A Bit of Confusion - ADN = RN?

[Perseus Mandate]

I'm a bit confused with something. When a person goes ahead and gets their ADN, do they then start work as an RN? Or LPN?

If it's RN, then how do you wind up as an LPN?

If it's LPN, what else do you need to get to RN?

The way I understood it, ADNs and BSNs make you an RN. I'm not seeing there being an LPN fits into this, though.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

LPNs attend schools of practical nursing, and have passed the NCLEX-PN to obtain licensure as a practical nurse. Most LPNs have diplomas, but some have earned associate degrees in practical nursing. RNs have attended either ADN, BSN, or 3 year diploma programs, and have passed the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure as a registered nurse.

The LPN is a different educational track than the RN. If you're an ADN who has passed the NCLEX-RN, you start working as an RN. If you attended an LPN program at a community college, state university, or private vocational school and pass the NCLEX-PN, you are an LPN.

[Perseus Mandate]

LPNs attend schools of practical nursing, and have passed the NCLEX-PN to obtain licensure as a practical nurse. Most LPNs have diplomas, but some have earned associate degrees in practical nursing. RNs have attended either ADN, BSN, or 3 year diploma programs, and have passed the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure as a registered nurse.

The LPN is a different educational track than the RN. If you're an ADN who has passed the NCLEX-RN, you start working as an RN. If you attended an LPN program at a community college, state university, or private vocational school and pass the NCLEX-PN, you are an LPN.

Ahhh, okay! Did not know that. Who is compensated better? I'd guess RNs, because I don't see a big rush for people to become LPNs. How do their duties differ?

[fultzymom]

ADN et BSN is for your RN. LPN is a vocational or diploma nurse. It is usually a nine month to one year program. RN is a two year degree for ADN et BSN is a four year program.

[fultzymom]

RN's have higher pay for the most part, unless you have a LPN who has been a nurse for a long time. The RN is usually is a supervisory position. And they are in charge of all admissions at most facilities. You will get more career opportunities with your RN degree. Some hospitals in certain areas are not utilizing LPNs while hospitals in other areas are. Also, many LPNs can not do IV therapy. Some of the schools around my area are starting to IV certify them but not all of them. There is a course that can be taken though to get IV certified. And then they can only do IV flushes, IV fluids, or may do IV ATB's after the RN has initiated the first dose (rules for Ohio nurses). I am not sure about the rules in other states.

[MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN]

LPNs cannot give narcotics, do a primary assess or reassess a patient, or educate. At least in my hospital, they are attached to an RN for any of those activities. Primarily used at least in NJ at LTC facilities.

Rn's usually make more money and have more career opportunities. LPN's in this area usually attend 1 year program at vocational school or technical program. Hope this helped.

Maisy;)

[Perseus Mandate]

Thank you, all of you. The information helped, and it was all speedy, too! I'm loving this forum more and more. Everyone is so helpful and insightful.

I have a feeling I'm going to like being an RN.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

ADN et BSN is for your RN. LPN is a vocational or diploma nurse. It is usually a nine month to one year program. RN is a two year degree for ADN et BSN is a four year program.

Just a point of clarification - a degree isn't a requirement to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Graduation from an accredited program, be it ADN, BSN or diploma is the requirement. Diploma programs are an excellent option if you already have a degree (or two).

[fultzymom]

LPNs cannot give narcotics,

Maisy;)

Does this mean any narcotics for your state? Or is it just IV? I always find it interesting to see the different rules for the different states.

[MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN]

I am not sure...however, I believe if you can't assess or reassess a patient-how can you give narcotics. Also I forgot, LPNs can't push meds.

Maisy;)

[PMFB-RN, RN]

I'm a bit confused with something. When a person goes ahead and gets their ADN, do they then start work as an RN? Or LPN?

*** I think others have done a good job answering your questions. To add little here. Some community college ADN programs are 1+1. That means that after the first two semesters of nursing school you may take the NCLEX-PN and after the second year of nursing school you may sit the NCLEX-RN. The school I went to did this a couple years ago. Nearly all the second year RN students were working part time as LPNs. I remember my clinical instructor commenting that she could see a big difference (improvement) in clinical competence with the most recent students who where working part time as LPNs.

[EmmaG, RN]

LPNs cannot give narcotics, do a primary assess or reassess a patient, or educate. At least in my hospital, they are attached to an RN for any of those activities. Primarily used at least in NJ at LTC facilities.

Rn's usually make more money and have more career opportunities. LPN's in this area usually attend 1 year program at vocational school or technical program. Hope this helped.

Maisy;)

That does vary... the LPNs in our hospital did everything the RNs did except hang blood products or chemo and the initial admission assessment. They had quite a bit of autonomy, and the ones I worked with were spectacular. At the other hospital in town, they can't give IVP or even start IVs, among other things, and are much more restricted. There they essentially work as advanced techs.