LVNs say they are equal to RNs...how true is this? much more schooling...

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Hey everyone, i am a second year nursing student (RN) and i notice a lot of controversy about LVNs saying they do exactly what a RN does. Can someone clarify the two??? i have an idea, but would like to know the major differences. Our LVNs come in our second semester after the first six weeks!! wow that's a huge diff in school. We almost have 2.5 semesters more of study than them. I absolutely have nothing against LVNs, but there are plenty out there that continuously say this. I have worked with amazing LVNs and yes they are huge huge huge assets for a RN and not to mention a patient. I just would really like to know the huge differences....is it really that simple "oh they can't push blood, push any IV meds, or do care plans" (which is huge, well at least in nursing school lol).

Thanks for you input

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Hey everyone, i am a second year nursing student (RN) and i notice a lot of controversy about LVNs saying they do exactly what a RN does. Can somewhere clarify the two??? i have an idea, but would like to know the major differences. Our LVNs come in our second semester after the first six weeks!! wow that's a huge diff in school. We almost have 2.5 semesters more of study than them. I absolutely have nothing against LVNs, but there are plenty out there that continuously say this. I have worked with amazing LVNs and yes they are huge huge huge assets for a RN and not to mention a patient. I just would really like to know the huge differences....is it really that simple "oh they can't push blood, push any IV meds, or do care plans (which is huge, well at least in nursing school lol).

Thanks for you input

There are numerous and varied threads already on this forum regarding differences between LVN/LPN and RN scopes of practice, some of which became very heated discussions.

What each can do is determined largely by state laws versus what they are allowed to do which comes down to decisions by each facility.

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Specializes in Home Health/PD.

I was an LPN that got my RN and in one job I am not doing anything different. The biggest difference I've noticed is the critical thinking skills i learned. Lpns spend most of their schooling learning skills and tasks. They are more task oriented people. Because of the skills they learn in Lpn school they are able to bypass the first year of rn which is usually skill tasks. Hope that helps some.

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IV stuff, pushing IV meds, and care plans are, generally speaking, within the SOP for RNs as well as initial/wound assessments. I've worked with LPNs who have way more on the ball than some (experienced) RNs as well as some LPNs who don't know much more than some CNAs. Your question was about "the huge differences". Look to your state's BON for SOP nursing clarifications. Your BON will give you the answer about the "differences". Your own personal experience, once you've passed your boards, gotten a job, and seen the difference between the real world and what you're learning in nursing school will give you more insight.

Nutshell? You'll find out!

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Specializes in Peds Homecare.

Please no more RN/LPN threads!

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LOL i'm so sorry i can't help but laugh at your pic! hahahahaha Well i think it's bullcrap that LVNs are underpaid then and that why the heck do we(RNs) have to go to school for 2 semesters and 10 weeks more than a LVN if they do exactly the same thing???? for the heck of it?

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okay still no straight forward answer on why we have to go to school longer! for critical thinking skills????

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Specializes in Emergency, ICU.
okay still no straight forward answer on why we have to go to school longer! for critical thinking skills????

Yes and a more rounded education. And higher pay! ;)

Really, do a search and you have plenty to read on this topic.

I don't think anyone should spend time on LPN school when an ADN is only at most 1 more year and LPN's are being phased out in many settings of care. Very limiting degree.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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:) I'll take that! lol thank you

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Specializes in Oncology.

I have the utmost respect for LVNs and LPNs, however, no, they are not the same nor do they do the same thing as RNs. When they have to accept responsibility that I have and the extra workload I carry, then we'll talk. We do the same KINDS of things and many of the same tasks, but LPNs do not do the care plan, nor do they manage many aspects of care that RNs are charged with.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I have been a LPn for almost 18 years, and have never once heard an LPN say they do the same as an RN. I know I sure don't. I think that people just need to get over whatever inferiority complex, or ego they have and work together. A highly experienced LPN does not make me "just the same" as a RN. Can I help a new grad RN, LPN, or CNA? you bet I can. But I also know that even with all of my years of experience, a RN I am not!! It would be a beautiful world if everyone could check there attitudes at the door! Please dont think that all LPN's are RN "wanna be's"!!!!!! I thank my lucky stars for my RN co-workers! I need them to get the job done, and they need me. We need to get back to teamwork!!!!!

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Specializes in Ortho/trauma acute care/med surg.

I would love to work with you Egglady!!!! We do team nursing where I work and it can be hectic, but I need my LVN!!!!

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