LVN vs. ADN

[jupiter101]

What's the difference in curriculum between an LVN program and ADN? I have an offer for an ADN, but I'm kind of thinking it's going to be a lot of pathophysiology and intense study of disease processes, which I'm not the biggest fan of. Is the LVN more hands on and less disease process heavy? Or am I just fooling myself and are they 90% the same? I have my prereqs done for ADN. 

I'd appreciate replies from people who have done LVN, ADN, or both. 

[111th, ADN, LPN]

21 hours ago, jupiter101 said:

thanks all for the posts. What's the difference in curriclum though between LPN courses and RN courses? 

It’s very similar. Same concern just more condensed and less in-depth in the PN program.

[londonflo]

24 minutes ago, 111th said:

It’s very similar. Same concern just more condensed and less in-depth in the PN program.

There will be more critical thinking ,assessing, evaluating the result of care than in the PN program.  

[MomWifeNurseStudent]

On 11/21/2021 at 11:15 AM, londonflo said:

 Please continue on with your education and you will learn the difference. 

I think I'll decide what's best for me and my family on whether or not to continue my education rather than take advice from someone on the internet, just because they didn't read into the fact that we will have 2 entirely different payrates - which was my point. How many times have you heard "Just become an RN, as an LPN you'll be doing the exact same thing and making way less". Regardless or not of job duties - that is what the world thinks. 

[londonflo]

11 minutes ago, MomWifeNurseStudent said:

I think I'll decide what's best for me and my family on whether or not to continue my education rather than take advice from someone on the internet, just because they didn't read into the fact that we will have 2 entirely different payrates - which was my point.

Of course, deciding for your family and you is the best.  Knowing what is best for your family is the best for everyone. I misunderstood that you were not asking to find out the difference on this internet site. I wish the best for you and your family. 

I respect your decision but would like to add that health care institutions base their pay on what the licensed individual can do  legally and can bill for it/assign caregivers/ staff  accordingly. A healthcare institution is bound by the Nurse Practice Act with regards to assigning responsibility to nurses. 

[NotFlo]

On 11/15/2021 at 9:47 PM, vince_reads said:

The disease process in ADN is more intense or comprehensive than the LVN program. LVN program can be finished in about 9-10 months. ADN program can be finished in a proper 2-year program with 4 semesters.

I am sure the ADN program is more comprehensive but my LPN program was a two-year program and very thorough.

If you want to be an RN please do the ADN program. If you want to be a nurse, period, I would recommend the ADN program. I'm an LPN and working on my ADN right now, having to re-take A+P and micro because I waited so long to move forward (15 years).

I loved the pathophysiology in my LPN program. There was a lot of it. I don't know about shorter/private school LPN programs but I don't know that there's any escape from it. It's important to know disease process.

On 11/18/2021 at 9:06 PM, toomuchbaloney said:

Does the ADN program have the option to license and work as a LVN after completion of certain course and clinical work? 

No.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

On 11/15/2021 at 6:43 PM, jupiter101 said:

What's the difference in curriculum between an LVN program and ADN?

Perhaps your answer lies in your understanding of what each discipline does. LVNs and RNs are two differnt things.Don't let anyone tell you they are essentially the same. I have heard this from some but not all LVNs when comparing themselves to ADN. The last time I checked both required some patho, pharmacy, and assessments. 

In California the LVN role is mostly task oriented. LVNs observe patients and report their findingds to RN's who then assess the patient and report to the physician. It is very rare for LVNs to work outside of skilled facilities in my area. LVNs make a lot less than RNs, The additional education prepares the RN for their role in the care of the patient. 

So yes the RN has a more intense curiculum which is as it should be. If you have been accepted to an ADN program and did well in your prerequistes you should be able to handle and ADN program. If you are an LVN you are limited to your scope of practice. You can't have two active nursing licenses in different disciplines. RN license invalidates the LVN license.

Hope this helps 

Hppy

[jobellestarr]

On 11/22/2021 at 3:11 PM, MomWifeNurseStudent said:

I think I'll decide what's best for me and my family on whether or not to continue my education rather than take advice from someone on the internet, just because they didn't read into the fact that we will have 2 entirely different payrates - which was my point. How many times have you heard "Just become an RN, as an LPN you'll be doing the exact same thing and making way less". Regardless or not of job duties - that is what the world thinks. 

It doesn’t matter what the world thinks. The licensing and scope of practice are what governs what you can do. The LPN degree is a technical degree. And it’s limited in scope of practice which is what determines your pay. RN is a whole other set of skills including assessment, supervision, etc. 

[londonflo]

On 11/22/2021 at 3:11 PM, MomWifeNurseStudent said:

How many times have you heard "Just become an RN, as an LPN you'll be doing the exact same thing and making way less". Regardless or not of job duties - that is what the world thinks. 

. 

Quote

Just become an RN, as an LPN you'll be doing the exact same thing and making way less

 

Uneducated people, those not needing complex healthcare or even basic caregiving coordinated by an RN often get RN/LPN/CNA mixed up.  That is until they need  RN provided healthcare.

 

 

[amoLucia]

On ‎11‎/‎23‎/‎2021 at 9:18 AM, hppygr8ful said:

 

....  If you are an LVN you are limited to your scope of practice. You can't have two active nursing licenses in different disciplines. RN license invalidates the LVN license.

Hope this helps 

Hppy

HPPY - I do continue to see current postings here on AN by nurses who are holding the 2 licenses. It's like they purposely maintain the LPN/LVN, even some time after they become RNs. I would say the higher level of educ would outrank regardless whatever position they perform. For which they would be performing expanded duties while receiving commensurate salary. 

[londonflo]

6 minutes ago, amoLucia said:

I do continue to see current postings here on AN by nurses who are holding the 2 licenses. It's like they purposely maintain the LPN/LVN, even some time after they become RNs.

I have seen this too. If one license gets sanctioned (RN), can they use the other one to still work?

amoLucia - hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! It was our first one together since March 2019 altogether (with all vaccinated/boostered, children included)!

[amoLucia]

I would doubt it if it were to involve some clinical aspect.

Good Thanksgiving here too. 

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

57 minutes ago, amoLucia said:

HPPY - I do continue to see current postings here on AN by nurses who are holding the 2 licenses. It's like they purposely maintain the LPN/LVN, even some time after they become RNs. I would say the higher level of educ would outrank regardless whatever position they perform. For which they would be performing expanded duties while receiving commensurate salary. 

I don't know about areas outside of CA but here a nurse is held to the standard of their highest license, which means even if working with the duties LVN you are still held to the standards of the RN license.

Hppy