LVN vs RN

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

They have different scopes of practice. Education being a HUGE one, which is something only an RN can do.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

I was an LVN for 4 years before becoming an RN in 2010. I have written extensively about LPNs, their educational pathways, and some differences between them and RNs.

I mean aside from an RN being a college degree vs LVN being a diploma?

BTW, not all LPNs have diplomas or certificates. Some have earned the associate of applied science degree in practical nursing from community colleges and state universities.

Click on the links below if you are interested.

LPNs? What do they do? Where can they work?

Nursing Degrees That Lead To The Practical Nurse License (LPN)

LPNs: Myths and Misconceptions (Part I)

LPNs: Myths and Misconceptions (Part II)

LPNs: Myths and Misconceptions (Part III)

LPNs: Myths and Misconceptions (Part IV)

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

Actually, diplomas are RN's as well. Diplomoas and ADN's are essentially equivalently educated RNs. Practical or Vocational Nurses are a certification. The scope of practice is different in each state. In many states, LPNs can not assess, educate, push meds, and/or hang blood. In some states, they can't start IVs (I think I heard this). Pay is also a HUGE difference, as LPNs barely make a living wage compared to RNs, and are often limited in the types of jobs they can find.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

I think it's great that one can earn an associate's degree for LPN, but as far as I know, it's not a requirement to enter the field, is it?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2013

Actually, diplomas are RN's as well. Diplomoas and ADN's are essentially equivalently educated RNs. Practical or Vocational Nurses are a certification.

Many LPNs are degree-holders. The associate of science degree in practical nursing is a valid pathway to becoming an LPN.

Pay is also a HUGE difference, as LPNs barely make a living wage compared to RNs, and are often limited in the types of jobs they can find.

The limitations on the types of jobs LPNs can find is dependent upon the geographic region. When I attended school in Oklahoma in 2009 and 2010, I saw LPNs in postpartum, the ER, ICU, and other specialties that are typically closed off to them in other regions.

In addition, I earned fabulous money during the four years I worked as an LVN. I definitely earned far more than a living wage. 2010 was my last year of working as an LVN and my final wage was $27.04 hourly at a nursing home in a large city in Texas. A few of my LVN coworkers earned $29.00 per hour for working the night shift.

This added up to $55k to $60k per year, which is excellent money for someone with a one-year diploma or certificate. Many people with high-priced BAs do not earn this kind of money, especially if they chose a major such as humanities, philosophy or art history.

During my time as an LVN I lived in a newer house, had two newer cars in my driveway, paid the bills comfortably, and amassed a five-figure savings account, all as a single female without a spouse. My point is that LPN earnings and job opportunities all depend on your geographic region and the manner in which one manages money.

I think it's great that one can earn an associate's degree for LPN, but as far as I know, it's not a requirement to enter the field, is it?

No, it is not a requirement.

RLtinker, LPN · Jul 12, 2013

At our school, the ASN get one more class then the LPNs. The transition from lpn to asn is 6 classes. 5 of which the LPNs have already taken in a slightly different form. So education wise its not that much of a difference. The first semester we all have the same classes so, we also all have the same basic clinical skills. The major thing is the scope of practice and less focus on administrative side of nursing. The scope of practice is different from state to state, but common limitations include not being able to push drugs iv, not hanging blood products or chemotherapy drugs (usually require a special certification),initial assessments and writing care plans. This is part of the reason lpns tend to work less in hospitals and more in LTC.

Kimynurse · Jul 12, 2013

Once again commuter, you did an great job explains an LPN I live your myths so true

I will add I make a great salary as a LPN.

Better then a lot of RNs in other states I'm in NY.

stewartfamily2010 · Jul 12, 2013

Thanks for all the input. I applied to an ADN program and am waiting to hear if I got in. If I don't get in I'm thinking about doing an LVN program in the meantime. Then later going on to an ADN program. In my area (CA) if you're an LVN you get to skip the first two semesters.