What is the difference between a PRN, a RN, a ADN, and a LPN?

I was wondering the same thing also! I understand the RN, ADN & LPN but I saw someone with PRN next to their name and was curious what that was.

I am also curious about the difference with RN/LPN. I have had a couple LPN's tell me that what they do is no different then the RN except for a few things and I should go for my LPN because the pay is not much different and it is a year less of school. I believe that if there is an extra year of school then there is a reason for that and there must be a larger difference. I don't know, that's why I am asking the ones who are out there and know this stuff!

suzanne4, thank you very much! I still have every intention of going straight to my RN. I very much appreciate the clarification!

Just to clarify a bit more...

ADN stands for "associate degree in nursing". BSN stands for "bachelors degree in nursing". MSN is "masters degree in nursing". Degrees are issued by educational institutions to individuals who have met the requirements for that degree. A degree is not a license.

"RN"and "LPN" (LVN in some locations) are licenses issued by regulatory nursing boards to individuals who qualify through education and testing for the RN or LPN license. Educational requirements are different for each license.

Good luck in your RN program!

PRN could also mean the nurse was a "pool" nurse, or a "float" nurse, meaning they work where needed. Also there's an agency called "PRN nurses".

Good luck to you!

Definately go for the RN right out of the box. PRN around here stands for nurses who work as needed. No reg scheduel. Good Luck with your education.

Could PRN be Psychiatric Registered Nurse? I know here in Canada we have RPN's which are Registered Psychiatric Nurses. Just a thought...

Here in Ontario RPN stands for Registered Practical Nurse.

Originally posted by RN2B4ABBY

I was wondering the same thing also! I understand the RN, ADN & LPN but I saw someone with PRN next to their name and was curious what that was.

I am also curious about the difference with RN/LPN. I have had a couple LPN's tell me that what they do is no different then the RN except for a few things and I should go for my LPN because the pay is not much different and it is a year less of school. I believe that if there is an extra year of school then there is a reason for that and there must be a larger difference. I don't know, that's why I am asking the ones who are out there and know this stuff!

First of all an RN can do many more things than an LPN, and the pay is more. I for example make 28.80 an hour.

An LPN is one year of schooling. Most states do not allow them to give IV meds and need to have a RN cosign orders, can not take MD orders or charge on the floor which in most facilities is 1.00-2.00 more an hour.

PRN after RN probably means that they are a fill in.

RNC is a RN who is certified in a specialty in which they work

ARNC is a RN nurse practioner.

hope this helps

The starting pay here for LVN (same as LPN) is $6 less than RN with ADN degree and $7 less than RN with BSN degree. $6 x 2080 hours/yr = $12,480 per year MORE. LVN's in our state are not allowed to assess patients, administer IV medications or administer blood transfusions. They are not eligible for managerial or other positions in acute care settings. In short, cutting out that extra education closes the door on opportunities that you might want later. Some LVN's in our facility chose that route in order to have a job while they attended school to get RN license. Good luck in whatever you decide.

By the way, prn is a slang word here for people who work only when called and are not scheduled routinely.

Thank you both mittels & purplemania! I appreciate your time and the clarification! It helped me to realize that I need to put my all into my RN schooling and forget the rest! RN is where I want to be and I am going to focus on obtaining that goal! Thanks again!