Lpn to RN? Weigh the Differences First

Thinking of pursuing a nursing career? If you are confused about the difference between an Lpn (sometimes called an LVN, according to the state) and an RN, you're not alone. Both can be called "nurses", and both can be said to practice the art of nursing. Although the two share many duties in common, there are also many differences in their roles. The following outlines some of these similarities and differences that will help you decide on whether or not you just make the transition from Lpn to RN:

Lpn (Licensed Practitioner Nurse) - Can obtain their license after going to school (often a vocational school) for 12 to 18 months - State board exam required for licensure - Perform/assist with such activities as bathing, grooming, toileting, eating, dressing, and others (activities of daily living, or ADL's) - Can obtain vital signs and perform simple assessments - Can chart their assessments and care - Can give certain medications - Can start an intravenous in certain places and circumstances - Cannot give intravenous narcotics or other schedule/restricted drugs - Can delegate tasks to NAs (nursing assistants) - Can earn $16.00 to $20.00/hr to start; maximum wage around $25.00/hr. - Generally work shift work, 8 or 12 hours

RN (Registered Nurse) - RN's often favored over Lpn's because of their greater skill set - RN's can earn an associate's degree (AD) in as little as 2 years, or a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) in 4 years - RN's are required to pass a state board exam for licensure - RN's have a greater knowledge base in subjects such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and pathology of disease - RN's take all of the same courses as Lpn's; in addition, they also take classes in theory, education, management, and administration - RN's are expected to interpret information and place it in context; liaison with physicians to plan patient care - RN's delegate to both Lpn's and nursing assistants - RN's have a greater amount of legal responsibility - RN's have a greater choice in workplace i.e. clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, schools, public health, college/university instructor, camps, etc - RN's can earn $25.00 to 35.00/hr just to start - RN's can choose a position that does not require shift work, such as a managerial or teaching position

After seeing the list of similarities and differences, as well as advantages and disadvantages, it is obvious that RN's enjoy many perks that Lpn's do not, such as greater opportunities in choice of workplace, greater respect, and higher wages. Also, the current nursing shortage means that there is no time like the present to pursue a career as an RN.