What can an RN do than an LPN can't?

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I started my CNA class last night, and it's being taught by a woman who's been an LPN for 40 years. When she found out that most of us in the class were going for an RN, she advised us that it was not worth it to get an RN, and that an LPN is just as good and they can do everything an RN can. She said if you want to sit at a desk all day and do paperwork, get your RN. Needless to say, I was confused because I thought there was a lot that LPN's can't do, but I'm also new to this so I'm not sure. Can anyone help? If I could cut my schooltime in half and save some money, I would get my LPN.

Thanks.

Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

I've been doing IV pushes for years in the hospital and LTC (Texas) . The difference is not the fact that we cannot do the pushes (because we can with proper training) it is what we can push and what we can't. I really can live with out doing it and I generally let the RN handle that type of stuff and I go do something else for him/her in return (po meds what ever). Gosh they dont pay well in the hospital do they.. I'd go hungary

Well as important as LPN's are, RNS can do more..For example only RN's can give IV push medicines, only RN's can work in L&D here (Texas), as well as the NICU here.Here they start LVN's off at 14/hr and RNS at 22/hr.BUt then again, if you work at LTC you will notice there isnt much of a difference and the pay is good. As a GVN at a LTC I am starting off at 18/hr and when I graduate as an RN in Fall they will be starting me off at 25.50..... :rolleyes:
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I started as a CNA, earned my LPN and have less than a year to go to get my RN.

The difference? Well there's some clear differences in both skills and responsibilities and our program drills them into us! The main differences are pretty clear cut:

LPN's are supervised by RN's. Yes, even in LTC's and rural hospitals, there has to be an RN available (often within "proximate" distance which is a legal term for being able to get to the facility when called).

LPN's can monitor IV flow rates and may, under very specific circumstances, stop an IV prior to notifying the RN and MD. LPN's can remove IV's but can't start or change them. In many states there is a special certification program for LPN's so they can give IV meds. This usually requires a length of service as an LPN and passing a special course. Even then IV management is limited to adults and these LPN's still can't start IV's and often can't give the initial dose of IV meds (only subsequent doses).

LPN's differ in the scope of their assessments. Often they must have an RN reveiw their initial (admitting) assessments and may have other limitations. RN's get additional training in assessment techniques and situations that LPN's don't get. These additional skills build on the basic LPN skills and required a greater degree of analysis than an LPN is formally trained to do.

LPN's are limited in the teaching and careplanning to 'canned' forms in many states. RN's have a body of knowledge that allows customizing teaching plans and careplanning. In many states, the LPN "contributes" to the careplanning while the RN "creates and monitors" the careplan. (A colleague, tongue in cheek, made the observation that LPN's follow the careplans written by the RN's. :) )

The list goes on... Your state's "mileage may vary".

In general LPN's are practical nurses, trained with the practical skills necessary to deliver nursing care using assessment, intervention and evaluation. LPN's contribute to analysis, and planning. RN's are trained beyond this level with skills related to assessment and planning that LPN's don't have. Along with these skills come greater responsibility for managing patient care (paperwork and communication). RN's are responsible to the whole nursing process of assessment, analysis, planning, intervention, and evaluation. As for pay, in my facility a new CNA makes about $9, a new LPN makes about $16, and a new RN makes about $24. The $$$ reflect the different levels of responsibility in each role.

There is plenty of need for both RN's and LPN's. And, outside of these differences, most of the nursing work *is* the same. We pass the same pills, do the same interventions, and have the basic responsibilities of the CNA too. That's why the program I enrolled in requires us to enter as a CNA and get our license as an LPN halfway through. They want us to understand and experience the different roles. Something that has been of incredible value to me.

The best advice is to search for your states nurse practice act and read it. You'll likely get a copy with your license anyway and you'd be responsible for knowing the differences in the scope of practice regardless of the level of licensure.

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I started my CNA class last night, and it's being taught by a woman who's been an LPN for 40 years. When she found out that most of us in the class were going for an RN, she advised us that it was not worth it to get an RN, and that an LPN is just as good and they can do everything an RN can. She said if you want to sit at a desk all day and do paperwork, get your RN. Needless to say, I was confused because I thought there was a lot that LPN's can't do, but I'm also new to this so I'm not sure. Can anyone help? If I could cut my schooltime in half and save some money, I would get my LPN.

Thanks.

I just finished all my classes for LPN school and will graduate in a week. I have to say that lady really has no clue. She sounds pessimistic to me or crothety or something. If I had to do it all over again I would get my RN. The jobs available for LVN's is depleting rapidly. Although this is a normal routine, the job market will open back up shortly, it is kind of like the stock market, give it a minute and it will change.

In our area Rn's are the only ones that can do initial assessments, make up the care plans (ofcourse, there is a computer program for that nowadays), they are the only one that can touch a central line and some hospitals only allow RN's to hang blood, I have seen some hospitals allow LVN's to do that, but you just have to be aware of the policies.

LVN's gave the same responsibilites basically as an RN. You still are responsible for that Central line, you just can't touch it :rolleyes: you still are responsible for everything about that pt. So why not get paid for it. I start back in the spring to finish up my RN. Maybe for her and LVN was enough but not for me and it doesn't sound like it will be enough for you either.

Just remember it is always good to here all sides of nursing, but never let them get you down. IF this is something you want, GO FOR IT!!!!

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Well as important as LPN's are, RNS can do more..For example only RN's can give IV push medicines, only RN's can work in L&D here (Texas), as well as the NICU here.Here they start LVN's off at 14/hr and RNS at 22/hr.BUt then again, if you work at LTC you will notice there isnt much of a difference and the pay is good. As a GVN at a LTC I am starting off at 18/hr and when I graduate as an RN in Fall they will be starting me off at 25.50..... :rolleyes:

I can also validate that LVN's definitely do IV pushes in Texas. Some facilities may put limits on LVN duties but there is nothing in the TX practice act that forbids it. During my last LVN position, the only push meds that LVN's were not allowed to give were those that couldn't be given on a med/surg floor so the RN's couldn't give them either, they were meds appropriate for the ICU setting only.

When I got my RN I stayed on the same floor for a few months and there truely was no difference in my job than when I was an LVN except that an RN must assess the pt q24h.

But I got my RN because I thought why not get paid more to do the same job.

Plus I'd never be able to work the areas I can work now as an RN.

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I have been an LPN for six years and I'm currently working toward my RN.

Six years ago as a new grad I had my choice of areas in the hospital to pick from. I knew LPNs who had little experience that worked neuro-trauma, ICU, the ER and everywhere in between. Soon afterward that all began to rapidly change. Now all you have to do is check the job board at these hospitals and you will see that often there isn't a single LPN spot listed.

I work LTC now. Around here LPN options are pretty much limited to LTC, prisons, & MD offices. The last time I checked with a hospital the job offered sounded very undesirable and the pay was about 40% less than what I currently make.

I think the opportunities alone justify any extra time and effort you have to give to get the RN.

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I started as a CNA, earned my LPN and have less than a year to go to get my RN.

The difference? Well there's some clear differences in both skills and responsibilities and our program drills them into us! The main differences are pretty clear cut:

LPN's are supervised by RN's. Yes, even in LTC's and rural hospitals, there has to be an RN available (often within "proximate" distance which is a legal term for being able to get to the facility when called).

LPN's can monitor IV flow rates and may, under very specific circumstances, stop an IV prior to notifying the RN and MD. LPN's can remove IV's but can't start or change them. In many states there is a special certification program for LPN's so they can give IV meds. This usually requires a length of service as an LPN and passing a special course. Even then IV management is limited to adults and these LPN's still can't start IV's and often can't give the initial dose of IV meds (only subsequent doses).

LPN's differ in the scope of their assessments. Often they must have an RN reveiw their initial (admitting) assessments and may have other limitations. RN's get additional training in assessment techniques and situations that LPN's don't get. These additional skills build on the basic LPN skills and required a greater degree of analysis than an LPN is formally trained to do.

LPN's are limited in the teaching and careplanning to 'canned' forms in many states. RN's have a body of knowledge that allows customizing teaching plans and careplanning. In many states, the LPN "contributes" to the careplanning while the RN "creates and monitors" the careplan. (A colleague, tongue in cheek, made the observation that LPN's follow the careplans written by the RN's. :) )

The list goes on... Your state's "mileage may vary".

In general LPN's are practical nurses, trained with the practical skills necessary to deliver nursing care using assessment, intervention and evaluation. LPN's contribute to analysis, and planning. RN's are trained beyond this level with skills related to assessment and planning that LPN's don't have. Along with these skills come greater responsibility for managing patient care (paperwork and communication). RN's are responsible to the whole nursing process of assessment, analysis, planning, intervention, and evaluation. As for pay, in my facility a new CNA makes about $9, a new LPN makes about $16, and a new RN makes about $24. The $$$ reflect the different levels of responsibility in each role.

There is plenty of need for both RN's and LPN's. And, outside of these differences, most of the nursing work *is* the same. We pass the same pills, do the same interventions, and have the basic responsibilities of the CNA too. That's why the program I enrolled in requires us to enter as a CNA and get our license as an LPN halfway through. They want us to understand and experience the different roles. Something that has been of incredible value to me.

The best advice is to search for your states nurse practice act and read it. You'll likely get a copy with your license anyway and you'd be responsible for knowing the differences in the scope of practice regardless of the level of licensure.

I Agree 99.99% with you comment... :)

Nat

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I would have to say that of all I have read on this topic, this is by far the best explanation of the difference in RN and LPN. Kudos to you!

I started as a CNA, earned my LPN and have less than a year to go to get my RN.

The difference? Well there's some clear differences in both skills and responsibilities and our program drills them into us! The main differences are pretty clear cut:

LPN's are supervised by RN's. Yes, even in LTC's and rural hospitals, there has to be an RN available (often within "proximate" distance which is a legal term for being able to get to the facility when called).

LPN's can monitor IV flow rates and may, under very specific circumstances, stop an IV prior to notifying the RN and MD. LPN's can remove IV's but can't start or change them. In many states there is a special certification program for LPN's so they can give IV meds. This usually requires a length of service as an LPN and passing a special course. Even then IV management is limited to adults and these LPN's still can't start IV's and often can't give the initial dose of IV meds (only subsequent doses).

LPN's differ in the scope of their assessments. Often they must have an RN reveiw their initial (admitting) assessments and may have other limitations. RN's get additional training in assessment techniques and situations that LPN's don't get. These additional skills build on the basic LPN skills and required a greater degree of analysis than an LPN is formally trained to do.

LPN's are limited in the teaching and careplanning to 'canned' forms in many states. RN's have a body of knowledge that allows customizing teaching plans and careplanning. In many states, the LPN "contributes" to the careplanning while the RN "creates and monitors" the careplan. (A colleague, tongue in cheek, made the observation that LPN's follow the careplans written by the RN's. :) )

The list goes on... Your state's "mileage may vary".

In general LPN's are practical nurses, trained with the practical skills necessary to deliver nursing care using assessment, intervention and evaluation. LPN's contribute to analysis, and planning. RN's are trained beyond this level with skills related to assessment and planning that LPN's don't have. Along with these skills come greater responsibility for managing patient care (paperwork and communication). RN's are responsible to the whole nursing process of assessment, analysis, planning, intervention, and evaluation. As for pay, in my facility a new CNA makes about $9, a new LPN makes about $16, and a new RN makes about $24. The $$$ reflect the different levels of responsibility in each role.

There is plenty of need for both RN's and LPN's. And, outside of these differences, most of the nursing work *is* the same. We pass the same pills, do the same interventions, and have the basic responsibilities of the CNA too. That's why the program I enrolled in requires us to enter as a CNA and get our license as an LPN halfway through. They want us to understand and experience the different roles. Something that has been of incredible value to me.

The best advice is to search for your states nurse practice act and read it. You'll likely get a copy with your license anyway and you'd be responsible for knowing the differences in the scope of practice regardless of the level of licensure.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

It would be great if it were all true. Of course it depends on the state you practice in too.

I would have to say that of all I have read on this topic, this is by far the best explanation of the difference in RN and LPN. Kudos to you!
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I think your instructor was way out of line giving out such "advice". She is only fueling the RN vs. LPN flame. In some settings, the LPN and RN do basically the same thing IF the RN is doing bedside care and the LPN is paid less than the RN they are working alongside, however, it can't be overlooked that the RN DOES have more education than the LPN. They have taken many more hours theory than we have. I think that as far as clinical experience goes in school, the LPN does have more clinical time and we are more "floor ready" upon graduation than most RN graduates. We are being basically trained on the job for the job that we will be doing, which is bedside nursing.

To answer your question: in GA, the LPN can't spike blood products for transfusion, however, we can and do monitor the infusion. We cannot draw blood from, push drugs through, or maintain a central line, we do not do the initial assessments (unless you are working LTC and a resident comes on a shift when no RN is on duty, which is rare, then you do it and an RN comes behind you to sign off on it), we do not initiate the care plan, however, we most certainly participate in the process. Also, LPN's must work under the supervision of a MD or RN. Now, in a lot of LTC facilities, the RN's work days, so the evening and night shift LPN's are not under the direct supervision of the RN, BUT there is an on-call RN at all times and yes, I have had to call my RN in the middle of the night to come out to the facility to give some IV push morphine when we were pushing through a central line. If I had wanted to get all huffy about it and whine that it was ridiculous, I could have, but I simply looked upon it as one of those things that their degree affords them that my diploma doesn't afford me.

I am not by any means trying to degrade the LPN as a lesser nurse, because I don't feel that way. I just think that we have to acknowledge that their is an educational difference that affords the RN more opportunities and more pay. Does it mean they should receive more respect? Certainly not, but I think the whole health care team deserves the same respect because each has their own job to do. Do I think there are RN's with attitudes out there that try to make us feel like we are worthless? yes I do, however, I have also seen some LPN's who get an attitude every time someone reminds them that a particular task isn't within their scope of practice, or they find out that the RN working along side them is making several dollars an hour more than they are. IMO, this is all just absurd.

I guess my point to this too long post is that we must seriously consider how we feel about our credentials as LPN's. If we feel like lesser nurses, then we will allow ourselves to be put down, and it will show in our performance and attitude at work. If, on the other hand, we feel good about what we do, and we are satisfied, then that will show through as well. I work in LTC where LPN's abound.....we ARE the nurses. I feel good about my job. I'm satisfied with my pay, and I don't aspire to work in any other specialty area, so, therefore, I doubt I'll continue my education for my degree. However, there are a couple nurses that work with me, who want to be in the ER or L&D and constantly complain about their lack of opportunities as LPN's. One is in the bridge program doing something about her situation, the other is just whining. They are not satisfied, and thus, they should continue on their educations until they are at a level that THEY RESPECT. Because, honestly, I think if you respect yourself and the job you do, you can't let someone else bring you down.

I'm a new nurse, and I can't tell you already the number of times I've had well meaning people ask me if I'm going to get my RN. My response is always the same....."I am satisfied right now, in LTC doing bedside care, if that changes, I'll consider it". Most of the time, their response is "that's great". My own personal physician asked me that question, and when I gave that response he said "I hope you are working at the the nursing home where I am the medical director", when I said I was, he said "I'm impressed" with a huge smile. A few days later, my DON told me he inquired about me on his next rounds. So, listen to me, you can get the respect you want and deserve as an LPN, you've just first got to have it for yourself.

That was a beautiful post and well written:) You said it all, respect yourself and respect others and that respect will come straight back to you. You sound like a wonderful nurse:)

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WHOOOO HOOOO WOW!! Well I am a LVN and love my job and career but, if you want to advance and go higher on the food chain you go to school and become a RN. As a LVN I can place IV's and do IV pushes, blah blah blah. but you are stuck in a dead end job. I cant go anywhere and do any type of managment or speciality. I have learned so much being a LVN, no regrets. But if you have the opportunity get the RN degree...

..................

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wonderful post lpn01112005!! :balloons:

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I was an LPN for 7 years and have been an RN for 5 years now. So, I think I'm qualified to speak on the subject.

I do enjoy being an RN better than I did an LPN.

IMO, the main advantages of being an RN vs an LPN are: more education, responsibility, more authority, more opportunities and MORE MONEY.

I think your instructor is jealous, and regrets not having become an RN.

Her comments certainly are unprofessional and revealing of her jealously and resentment.

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