LPN vs RN

CathyLew · Oct 2, 2009

there are lots of sites that tell the difference.

http://www.nursingjobshelp.com/rn_or_lpn.htm

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/442305/rn_vs_lpn_whats_the_difference.html?cat=5

but you really need to look at what you want to do as far as education.

justiceforjoy · Oct 2, 2009

LPNs are nurses. They are practical nurses whom get licensed while RNs are nurses who get registered.

Here, RNs must have a Bachelor's in nursing (4 years) and the LPNs get 12 months, straight-through education.

Two years of RN school is about equiv. to LPNs here, hence they can get an job as an LPN after two years.

That said, some states have LPNs doing little more than personal care (cleaning clients, dressing them when appropriate, etc.) In other states, they are full scope and can even start IVs, vacuum pack wounds, and so forth.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 3, 2009

Justiceforjoy, where is "here"?

Both LPNs and RNs get licenses. RNs have a bt more school and are allowed to do more things. They are also paid better.

It is harder for an LPN to advance. The RN allows you to get a lot of different certifications.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Oct 3, 2009

I believe j for joy is in Canada.

In the US you have 50 states and several more territories all with different laws regarding Nurses' permitted abilities. Here in SC the RN can be A diploma grad (though no more schools exist here, the nurses do) an Associate Degree, and Baccalaureate degree have the same abilities. The BSN will allow further advancement. There are also entry level Master's programs for those with a baccalaureate in another field.

Up at the top of each page is a search bar where you can find the answer to your question and more by just entering a few words.

And YES LPNs ARE NURSES!!!

CynicallyVexed · Oct 3, 2009

LPN you are still a nurse. In my state (TN) after 6 mos of passing boards we can go back for IV certification, where you learn to start, hang fluids/drugs, and push only a certain number of drugs. There's not much advancement for LPN's unless if you advance to RN school.

After RN school you can advance with different degrees and certification. Like being a heart nurse, critical care nurse, traumatic brain injury nurse, kidney transplant team nurse.. several endless titles you can put with the RN. The education is worth it to if you desire to go forward. While as a LPN.. opportunities are few and far in between and job options are becoming few and farther in between with primary care nursing taking a rise with most hospitals.

Decide what type of field you want to be in. If you want to be unrestricted with your options and want to get the education and get it over with. Go to RN school. If you have time to figure out what you want and need more stability in your life before RN school, do LPN school. I went the LPN route first to help pay for my bills and for when I went back to RN school I wouldn't be struggling for 4 years on a CNA pay, but I sacrificed a year of my life of m-f 8-2:30 p.m. school, every weekend at work, and taking the grades I could get to get through.