupational Medicine, Psych Nurse, Cardiovascular Office Nurse, Home Health Coordinator, Family Practice Office Nurse.

I am going back to school, not for more money- I actually made the same as RN's at my last LPN job thanks to a very generous boss and great raises every six months- but because it opens up other fields that are exclusive to RN's. In my area a School Nurse has to be an RN.
Also advantages for RN's are Management Positions in Hospitals. They have a more intensive education. The attend either an Associate or Bachelor of Science program.

Both LPN's and RN's must pass an NCLEX exam. Which is a nationally standardized licensing test.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Rn Vs Lpn

Answer 4

Lpn Vs Rn

Answer 5

The difference is in level of education and the types of tasks that they are allowed to do. An LPN has generally attended Vocational school rather than a college, and they are very limited on what they're allowed to do. They also must work under the supervision of an RN. On the other hand, and RN has either gone to school for 2 or 4 years, depending on whether they are an ADN or a BSN. RN's are supervisors for LPNs, and have a wider scope of practice. Honestly, I see in some places a trend away from LPN's and toward RN's, especially RN's with bachelor's degrees. Additionally, RN's with a BSN are the ones who go on to be nurse managers, or who go on to specialize in certain fields of nursing, such as nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or nurse anesthetist.

Answer 6

A RN has completed a two, three, or four year program of study that prepares them to plan, implement, supervise, and evaluate nursing care. The LPN completes a one year program that prepares them simply to carry out nursing procedures (LPNs are licensed in all fifty states to administer medication). RNs spend much more time learning the theory behind what the're doing than the LPNs. In each state, the nurse practice act states that LPNs can only work under the supervision of a RN or a physician.

Answer 7

Licensed Pratical Nurses versus Registered Nurses: the difference is the same as an associates degree versus a bachelor's degree. The LPN has less schooling than the RN. As I understand now, many hospitals and nursing homes are using LPN's the way they used to use CNA's.

Answer 8

The LPN cannot do initial patient assessments or accept fresh post-op patients. Each LPN has an RN overseeing him/her and that RN does the assessment and all IV push medication administration. The LPNs are assigned to just as many patients as the RNs, and the nurse's aide is the one who does most of the hygiene stuff (bedpans, etc.) A lot of the hospitals don't hire LPNs anymore. I think they're phasing them out of hospitals for liability reasons.

Answer 9

Gladly, A Registered nurse with an associates degree has two years of training versus an LPN who has only a couple of semesters. Many RN's are now getting their bachelor's degree which is also two years of practical training but they are required to take additional prerequisite classes and take upper level nurse training during their two years. Bachelor Degree RN's are University level degrees with a total of 4 years schooling.

Answer 10

An RN has more education, is licensed to do more procedures, has greater knowledge of the human body.

An LPN backs up an RN, does more "run of the mill" work to free the RN for more serious things.