I've been reading this board a while and I see the LPN vs. RN debate come up quite often. I am really interested in the history of the two levels of nursing. Why is there a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Registered Nurse? I don't see two tiers in other areas of medicine. I don't see a practical medical doctor and a medical doctor. I don't see a practical pharmacist and a registered pharmacist. I understand the need for techs and assistants, but LPNs and RNs responsibilities seem so similar in scope, why do the two levels exist?
Home Health Columnist / Guide NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN 11 Articles; 17,838 Posts Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion. Has 46 years experience. Sep 22, 2005 great info here:us: bhpr - supply, demand, and use of licensed practical nurseschapter 1: introductioncanada: http://www.clpnbc.org/public.php?section=aboutcollege&subsection=historyprofessional practical/vocational nursing
