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

suzanne4, RN · Jan 2, 2004

PRN is the way that a medication can be administered, as needed.

Or possibly could mean "professional registered nurse" but I have never seen that.

RN is registered nurse.

ADN is associate degree nurse (2 years).

LPN is license practical nurse.

Good luck to you on your studies.

RN2B4ABBY · Jan 2, 2004

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, RN · Jan 2, 2004

Depending on where you work, the amount of responsibility can seem similar. Wherever I have worked in the past, only the RN could start the IV. LPN's can function as a surgical tech in the OR but not as the circulator. The major trauma centers don't seem to be advertising for LPNs in the ER like they used to. Again it depends on what state you live in and what area that you want to work. I highly suggest getting your RN now while you are geared up towards it. Later on, when you do decide that you want it, it will be a lot more effort on your part.

RN2B4ABBY · Jan 2, 2004

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

jemb · Jan 2, 2004

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!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2004

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!

angelbear · Jan 2, 2004

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.

gizzy76 · Jan 2, 2004

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

Worthy · Jan 2, 2004

Here in Ontario RPN stands for Registered Practical Nurse.

mittels · Jan 2, 2004

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

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2004

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.