Just from reading on here, I've become aware of some of the differences between LPNs and RNs. Some of the things I've read were pushing IV meds and a few other things I can't recall them. But it doesn't seem like there is a whole lot of difference between the pn and rn. Am I wrong? Please fill me in...
I am not a nurse. I've applied to an LPN program...hoping & praying I get in.
Here's my question to the nurses- If there aren't THAT many differences between the 2, why is there such a difference in pay?
I misspoke. Some LPN programs do indeed teach nursing diagnoses. My bad! = )
I agree with you..I am a LPN with many years of exp. tell me how many RN's have I had to orient on the job..still I proud myself because of age and knowlegde my cowokers look for me to help solve problems at work..I have trained many of new LPN's and they have returned to school for thier RN that still come to me for advise..My Supervisor who has a MSN in nursing come to me for advise in solving other nurse's problem. I do not mind and yes the RN (some) get paid more than I do but I don't mind I look at the knowledge and exp. that I have that the RN need from me...LMAO:yeah::)
NYS makes it very difficult for an LPN to be in a management position, period.
I manage a 44-bed unit in LTC and have floor nurses who can run rings around me clinically. They are impressive in their assesment (excuse me, data-gathering) skills and I crack up at the idea that *I* have to sign off on thier note if someone falls. I mostly stand there while they go to it and then write the note or sign off on theirs. They know their stuff.
It frustrates and angers them, and it's understandable. But the sniping between licensure levels, including those with certifications such as aides, gets incredibly old.
I will be graduating from the PN program in Canada this June. The best way to explain the difference between the LPN and the RN is this: LPN's work with stableclients, clients with known outcomes, or with unstable clients under the direction of an RN. The LPN does pretty much everything that the RN does (with stable clients/known outcomes): assessments, give meds orally/IM/SC etc.. Putting in IV's is an advanced LPN competency which requires extra education, as is phlebotomy, foot care etc. Opportunities for LPN's are ever widening!
10 months is the shortest amount of time I've ever seen to get an LPN/LVN. That's only a month more than most Medical Assistant programs! Maybe the young'uns are just smarter now, lol. :)
That's 10 months M-F, 7-8 hours/day. I can tell you that I did more clinical time in that I did as a RN.
In Canada, the LPN (also called RPN, Registered Practical Nurse), is a 2 yr program. We get a lot of Clinical time. Right now we are in the last part of the program, a 4 week/160 hr Preceptorship. I just finished my 1st week with the VON. Hoping I get hired on with them, as you really get to use a lot of skills. I have given meds orally/IM/SC, pre-poured meds for one day or a week, and many dressing changes. I did a dressing change on a wound that had tendon showing! Many chest assessments, and much more. Looking forward to the next 3 weeks, and hoping to get to put in my first catheter as I have only removed one!
Specializes in Emergency Dept., Critical Care Transport.
I've been wondering about this lately...
Just from reading on here, I've become aware of some of the differences between LPNs and RNs. Some of the things I've read were pushing IV meds and a few other things I can't recall them. But it doesn't seem like there is a whole lot of difference between the pn and rn. Am I wrong? Please fill me in...
I am not a nurse. I've applied to an LPN program...hoping & praying I get in.
Here's my question to the nurses- If there aren't THAT many differences between the 2, why is there such a difference in pay?
And if I am wrong, please inform me....
Thanks so much everyone:)
Lovesunsets,
I was a LPN for 4 1/2 years before I became an RN. Licensing is done by the State , so there can be slight variations in duties permitted - depending on which State you practice in. Nurses (LPN or RN) are to be guided by the "Nurse Practice Act". It was drilled into me by my instructors "READ IT AND KNOW IT' LPN"s always "RECORD & REPORT" - Meaning that a LPN Reports to either a RN or MD or DO. A RN can work Independently within the scope of her/his Nursing Practice - A LPN can not --- Even in LTC a LPN is still reporting to a RN or a Physician - Even if it's by phone. The defensiveness of LPN's --Other professionals and the general public's ignorance of how in depth many LPN programs really are --- Mine required a year of College and was so through that my Nursing Courses in my College RN program were a breeze. We even used the exact same Med/Surg Textbook. The only difference was LPN Program did not get into Community Health Nursing and the Peds was not as in depth -- Either Way -- You have to pass State Boards to get either license so you gotta know your stuff. The pay difference is significant as is the respect you get, but then you don't need others to define who you are. Best of Luck to You.
I was a LPN for 4 1/2 years before I became an RN. Licensing is done by the State , so there can be slight variations in duties permitted - depending on which State you practice in. Nurses (LPN or RN) are to be guided by the "Nurse Practice Act". It was drilled into me by my instructors "READ IT AND KNOW IT' LPN"s always "RECORD & REPORT" - Meaning that a LPN Reports to either a RN or MD or DO. A RN can work Independently within the scope of her/his Nursing Practice - A LPN can not --- Even in LTC a LPN is still reporting to a RN or a Physician - Even if it's by phone. The defensiveness of LPN's --Other professionals and the general public's ignorance of how in depth many LPN Programs really are --- Mine required a year of College and was so through that my Nursing Courses in my College RN program were a breeze. We even used the exact same Med/Surg Textbook. The only difference was LPN Program did not get into Community Health Nursing and the Peds was not as in depth -- Either Way -- You have to pass State Boards to get either license so you gotta know your stuff. The pay difference is significant as is the respect you get, but then you don't need others to define who you are. Best of Luck to You.
Mind boggling because on here someone who is an lpn wrote that they manage rns in a administrative capacity and teach asses their skills? Oh and in some states,there was only a dollar,yes,a dollar or two pay difference. I worked in such a state.
Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.
I disagree that LPNs have the same amount of education and experience as R.N.s. No disrepect intended, but facts are facts.
I don't recall there being an argument that LPNs had the same education level as RNs... An LPN can't have as much experience as an RN? This makes no sense.
Like, I said no direspect, but that does irritate me when some(not all) LPNs try to take on the role of R.N. There are many things that LPNs cannot do mandated by law.
I don't think any LPNs responded that they are trying to take on the role of RNs. We practice within our State's scope of practice which many times is very similar to the RN.
Among other things, they don't have a higher knowledge or education of anatomy, physiology,micro, and maths. I just don't like the mindset of some (again not all) LPNs who think they know as much.
I, as many other LPN/LVNs have taken the exact same prerequisite courses as RNs. I respect the RNs role but in real life it's not always the license but the individual. I know very smart LVNs who I would rather ask a nursing question to rather than an RN and vice versa.
I do respect LPNs who have completed their schooling, but I really believe that nursing students who haven't even graduated yet really have more education. The pay for R.N.s is also a lot higher than that of LPNs. Again, no disrespect. Just wanted to give some facts and my opinion :)
Yeah, sorry that part burns me a little bit.... I would take an good experienced LPN/LVN over a nursing student any day. You keep saying "no disrespect" but that's the entire attitude I saw from your post. The facts you talk about seem to be mostly opinions and bias. I would not recommend carrying that attitude with you once you start nursing school. You might actually learn quite a bit from us "less educated" LPNs.
I don't recall there being an argument that LPNs had the same education level as RNs... An LPN can't have as much experience as an RN? This makes no sense.
I don't think any LPNs responded that they are trying to take on the role of RNs. We practice within our State's scope of practice which many times is very similar to the RN.
I, as many other LPN/LVNs have taken the exact same prerequisite courses as RNs. I respect the RNs role but in real life it's not always the license but the individual. I know very smart LVNs who I would rather ask a nursing question to rather than an RN and vice versa.
One question: if the licenses are similiar why can't an rn practice as an lpn?
Just a question to add to my knowledge,as I always get different reponses.)
Yeah, sorry that part burns me a little bit.... I would take an good experienced LPN/LVN over a nursing student any day. You keep saying "no disrespect" but that's the entire attitude I saw from your post. The facts you talk about seem to be mostly opinions and bias. I would not recommend carrying that attitude with you once you start nursing school. You might actually learn quite a bit from us "less educated" LPNs.[/
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
That's 10 months M-F, 7-8 hours/day. I can tell you that I did more clinical time in that I did as a RN.
Ours was 12 months long and same schedule, no summer break. It was a real bear to get through, but in retrospect I am glad. We were lucky, our two hospital clinical sites let us see tons of surgeries, lots of births and hands on patient care. Only a little bit of peds, though. That's where I ended up working, too.
I think the bottom line is know your province/state's scope of practice and your facility's scope of employment. From reading the posts, it seems that the scope is quite different here in Canada. It has only been the last few years that the LPN's scope of practice has expanded exponentially. We use to have a diploma RN program, but that was replaced perhaps 15 years ago with a nursing degree. I don't want to say the LPN program has 'replaced' the diploma RN program, as RN diploma grads could insert IV's and other things that are not considered entry level LPN competencies. That being said, the LPN scope of practice has many skills that are are considered advanced practice skills, such as phlebotomy and IV insertion to name a few. There are tons of courses available, and depending on your employer, they pay for you to get them, if it pertains to your position with them. I feel very lucky that I will graduate in June, (officially done May 19th when I write Nationals!!) as it is a rather exciting time to be an LPN with all the changes happening. It is expected within a couple of years the scope will expand again, including amoung other things IV insertion!
sorry
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