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 Peds stepdown ICU.

My unit has no LPN's ot techs...I have never even seen an LPN in the hospital for that matter. I have to agree the notion of "paper pusher" is silly for primary RN's in the hospital. I do primary care for all of my patients...no LPN's or techs. Unfortunately, the wave of all RN staff is but a reality. The myth of "paper pushers" needs to be put to rest...because it certainly isn't the case for me either.

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Specializes in Case Manager, LTC,Staff Dev/NAT Instr.
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 will not get into the RN vs LPN debate mainly because there is no comparison both are different by scopes/functions/knowledge or there wouldn't be nursing practice laws vs rules & regulations in each state to prove it..my advice to you is if you can afford the time /money go for your RN 1st more doors will open for you...if your time/money is limited right now go for your LPN. I have been the CNA, LPN, RN, now RN to BSN and I completed each degree accordingly d\t time/family/money and I don't regret any it...Good Luck to you:wink2:

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Specializes in designated med nurse,med surg,hh, peds.

Re: LPN01112005 's post..Just curious where in GA. you work. I worked in 2 hospitals just west of Atl. and 1 LTC facility. At the first hospital, I was the designated med nurse, I passed meds to the entire med surg floor (up to 22 pts.) I gave all the meds, including iv push cardiac meds if they were on telemetry. The other hospital I worked at, we did our own lab draws, and the only thing (line wise) that I couldn't touch was a jugular line. I was able to draw blood from and flush central lines,as well as do the dressing changes.At the 2nd hospital the LPNs did every thing except spike the blood, and give IV push cardiac meds to pts. who WEREN'T on tele. On my floor, if the pt. got IV push cardiac meds, they WERE on tele,so other than the blood spiking,and pay rate, there was no difference. We also did the admission assessments, and peritoneal dialysis. In the LTC facility I worked at, I was on the medicare step down unit, and did every thing, pic lines, iv meds etc. This was 2000 to 2003.(LTC 01/2000 to 08/2000, hospitals after that till 12/2003). Now I live and work in Central Illinois in LTC, and basically pass pills and chart to a MUCH higher nurse patient ratio. Around here the hospitals aren't hiring LPNs and the few you run into that have been there forever can't do blood draws or start IVs. I am going on to get my RN in the fall if all goes as planned, simply because my skills are being wasted here. I don't know about other areas of Il. (and won't be working in, say the Chicago or Springfield areas 'cause I live in the middle of a corn field!!! ha ha) I drive 22 miles one way to the nearest city. Like I said earlier just curious where you worked Ga. is a fairly large state, and just wondered if things had changed that much in the last 2 years. (Still have my Ga. license)

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Specializes in designated med nurse,med surg,hh, peds.
:nurse:
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In PA, an LPN cannot give IV push meds.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

It all depends on which state. Some states have very conservative, restrictive scopes of practice for LPNs, whereas other states have extremely wide LPN/LVN scopes of practice.

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I graduated from Practical nursing school in 1974 and worked approx. 4 years in the hospital and nursing home settings until I remained home to take care of my sons, and homeschool. Later on I was caregiver to my parents, until my father passed away in 2003. My mom in 1995. I had alot of perimenopausal difficult symptoms for two years esp. and was recovering from burnout in being a caregiver. Finally, I am feeling like I would like to return to nursing and have reactivated my inactive license. In my short years of experience as an LPN who did not have training in IV or phlebotomy etc.. I found that the lines seemed fairly clear. In my day, it was easier I think because the chain of command was set. The Registered Nurse was the ultimate in oversight over the LPN and the LPN was over the CNA. Clear as crystal. The LPN was assigned patients and did various treatments, administered medications, changed dressings, and did most of what the RN did, with the exception of Intravenous associated meds. The RN would go from room to room tending to the IVS, oversee the floor, and do much paperwork , interacting with Drs. The LPN did patient care, and some LPNs would not do the " presumed meanial tasks" such as bed pan, bathroom assisting etc.. and would often call for an aide, rather than do it themselves. Many aides would tell me I was rare, in that I did everything. I took pride in that.

I feel that sometimes, things become too complex in blurring the lines of authority, and responsibility. Yes, we are all responsible and accountible for our patient care, but it was very clear at the time, that the Registered Nurse was the one we looked to for guidance, even though we had training and knowledge of our own and could evaluate patient needs and condition, as part of our job description.

I have much respect for all who work as caregivers, but do see a level of superiority , or lack of respect, for each level of educated care giver below the RN very often.. with comments that LPNs are not nurses, which I never understood, due to nurse being part of the title. .

I have been seeking returning and have applied to a few positions, and am prepared to be turned down, if that is the case, because of my many years out of the field. Does anyone have any suggestions as to any refresher courses for those in my sitation? I do desire a term of orientation if I am hired anywhere to help me to get back in the swing of things. But have fears being out so long and not remembering all things. Any courses you know of that are not costly etc? Thanks.

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