Why be an RN, when LVN's do the same thing?

Trauma Columnist · Dec 17, 2007

My first thought is that your instructor needs to further investigate that statement. There is nothing wrong, inferior or otherwise unacceptable with being an LPN. However, an LPN is NOT an RN. And yes, in every state the nurse practice act differentiates the difference.

Good luck in school.

nurz2be · Dec 17, 2007

My instructor was telling me in class today that there's no point in going on to RN, when you do the same thing as an LVN. I know better and it's a personal choice as to what you want to go on to. But I wanna know how you feel about this statement.

They are not. This is an age-old discussion that will persist in many posts that will begin RN's arguing with LPN/LVN's. IF they were the same there would not be a distinction in schooling, in licensing, and in the boards. They would be called the same, be paid the same, be expected to handle the same stresses and responsibilities in all situations. They would go to school for the same amount of time. They would be respected by the medical community in the same way. They would be simply put the same. They are not.

SDSUJackrabbit · Dec 17, 2007

They are not. This is an age-old discussion that will persist in many posts that will begin RN's arguing with LPN/LVN's. IF they were the same there would not be a distinction in schooling, in licensing, and in the boards. They would be called the same, be paid the same, be expected to handle the same stresses and responsibilities in all situations. They would go to school for the same amount of time. They would be respected by the medical community in the same way. They would be simply put the same. They are not.

well said

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2007

Because new grad RNs make $8.00 more per hour than new grad LPNs around here, for doing similar jobs. Notice I said similar because the Nurse Practice Act of Florida states there is a difference between the two.

The job opportunites around here within the hospital are far greater for the RN. RN can work in ICU, L&D, ER, flight nursing and other areas LPNs are shut out of. In fact we have dozens of RN positions open this week and one LPN position in our Rehab unit.

For job opportunity and money it makes sense that many people would choose RN.

Some people use LPN for a stepping stone to the RN because that's the best option for them.

There are also many people who are happy with their money, job description and title and that's their choice.

Mutual respect is always the key. :)

sassysteph7 · Dec 17, 2007

In LTC if you want to stay on the floor behind a medcart then don't get your RN. If you enjoy LTC but would like to be promoted then you need to be an RN. Some facilities will hire LPNs as unit managers but thats usually where is stops. Also, the pay difference is pretty big. At the agency I currently work for I get paid $5 more an hour than my LPN friends.

MikeyJ, RN · Dec 17, 2007

At the hospital I work at, LPN's can basically do the same thing as an RN with the exception of IV pushes and a few other things. They need to have an RN co-signature for everything as well. My facility has actually stopped hiring LPN's completely.

SharonH, RN · Dec 17, 2007

Using her "logic", wouldn't a better question be: if RNs and LVNs do the same job and RNs get paid more and have more job options then why be an LVN? I'm just saying......

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2007

Due to the inflammatory nature of this thread, I'm closing it for a cooling down and so the mods can discuss it.

Thanks.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2007

Thread to remain closed. The op's question has been addressed.

Thanks.