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Discussion

LPN and RN

Just wondering what the difference is between an RN and an LPN. Could someone fill me in? Thank you!

I am considering going back to school. I am a Nursing assistant now, not certified, and wonder what would be best for me....

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RN = Registered Nurse. Most state boards of nursing regard the RN as the professional nurse.

LPN = Licensed Practical Nurse. Most state boards of nursing regard the LPN as the basic nurse.

While the RN's scope of practice is rather uniform and, basically the same in all states, the LPN's scope of practice is very different from state to state. Generally, the Southeastern states have the widest scopes of LPN practice, and allow their LPNs to do virtually anything. Some of the northern and upper Midwestern states have the most restrictive LPN scopes of practice, and allow their LPNs to perform only the simplest of tasks.

Some states allow LPNs to do IV push, IV piggyback, hang blood, pronounce death, assess independently, and so forth. Other states are so limited that the LPN can only pass oral medications. Also, some people on this site will claim that LPNs cannot critically think. Do not make such generalizations. Some LPNs can engage in critical thinking, and others cannot. Some RNs can engage in critical thinking, and others cannot.

I have also considered LVN. I am told it's easier to get into the LVN program here than it is the RN. I am applying to the RN in Aug, and if I do not get accepted I am going to apply to the LVN(they only do once a year apps) and RN program in the spring.

I have wondered about LVN's....because I have been told by several nurses and professors that they are phasing LVN's out. They told me eventually all LVN's will have to get their RN's or be out of a job.

Does anyone know if this is true?

I was a LPN from 1983-1989 and then graduated college with my nursing degree in 1989...I can tell you back then I was also told the same thing....LPN's were being phased out----now almost 20 years later the same thing is still being said so you can make your own conclusion on that issue.

I will say that I found it alot easier in 1989 to find a job as a RN. At that time the hospitals were doing their best to go all RN however Im not sure how good that idea worked. I have worked ICU for so long now and in the ICU's I've worked at they do only use RN's so therefore I dont get a chance to work with LPN's anymore so I cant say how many LPN's are employed by hospitals compared to RN's. I do know that the majority of LTC facilities staff more with LPN's then with RN's.

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