RN vs. LPN: Differences in Education, Job Duties, and More
A nurse's value is undoubtedly high no matter in what medical area they contribute. However, most medical professionals are constantly looking for an advancement in their careers. During the advancement process, each healthcare worker's approach is unique, and it is determined mainly by their current job title, professional aspirations, level of education, and even location.
As of September 2021, registered nursing was the sixth occupation with the highest projected numeric change in employment with 276,800 new jobs; therefore, many licensed practical nurses (LPNs) level up their careers and transition to the role of a registered nurse (RN).
Stay with us to learn more about the difference between LPN and RN and RN vs. LPN scope of work!
Difference Between LPN and RN
When it comes to the main differences between these two professions, it is evident that LPNs usually offer more basic nursing care and are in charge of the patient's comfort.
On the other hand, RNs are primarily responsible for administering medication, treatments and providing educational information to patients and the general public. They can choose among various specialties such as emergency room nurse, intensive care unit nurse, pediatric nurse, among other specializations.
RN vs. LPN Education differences
The significant difference between these two medical positions is the level of education it takes to become an RN or LPN.
To become a licensed practical nurse, you need a Practical Nursing Diploma, often gained in a community or technical college. Moreover, to achieve the title of an LPN, students need to enroll in nursing, pharmacology, and biology classes and have clinical experience. You could complete such an LPN licensure diploma in as little as a year.
On the other hand, to become a Registered Nurse (RN), you must earn a professional nursing degree such as an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). These degree programs involve classes in behavioral, social, and physical sciences and clinical experience in several work settings. An ADN and a BSN degree could take anywhere from two to four years to complete depending on which degree path you choose.
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RN vs. LPN Licensing differences
After finishing a state-approved and certified Practical Nursing program, prospective LPNs will need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). To become a licensed practical nurse and find employment, you must pass this exam.
On the other side, registered nurses must complete a state-approved and accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to practice their profession. Most of the time, RNs may opt to specialize in areas such as critical care, emergency medicine, or labor and delivery. After a specified number of hours, this is usually an option, generally a year, working in a specialization.
RN vs. LPN scope of work
While a registered nurse and a licensed practical nurse work closely together, their responsibilities often differ in many parts of their everyday tasks.
RN job responsibilities can include:
monitoring patient medications;
performing essential life support, advanced cardiac life support, and pediatric advanced life support;
recognizing and addressing abnormalities;
managing all patient populations with appropriate intervention;
developing particular plans of care and wellbeing for each patient;
admiring and discharging patients safely;
managing documentation;
supervising LPNs.
LPN job responsibilities include:
administering medications;
assisting patients with basic everyday tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, etc;
taking vital signs;
collecting blood and urine;
changing wound dressings;
taking care of patients with tracheostomy tubes and ventilators;
providing feeding through nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes;
performing emergency CPR;
executing the nursing care plan created by an RN.
RN vs. LPN Work settings
Another distinction between LPNs and RNs is the variety of work environments in which they give their contribution.
Licensed practical nurses mostly take care of the elderly in different settings, including assisted living homes. This is where they can serve their patients with the most basic and direct supervision on a daily basis. LPNs can also work in rehabilitation and treatment institutions, as well as mental health and hospice facilities.
Due to rotations through numerous departments, registered nurses working in hospitals are exposed to various work situations. This rotation often affects different departments such as the emergency room (ER), intensive care unit, medical-surgical, psychiatric, labor, and delivery. In addition, places where RNs can work include outpatient clinics, doctors' offices, schools, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Salary and career outlook differences for RNs and LPNs
Registered nurses, licensed practical or licensed vocational nurses, are projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030.
For licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, about 60,700 new job openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Moreover, the median annual wage for licensed practical nurses was $48,820 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent of LPNs earned less than $35,570, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,520.
On the other hand, about 194,500 new job openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for registered nurses was $75,330 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent of RNs earned less than $53,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $116,230.
RN vs. LPN: How Long Does It Take to Become?
To earn a position as an LPN, you must obtain a diploma through an approved educational program. Generally, such educational programs only take one year to complete and assist prospective nurses in learning a basic set of nursing skills through a combination of coursework and clinical experiences.
On the other hand, depending on the nursing program you choose, becoming a registered nurse could take anywhere between 16 months to four years. Generally, ADN programs take two years to complete; meanwhile, BSN programs take one to two years of full-time, year-round enrollment or three to four years of part-time enrollment.
RN vs. LPN: Which Path Should You Choose?
Every medical position has its importance and holds its value. In the nursing field, medical professionals give their contribution equally regardless of the positions they hold. However, a significant number of licensed practical nurses aim to reach the status of a registered nurse since such a position provides a long list of advantages that licensed practical nurses don't have.