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Home > Jobing Community Blogs > Blog Post: What Is the Difference B...
Blog Post: What Is the Difference Between LPN and an RN?
posted Wednesday, November 28, 2007 1:21 PM
Go right to the source as a nursing instructor for PTEC talks about tasks versus theory and the difference in job duties between an LPN and an RN. Watch the Community Relations Video for more information.
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Brianna....I chose to become an LPN first to get some experience, it was a shorter program, less costly, and therefore the right choice for me. Many of the RN programs have long waiting lists. RN's do have more choices when it comes to their careers...theres def more opportunity from what I have seen. But if you choose to do your LPN first there are plenty of bridge programs that you can take while working as an LPN...I have been an LPN for almost 5 years and am now going to be going on for my RN...I have had the opportunity to see different fields and the path I want to take my career in is dominated by RN's. Best of luck in whatever your choice is!!!
Lpns gather information and RN's assess. That is the same wording but different approaches.
When visiting a physician's office or hospital, patients almost always interact with a nurse. They are briefed and prepped, measured and poked, supported and escorted out the door. What they may not realize, however, is that not every nurse is the same. In fact, significant differences exist between licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, and registered nurses, or RNs. These include level of education and knowledge, responsibilities, and professional advancement. With a better understanding of the individual roles of health care personnel, patients can gain greater perspective on their experience in the medical world.
Course of Study
LPNs and RNs both base their course of study on nursing arts and sciences, typically with a background in other areas of science or the humanities. LPN programs generally take one year, whereas future RNs spend between two and four years completing their degrees. This allows RNs to gain a broader and deeper understanding of necessary topics and a more specialized body of knowledge, including physiology, pharmacology, clinical practice, delivery systems, research utilization, resource management and team functioning. This extra time also increases the cost of an RN education. For example, one college offers an LPN program at an average cost of $3,650 over one to one and a half years, while its RN program averages around $7,980 over two to three years. Additionally, RNs are expected to continuously supplement their nursing education. While both LPNs and RNs must maintain mental and physical competence to continue working, RNs are increasingly encouraged to pursue bachelor's degrees and actively acquire new learning and skills.
Professional Expectations
The responsibilities of an LPN and an RN vary as well. In general, LPNs function in a “dependent” role that requires supervision or assistance from an RN or physician. RNs, on the other hand, may take action independently if they see fit. RNs also address a wider spectrum of issues than LPNs. The primary focus for an LPN is the client; she provides direct patient care, including determining status, devising a plan and evaluating outcomes. An RN performs these duties as well, often in more complex or unpredictable cases than those handled by an LPN due to her greater breadth and depth of knowledge. Her scope also encompasses families, culture, communities and populations, and psychological aspects such as coping mechanisms. In addition, RNs are responsible for creating and revising nursing care plans and medical information records. While LPNs often undertake these tasks as well and are equally legally accountable for documentation, RNs' greater mastery of the relevant information may effect more detailed results.
Career Paths
The career paths of LPNs and RNs often lead in different directions. Currently, the majority of LPNs work in nursing homes or act as a charge nurse in a long term care environment. RNs perform in these capacities as well, but more commonly work in hospitals or medical offices. RNs also have a greater potential for advancement, as they may achieve higher level nursing positions such as director of a nursing home or nurse manager, albeit sometimes with additional education. Finally, pay rates differ between LPNs and RNs. The hourly wage for an LPN averages around $12-$14 per hour, while RNs typically make between $18-$20 per hour.
Although licensed practical nurses and registered nurses may seem similar at the doctor's office, they have taken two separate routes to providing patient care. Differences in education, responsibilities and career choices result in distinct positions serving specific circumstances. Regardless, both LPNs and RNs strive to help others and perform a greatly beneficial service to society.
Hope this helps answers the question - what is the difference between an LPN and an RN.
Bernie
I am considering going to LPN school as a career change. I already have a B.S. in Exercise Science ( I originally wanted to become a nurse but due to some personal situations when I was a younger student I ended up with a degree in Exercise Science) then went on to earn a MBA. My question is, if I became a LPN what other courses would I be required to take to earn my RN since I have taken all core classes for my BS. I understand the bridge programs as I have been looking into those. It just seems to me that the one year LPN option would be smarter for me since I've already got a degree and I would think maybe the Masters in Business may open doors for me in management with a LPN license? I may be wrong? I'm interested in knowing what that extra one year to become a RN entails, what classes differentiate a person with a BS and a LPN from a two year RN or BSN? Thanks!
Andy