RN versus LPN

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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So please explain to me the difference? I feel ignorant not really understanding the difference. How do they differ in duties, scheduling, pay and benefits as well as anything that I may be missing.

I've heard different things. I 100% plan on becoming an RN because I know that it has many options. I like L&D, Peds, OR, ER, and ICU. I think becoming an RN will help me explore these avenues better than an LPN but please correct me if I'm wrong!!!! I really can't say what I'd like to spec. in but I love action. :imbar :imbar :imbar

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I can't give you a very detailed answer but will tell you what I do know. LPN school usually takes 12-15 months where I live. RN usually takes 3 years for ADN or 4 or more years for BSN. I believe I've seen LPN's usually start out around $11-12/hour. Whereas, I've hear of RN's starting out at $15-20/hour. It varies depending on where you live. I know that RNs can do certain things that LPNs can't but do know exactly what. RNs are bosses over LPNs and CNAs. That's basically all I know, hope it helps.

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SARAH you should consider being an Rn if possible. it will give you more opportunities and money. in my area only rns work in L&D ER and ICU . i know in other parts of the country i have seen some lpns in those areas but your best chances are with tthe RN degree. LPn school is 12-18 months, RN ADN is 24-30 months, BSN 36- 50 months. you can always become an LPn and do a bridge Program to RN if that is your only option.

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i think some other differences are that RNs do IVP drugs, hang blood and chemo and LPNs don't.

other than that, a nurse is a nurse is a nurse as far as i'm concerned. RNs just have a few more options.

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I plan on getting my BScN.

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Specializes in Mental Health, MI/CD, Neurology.

Where I am from, LPN is one year, the associate level RN is 2 years of school, and they also have programs for LPNs that are one more year for the associate RN.

As far as differences in duties go, that varies by state and facility. I recently found out that there is such thing as an LPN-C (C= certified in IV). I knew there was a certification one could get, but I didn't know that it was added on to your title. LPNs technically "work under" RNs, but everywhere I have ever seen, they work side by side and everyone is treated as an equal. The RNs usually write up care plans, but both RNs and LPNs do the same amt. of patient care. An LPN might need to grab an RN to do an IV med. for her or something like that, but otherwise it's pretty much the same.

As long as you want to go for your BSN, TOTALLY DO IT. The money is better and the opportunities are broader.

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Specializes in Everything except surgery.
Originally posted by Sarahstudent

I plan on getting my BScN.

Sarahstudent,

With that smile of yours...:) I would be please to have you as my nurse..with any title next to your name. But as an LP/VN with experience working in many different areas of nursing, I'm glad to see you're are becoming a nurse...no matter what route you take...:cool:.

Right now as an LPN...there is soo much confusion, as to when, and where, and what you can or can't do. As an LVN...there is very little you can't do, but it still depends on where you're working. As a BScN...there will be little that you can't do...no matter where you work.

I think you have received excellent advice here...and you should go for whatever your dreams are...:cool:

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