hopefully not offensive...

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

I recently graduated nursing school with an ASN. I understand that LPNs and RNs have slightly different scopes of practice and educational requirements, but they seem SO slight that I am having trouble figuring out why we have a distinction between the professions. I have learned a lot from LPNs during my student clinicals, and I am curious as to what, exactly, an ASN nurse has that makes her eligible for a larger scope and more $$ than an LPN. I know that theoretically RNs are trained to complete and interpret assessments, and there are certain meds and procedures that LPNs are not licensed to do, but it seems like a course or two in assessment and/or pharm would bridge the gap. I am sure I am missing something. Please enlighten me. Is it simply a matter that LPN school is easier to get into, and employers want them because they can pay them less? That doesn't seem quite fair to me because all the LPNs I have known are very, very good at their job, which is essential identical to an RN job.

Not meaning to cause offense to either RNs or LPNs. just curious on everyone's thoughts.

[Bringonthenight]

I think you will find that LPNs are not finding much work accross the country anymore as the US is trying to achieve a "golden standard" in care.(stupidity considering the cost effectiveness of hiring practical nurses). The government believes gold standard includes the longest amount of education (BSN) you will find that these days even a ASN is not enough for many hospitals. LPN and RN scope (depending on state and facility) is very similar, correct in the ways you explained, however employment opportunities can be scarce. The situation in Australia is completely the opposite. Their version of the LPN (EN) is expanding more then it ever has before and are becomming more employable then RNs.

[LJ85, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN]

Yeah, I agree that jobs are getting scarce for LPNs, here on the east coast anyway. I thought there were alot of opportunities, but not if you wanna make a decent wage for the work you do. SNFs are terrible with what they expect out of you for the pay you get. I started in private duty 3 years ago and never looked back, and I make more than most LPNs as far as I have seen. I just returned to college to finish school for my RN/BSN because there is nowhere for me to go, kinda hitting the "glass ceiling". If I want to get out of private duty and stay out of snfs and actually use the skills I have learned the only place for me to go is a hospital or surg center. I feel like I'm starting to become stagnate in a way because I love to learn and apply that knowledge and it's not happening while being an LPN. I never understood why LPN and RN were separated by those few things but I feel like you learn more how to manage and use more of the scientific aspect as an RN while LPN is more hands on care. I really just feel like a glorified CNA at times. It is important to get the schooling for RN now though and especially BSN because thats what everyones looking for now. I did LPN because I was a CNA and my back was about to break at 22 years old, now at least it's a lighter load and I get more respect and earn a higher salary. It's not always about the letters LPN and RN though. There are some that make me think something got lost in translation somewhere along the way. Common sense isn't always so common.

[AngelofLTC]

In Canada, LPNs (RPN's) are in fairly high demand. Some hospitals require RN's but for the most part they are trying to hire Rpn's wherever they can because its cheaper.

[Bringonthenight]

Interesting how some countries have eradicated second level nurses where others are expanding their role and scope...