LPN's vs. RN's

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Hi.. I was doing some searching on the internet today and found that it seemed like LPN's do more than RN's... It just doesn't make sense to me... Rn's seem to sort of sit back and supervise more than actually doing things... When I was looking up LPN's, the list of things that they had to do was amazing..but when I was reading about RN's, there really wasn't much that they physically did except assist doctors and supervise LPN's. I guess my question is, for those of you that are RN's or can offer me some help; what the heck to RN's do???? I just think that if LPN's are doing much more than RN's, then maybe LPN's are the ones that need to be paid more..because RN's are paid a much larger amount... Anyone agree???? Can anyone help???

Wow thank you so much for all the great advice!! I've decided as of last night that I'm going to my RN.. I defnitely like your idea about getting some kind of assistant job in the area I want for now while I'm in school...It would definitely get my foot in the door for what I want...

I really love all the help you guys have given me so far.. I very glad that I found this forum and you have made me even more excited to get the RN program started!!! Thank you!!

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The difference in LPN's and RN's :chair:

1. Different levels of education

2. Different scope of practice (this will vary from state to state and facility to facility)

3. Difference in pay scale. RN's make a considerable amout more than LPN's. Usually. Although I do know some LPN's who make as much or more than RN's. Again this depend on the area you live and the facility that you work in, which type of speciality you go into and of coure the amout of experience you have. Also depends on what shift you work. Night shift will pay more than day shift etc. Usually agencies pay more than hospitals. LPN's with 20 yrs of expierence can make more than some RN's who have less experience. New grad RN's make more than new grad RN's etc.

4, Rn's have a lot more riding on their butts then LPNs do. Insurance etc... the more LPNs, and CNA's that a Rn has under them is more of a chance that they will get sued. LPN's are less likely to get sued. But it DOES happen.

5. RN's can work in pretty much any unit, LPN's are limited at many hospitals as to which areas they can work. RN's have a harder time getting jobs in LTC, unless it is management. Usually Dr's offices look for LPN's not RN's.

Those are just some of the facts that I have been told, not really job descriptions. Here is another web site that you will find helpful. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm

I'm just starting school so any nurses out there that feel what I wrote should be corrected please feel free to do so (I know you will LOL) as I am still learning myself :coollook:

Thats all I will say, NO WAY am I getting into the LPN vs RN debate. I think ALL nurse are important and LPN's and RN's compliment each other.

Wow, thanks for that link you gave me.. It was pretty much what I was looking for... :)

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