RN vs LPN and more...

[thatnicholegrl21]

Hi, I am new to this site and have a few questions. I'm 22 years old and live in NY. I'm considering nursing school, hoping to start this fall. My first thought was to go right to RN, but many people have told me that even though it's more money it isn't better than an LPN as far as patient interaction. I keep hearing LPN's do all the work and the RN's do all the paper work, is this true and could someone please specify the differences between the two? I don't really want to become an RN and have to do paper work all day, my reason for wanting to be a nurse is to care for patients hands-on. I totally understand that there is a lot of paperwork involved, considering I currently am an Activities Assistant, I see all the paperwork. It also seems to me that the LPN's are the ones passing meds and doing cares (aside from CNA work) and the RN's are in the offices all the time doing paper work. I am interested in working in labor and delivery, so what differences might there be between RN and LPN is this area. Thank you in advance for your help. :)

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

Many nursing schools have a long waiting list , if your goal is this September you better apply. Only RNs work in labor and delivery.

Lpns shine in long term care. They are the backbone. Being an RN will give you more job opportunities .

Good Luck with whatever choice you make.

[UGAnurse414]

Well it totally depends on where you work. I am a LPN and work on a busy med-surg floor. I've been out of school almost a year and am starting Excelsior very soon for my RN. The only difference b/w RN and LPN on MY floor is that LPN's can't access central lines and PICC lines, and there are a few meds we aren't allowed to give IV push. Other than that, we do the EXACT same job for LESS pay. But, I wouldn't change my career path for one minute. I got so much clinical experience during nursing school and didn't feel like a fish out of water when I started working full-time. Paperwork load is the same for RN's and LPN's on my floor. I think the big difference with paperwork is when you go work for a nursing home or home health. But, I'm sure more experienced nurses could shed more light on the subject. If you decide to get your LPN first, you won't regret it, I would just recommend working on a good med-surg floor for a year before starting your RN.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The "LPN versus RN" issue has been discussed extensively in countless threads on these forums. If you do a search, you'll find some of these threads. Unfortunately, the "LPN versus RN" posts have the tendency to become emotional and argumentative.

With that in mind, let's please keep the tone of this current thread as friendly and informative as humanly possible. Post on, and be merry!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

There are RNs that also stay at the bedside rendering intense patient care; in fact some places do not employ CNAs or LPNs, so the RN in that case is doing it all. It depends on where you are working. There are more varied opportunities for RNs, and they get paid more, which is one of the reasons why many choose that route or continue to earn that license. Good luck in your career choices!

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

The "LPN versus RN" issue has been discussed extensively in countless threads on these forums. If you do a search, you'll find some of these threads. Unfortunately, the "LPN versus RN" posts have the tendency to become emotional and argumentative.

With that in mind, let's please keep the tone of this current thread as friendly and informative as humanly possible. Post on, and be merry!

The bigger issue, both LPN and RN schools are hard to get admitted. My point availability where the openings are in her area may dictate which program she wants.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The bigger issue, both LPN and RN schools are hard to get admitted. My point availability where the openings are in her area may dictate which program she wants.

And, my point was to keep this discussion as cordial and informative as possible. With that in mind, we are appreciative for the helpful information you've bestowed upon the new member who originally created this thread. Thank you.