LPN VS. RN Questions!

[LittleJ]

Due to the waiting list here (and a couple colleges wanting LPN certificate as a pre-req,) I'll be going for my LPN this spring after my CNA is finished.

I've read a little online, but it wasn't all that clear. For starters, can someone please explain the major and minor differences with responsibility, etc. when it comes to CNA vs. LPN vs. RN?

Also, upon looking at hospitals in my area that are hiring, I see very few job postins for LPN's, but many for RN's. I have contacted human resources to see what they have to say about the lack of LPN jobs, does anyone have experience with this? LPN programs have become HUGE in Washington in the last 2 years, so I don't understand why there wouldn't be job positions readily available.

Thank you!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

What are the differences between LPN and RN? They're educated differently, classified differently, and certainly paid differently. The LPN has 12 to 18 months of basic nursing education, whereas the RN has 2 to 4 years of schooling that involves more pathophysiology, assessment, and leadership education. Some would say that the LPN's role is more task-oriented. Many state BONs classify LPNs as "basic nurses," and RNs as "professional nurses."

Why are some hospitals hiring fewer LPNs? Management feels that having an all-RN staff is more cost-effective since the licensure of the RN covers every possible aspect of nursing with no restrictions. The hospital LPN must hunt down an RN to cover certain tasks that are not within their scope of practice.

Finally, RNs earn more money due to the difference in educational attainment and licensure. While there are some LPNs who earn more than RNs, this is often the exception to the rule.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

By the way, this topic has been discussed extensively, and the same questions have been asked by hundreds of previous posters. Click on the blue links below to read a few of the other threads so you can glean more information and get some of your questions answered.

Difference between RN and LPN

Differences between RN, CNA, LPN, etc.

Differences Between LPNs/LVNs and RNs

[LittleJ]

Thank you so much for the links! I apologize for another post about it, I haven't quite learned to navigate around these forums yet! But thanks!

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

Please make sure that IF you do enter an LPN program that you have a easy and seamless transition to RN..

many enter LPN programs that have 'lesser' pre-reqs and thus cannot easily upgrade to an RN....

sooo RN is a better option in my neck of the woods... but if you choose LPN make sure you can continue your ed easily!

[LittleJ]

Please make sure that IF you do enter an LPN program that you have a easy and seamless transition to RN..

many enter LPN programs that have 'lesser' pre-reqs and thus cannot easily upgrade to an RN....

sooo RN is a better option in my neck of the woods... but if you choose LPN make sure you can continue your ed easily!

Thank you! The only pre-reqs I have left over from my LPN is chemistry, so I should be fine! I love science, lol! I wish I could go straight to RN but the waiting lists here are so huge! I've considered applying to schools in Oregon and California, but am not sure if that would help at all! Thank you though, I plan on going as far as I can with my education!

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

hold up - you are in WA :)

There are plenty of schools that do not allow/maintain have wait lists - entry is competitive on an annual basis... I would highly recommend entering and becoming an RN in WA rather then LPN.. you can PM me with your general county location and I can share what I might know

v/r

[suzanne4, RN]

Posters need to have 15 legitimate posts before they can use the PM function here.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Many state BONs classify LPNs as "basic nurses," and RNs as "professional nurses."

While I'm glad I dont live in that state !!! Where I'm from, RNs and LPNS are classified as professionals.