Tell me the difference between LPN & RN

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Can someone enlighten me on the differences between an RN and an LPN as far as school, difficulty of school, and job responsiblilities.

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Can someone enlighten me on the differences between an RN and an LPN as far as school, difficulty of school, and job responsiblilities.

At the hospital I work at, our floor does not usually hire LPN's or LVN's as they are called in our great state. They will however have an LVN from an agency come in if they are short RN's. When an LVN works on the floor, they have exactly the same responsibilites as an RN. They do assessments, pass meds, IV's etc. The only difference is at the end of the shift, they must "check out" so to speak with the charge nurse. I'm not sure if the charge nurse checks their charting or what. In med/surg at the hospital, I have seen may LVN's working. I think it just depends on where you work and what state.

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Can someone enlighten me on the differences between an RN and an LPN as far as school, difficulty of school, and job responsiblilities.

An RN needs at least a two-year associates degree or a diploma from a three-year hospital based school designed for RN's.

An LPN here in my part of the world (NY) takes a 10 month full time program and I ::think:: gets a diploma.

To be certified for either you need to take the NCLEX licensing exam, either for RN or PN.

Difficulty of school I think is dependent on the program and the stuident.

I believe that RN's in-training learn more assessment skills, and I don't think LPN's diagnose and create care plans.

LPN's usually report to the RN.

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.
Can someone enlighten me on the differences between an RN and an LPN as far as school, difficulty of school, and job responsiblilities.

It depends what state you live in. In Arizona, an LPN can not do IV push drugs or hang piggybacks. Hospitals tend to only want to hire RNs. LPNs mostly work in a doctors office or LTC. RNs attend school for at least two more semesters, or more if they are getting a BSN, than an LPN in AZ.

Lu Ann

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Specializes in ER/SURGICAL ICU/PACU/MEDICAL ICU.

Maybe just a minor difference to some, but an RN will make more money than an LPN.

Nurse212

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