Lpn- Lvn- Rn

Nurses General Nursing

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What's the difference in the LPN/ LVN/ RN ?

How long does it take to become each?

If I started from scratch, which is the shortest to become and how much can you make in NJ or TX? Then how long from that point to become an RN?

I'm trying to do this quickly, but if the difference is only a couple of mths then I'll just go and become an RN first but I need your input.

Also, I'm moving from NJ to Texas. I know the classes may be different but I want to start now and don't want to waste time....How do I know which classes will be accredited when I move to Texas.

I need help and guidance and my school always tells me something different.

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Pagandeva...I'd be interested in finding out if your statement is state or facility related, since it's not the case for me.

I'm a LPN (on tele) and get the same patient acuity as the RNs do and even float to step-down...so I've had my share of unstable patients.

My floor actually has quite a few LPNs (for a hospital anyway...) and we rotate who cares for each team...example is RN got them on days, LPN gets them on nights, RN gets them on days. I actually get stuck on high acuity teams sometimes b/c they know I can handle them and still get out on time. I don't think that's necessarily fair, but it's an arguement I know I'm not gonna win, so I don't fight it.

My state does say that we are supposed to care for stable patients with predictable outcomes, and that we are not allowed to do assessments (at least initial ones). Also, we don't do IV push except for heparin or normal saline, no central lines, no chemotherapy or TPNs. That is why I said that it is 'supposed' to be stable patients with predictable outcomes; it doesn't mean that the opposite doesn't happen. In fact, it usually does, which is why most LPNs decide that it is better for them to obtain their RN...they feel that they are doing most of the same work for much less pay and recognition.

I have worked in step-down per diem. My responsibilities are a bit different, however...I administer medications, do treatments, hang IVs, but past that, the emergent situations and assessments really go to the RN. Of course, if I see that a patient is decompensating, I can intervene a bit, but, the response is more expected for the RNs. It just happens to be that way for my hospital, but if they are short RNs, I can see if shifting out of convienence. Our sister hospital has the RNs care for patients upon admission, but if the patient is stable, then, the care can go to an LPN, but the RN and LPN are on the same team, anyhow, so, if a change occurs, the LPN would not be responsible alone.

Basically, it comes down to semantics, really. Once the word is changed from 'assessment' to 'screening', and you keep it moving...the same as you, sometimes, it is not worth the arguement.

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Thanks Suzanne4, but you'll have to excuse my ignorance on the following questions but what is BON? And how does the NCLEX-PN differ from the NCLEX-RN?

Board of Nursing is the BON. Each state has their own and they can set their own rules and regulations.

The exams are quite different as the role of each differs greatly as per delegation, management, etc. Completely different set of information that is being looked at on the exam.

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Specializes in psych,maternity, ltc, clinic.

You can't go wrong with taking basic English Comp, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, intro to psychology, at an accredited community college in NJ. Most of these classes are required in any program.

I moved from Texas about 12 years ago and dont know if there is any difference now, but if you are a texas resident (lived/worked in texas for a year) it was dirt cheap to go to school there. I did my RN at a community college (15 years ago) and tuition was $15 a credit hour. I kid you not. My books cost more than my tuition.

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i moved from texas about 12 years ago and dont know if there is any difference now, but if you are a texas resident (lived/worked in texas for a year) it was dirt cheap to go to school there. i did my rn at a community college (15 years ago) and tuition was $15 a credit hour. i kid you not. my books cost more than my tuition.

the credit classes are $41 a credit hour now but this is still cheap compared to some states!!

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i moved from texas about 12 years ago and dont know if there is any difference now, but if you are a texas resident (lived/worked in texas for a year) it was dirt cheap to go to school there. i did my rn at a community college (15 years ago) and tuition was $15 a credit hour. i kid you not. my books cost more than my tuition.

the credit classes are $41 a credit hour now but this is still cheap compared to some states!!

houston community college is $81 showing per credit....where are you referring at $41 a credit hour?

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