LPN vs. LVN

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg., Onc,. Urology, and Cardiology.

I have been a LPN for almost 15 years, and I am going to move to another state where they have LVN's. What is the difference between the two.:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, Med/Surg, ICU, ER.
I have been a LPN for almost 15 years, and I am going to move to another state where they have LVN's. What is the difference between the two.:nurse:

None. Same job/qualifications - different title. Lemme guess... you're moving to Texas or California?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

I do not believe there is a difference, different states just have different names..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I have been a LPN for almost 15 years, and I am going to move to another state where they have LVN's. What is the difference between the two.:nurse:
There's no difference between an LPN and an LVN whatsoever.

I am dually licensed in Texas and California, which are the only two states that refer to basic nurses as LVNs (licensed vocational nurses). The other 48 states refer to basic nurses as LPNs (licensed practical nurses). If I decided to move to Nevada or one of the other 48 states, I would now be known as an LPN. But since I live in Texas, I am an LVN. It is the same type of nurse with the same education and qualifications.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am an RN... But I believe that there is NO difference in terms of course work and boards. It depends on what state you are in- some states use LPN- others use LVN. I think California and Texas might use LVN. But I would recommend you contact the state licensing boards for the most accurate information.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am an LVN from California. Just recently moved to Illinois, where they are referred to as LPN. I know there is no difference in the scope of practice, however, it has to do with the type of education standards in the states you practice in as to how easily your license will be accepted in a different state. I was told my my professor in California that California, Texas, and Florida (I'm not sure if there was an additional state as well) are the higher standards for the educational requirements before you can take your boards. Therefore making moving to any other state FROM one of the above listed is an easier transfer. She then explained that should you transfer FROM any other state TO one of the above, you will have a more difficult process to obtain the license in that state. It seems those three states refer to us as LVNs. I would imagine that is the main difference (its in the requirements for examination more than anything). That would explain why the transfer spoken of above between Texas and California was seamless, due to the fact that they are both "higher requirement states. Once you are Licensed, there is really no difference. Just differs in the amount of hoops the states make you go through to transfer/attain initial licensure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There is no difference between them. Texas and California refer to LPNs as LVNs,

And...

I am an LVN from California.I was told my my professor in California that California, Texas, and Florida (I'm not sure if there was an additional state as well) are the higher standards for the educational requirements before you can take your boards.

Actually in California, a CNA can become an LVN by having 5 years of CNA experience, and a 54 hour pharmacology class. I don't call those high standards at all.:rolleyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
i was told my my professor in california that california, texas, and florida (i'm not sure if there was an additional state as well) are the higher standards for the educational requirements before you can take your boards. therefore making moving to any other state from one of the above listed is an easier transfer. she then explained that should you transfer from any other state to one of the above, you will have a more difficult process to obtain the license in that state. it seems those three states refer to us as lvns.

california and texas are the only two states that refer to basic nurses as lvns. florida and the remaining states refer to their basic nurses as lpns.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
There is no difference between them. Texas and California refer to LPNs as LVNs,

And...

Actually in California, a CNA can become an LVN by having 5 years of CNA experience, and a 54 hour pharmacology class. I don't call those high standards at all.:rolleyes:

If they pass the nclex with no schooling, apparently they must know their stuff. :rolleyes:

All I was posting was what I have been told. Didnt mean to upset anyone, sorry!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg Tele; LTC; Corrections.

I moved from Louisiana to Texas and had no problem getting licensed as an Lpn/LVN its no difference between the 2 Ca & Tx say LVN all others say LPN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment