RN vs LPN

[aachavez]

What's the difference between and RN and an LPN in terms of, what they are licensed to do, what functions they can perform?

IE a Paramedic can start an IV and give meds, while an EMT cant.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Do a search on Allnurses. This topic has been discussed. Google it also.

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

ditto

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Feel free to click on the links below to read older discussions on the differences between RNs and LPNs. Happy reading!

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/lpn-vs-rn-230306.html

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/lpn-v-rn-9792.html

https://allnurses.com/lpn-rn-nursing/rn-versus-lpn-20915.html

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/what-main-difference-214095.html

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/difference-between-rn-106720.html

https://allnurses.com/lpn-rn-nursing/difference-between-rn-349253.html

https://allnurses.com/lpn-rn-nursing/what-difference-between-579289.html

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/lpn-v-rn-547685.html

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/whats-difference-between-312097.html

https://allnurses.com/registered-nurses-diploma/differences-lvn-lpn-336837.html

[NCRNMDM, ASN, RN]

In my state, North Carolina, LPNs cannot give blood or heparin. They also cannot do the initial assessment on a patient no matter what department they are working in. When LPNs do an assessment, they cannot do any critical thinking. If they notice that the blood pressure is low, or the heart rate is up, or the breath sounds don't sound right, they have to report it to the RN immediately. It is then up to the RN to come in and reassess the patient and determine what is going on. Finally, they cannot do any patient teaching regarding any subject. Because of this, most hospitals in my area no longer hire LPNs at all, and the ones that do put them in very low acuity units (mainly hospice-like units where people are dying and don't need complex medical care, or the minor care section of the emergency department that sees things like the common cold, broken fingers and toes, and sprains and strains). I don't think I know of any hospital within 100 miles of me that still hires LPNs. Around here, you can really only work in a nursing home or long term care facility if you are an LPN.

[loriangel14, RN]

It depends on where you are.I can do assessments, I can give heparin,I can access PICC lines and I can do patient teaching.I can do critical thinking and I am not "under" an Rn, I am responsible for my own nursing decisions.

[anonymousstudent]

OP - this topic causes...issues. Sometimes. When you have delegation you will understand it much more clearly.