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There are two types of nurses. There is RN, registered nurse,
and LPN or LVN (depending on jurisdiction), licensed practical
nurse or licensed vocational nurse. Often you will see them
working side by side or perform the same tasks. What are the
differences between the two nurses? How are the trainings
different, the tasks different and the advancement opportunities
different? Knowing this information will also assist you in
determining which nursing career is right for you. Studying
to be nurse can be done at a career college or online depending
on the plan you choose.
Registered Nurse
Training
Registered Nurses attend school to achieve one of three degrees,
either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, Bachelor’s
of Science in Nursing, or a Master’s of Science in Nursing.
Upon completion of schooling they must pass a licensing exam
to obtain a nursing license.
Working Environment
A Registered Nurse works independently. They can treat patients,
educate patients, provide advice and emotional support to
patients and family, record medical histories, record medical
symptoms, help with diagnostic tests, analyze test results,
operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications,
assist with follow up and develop plans of care.
Advancement
A Registered Nurse can continue training to become a Nurse
Practitioner or a Nurse Anesthetist and there are many management
options available as well.
License Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse
Training
License Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse go through
one year training at a career college or community college.
They also must pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam after completing
a state approved practical nursing program.
Working Environment
License Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses work under
the direction of a Physician or a Registered Nurse. They can
provide basic bedside care, measure vital signs, prepare and
give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, dress wounds,
give alcohol rubs, give massages, assist with bathing and
other palliative care, collect samples, perform routine lab
tests, record fluid intake and output, clean and monitor equipment
and assist a Physician or Registered Nurse with other tasks.
Advancement
License Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses typically
advance by continuing their education and achieving their
Registered Nurse status.
Summary
According to Rasmussen College of Nursing the difference between
a RN and LPN/LVN is three fold. It lies in the Scope, Responsibilities
and Advancement.
Scope
RNs skills are focused on patients whose conditions are not
stable or on patients whose conditions are more complex than
can be cared for by an LPN. They can work independently and
act as advocates and health educators for patients, families
and sometimes communities.
LPNs skills are focused on basic nursing on stable patients
and focus the majority of their attention trying to improve
the health of patients while working under the supervision
of a physician or a RN.
Responsibilities
RNs responsibilities are as stated above. In addition to the
work they perform they often supervise or oversee LPNs, Nurses
Assistants, and Nurses Aides.
LPNs are restricted to palliative care, record keeping, basic
tests and procedures and care of wounds.
Advancement
RNs can have a BSN or MSN and work to become a Nurse Educator
or work in an advanced practice specialty such as Clinical
Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists
or move into healthcare management.
LPNs that are experienced can supervise Nursing Assistants
and Nursing Aides but the best path to promotion is to continue
to achieve the RN title.
The differences between an RN and LPN/LVN may be small to
some it’s important to know in advance so that you pick
the appropriate avenue for your college studies. Consider
what you want to do as a nurse when making your decision.
Let that be your guide. Good Luck.
There are many schools that offer nursing courses to choose
from. To see these and others, visit the Nursing
Schools directory today.
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