Differences between LVNs and LPNs?

[MAmom81]

I am starting the LVN program at my CC in August of 2009-I cannot wait to start!!! the wait is the worst, I am number 85 on the wait list and hopefully I will move up to maybe being able to start nursing school in August of 2008!!! I was wondering what is the difference between LVNs and LPNs? do they have the same responsibilities? And do LVNs do I.V. therapy? if not how do I become certified to do I.V. therapy because I really want to do I.V. therapy. sorry so many questions, on the packet I got for the LVN program at my CC it said that I would have to take and pass the NCLEX-PN for practical nurses so i thought that maybe LVNs and LPNs were the same. sorry if I offended anyone I was just wondering what the differences were.:uhoh3: any advice or helpful tips would be greatly appreciated:welcome:

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Same thing. California and Texas use LVN, every other state uses LPN.

:)

[MAmom81]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!!!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

California and Texas are the 2 states that refer to basic nurses as LVNs (licensed vocational nurses). The remaining 48 states refer to basic nurses as LPNs (licensed practical nurses).

LPNs and LVNs are the same type of nurse. I am licensed in Texas, so my legal title is 'LVN.' However, if I moved to another state and had my license endorsed there, my new legal title would be 'LPN.' For example, many Louisiana nurses live and work in my area. When they were living in Louisiana, they were called 'LPNs,' but they are now 'LVNs' due to the fact that they are practicing in Texas.

[MAmom81]

Thank you I really appreicate it!!! I just spent $80 on two books, one for LPNs and the other was I.V. therapy made incredibly easy because I thought that they would be helpful when I start nursing school and I was afraid that I missed up and LPN and LVNs were different, thanks!!! I feel so much better now!!!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Honey, stop spending your money on books until you are told what to buy. No stuff, they're going to run you close to $1000 if you buy them from the school's bookstore. Mine were $800 for the first semester.