LVN VS. LPN Questions... Please help..

[mspriss154]

Okay here it goes, I am a newbie at this and have lots of questions regarding pursueing a nursing career. I have yet to find any books on the subject to help me get on the right track and I finally found this site (by accident ) today. Would somebody be so kind in answering a few of my questions it would be much appreciative... Such as.......

1. What is the difference btwn. an LVN and an LPN? What kind of duties do they have to asses?

2. Does LPN stand for Licensed Practical Nurse?

3. Does anyone know how Texas Lvn/Lpn's are treated? As I read in another thread are they a dying breed in major hospitals?

4. Whats the hardest thing about going through school?

5. What class do I really need to be prepared for and what to expect my first yr.?

6. Is there a book out there or a website besides this one to guide me in the right direction?

7. What kind of pay should I expect my first yr out?

8. And finally the pros and cons of the profession.

THANK YOU!

[caliotter3]

They are one and the same. LVN in Texas and CA, LPN everywhere else. Only a difference in language for the title. There are nuances of differences in responsibilities in different states.

A search on this board will turn up lots of threads that give info regarding your questions.

[feisty_lpn, LPN]

1] Just the title. Job duties are the same, but scopes of practice vary from state to state. In Ohio, LPNs can do everything an RN can except IVs and care plans. There is an IV cert for LPNs but, even with that, LPNs cannot push IV meds, do piggybacks, hang blood, etc.

2] Yes

3] No idea

4] Academics are not hard. But the study time and clinical prep time are very time-consuming. If you're married with children &/or plan to work while attending school, time management is a great tool to master.

5] Pharmacology... there's a thread about it somewhere on here. What to expect? Expect to be VERY busy. You will live, breathe, eat, and sleep nursing school.

6] IMO, this site is better than any book for guidance and advice.

7] Depends on where you live.

8] Pro: You can make a difference in someone's life... even if its just a smile on a bad day for them. Job security is another big one.

Con: In alot of people's opinions, we are not "real nurses". Therefore, in alot of areas, we are limited in where we can work. Here, LPNs mostly work in LTC, home health, and doctor's offices. Hospital positions are mainly reserved for RNs here.

You're Welcome! and GL!

[mspriss154]

Thanks feisty, Great info.!!! Looks like we are the same age and born the same month. Thanks again.

[msdobson]

1. What is the difference btwn. an LVN and an LPN? What kind of duties do they have to asses?

Absolutely nothing. Some states call them Licensed Vocational Nurses while others use Licensed Practical Nurses.

3. Does anyone know how Texas Lvn/Lpn's are treated? As I read in another thread are they a dying breed in major hospitals?

That whole "LVN's are being phased out" line was old in the 1960's. You figure it out.

4. Whats the hardest thing about going through school?

Time. You won't have any, so don't expect to work, sleep, eat, have a boyfriend or girlfriend....um, did I say eat and sleep?

5. What class do I really need to be prepared for

Pharmacology will have you begging for Mommy.

What to expect my first yr.?

Relearning or learning time management and proper study habit techniques.

6. Is there a book out there or a website besides this one to guide me in the right direction?

There's a website BESIDES this one?

7. What kind of pay should I expect my first yr out?

Pay?

8. And finally the pros and cons of the profession.

Not enough RAM in my computer to answer that one!