RN and LVN are the most common healthcare occupations in the United States of America because of their critical role in Patient care. Even though some of their tasks overlap, they are two distinct professions that most people find difficult to understand. The nature of the work, educational background, and pay are all rather different.
LVN vs RN
The main difference between LVN and RN is that to be eligible for licensure as a licenced vocational nurse, or LVN, one must first complete a basic education programme, which takes about a year. However, on the contrary, to become an RN or registered nurse, one must undergo an advanced education programme that takes two to four years to complete.
Licensed Vocational Nurses are abbreviated to LVN. Licensed vocational nurses, sometimes known as LVNs, are crucial to have. A licenced vocational nurse, or LVN, can expect to make roughly $42,000 per year. A licenced vocational nurse, or LVN, cannot work on their own. Because LVNs have fewer skills, their job opportunities are limited.
Registered nurses are abbreviated as RNs. Licensure is not required for registered nurses. It is, nonetheless, critical. A registered nurse, also known as an RN, earns around $69000 per year. A registered nurse, or RN, can work independently and has permission to do so. Registered nurses have superior abilities and, as a result, a broader scope of practice.
Comparison Table Between LVN and RN
| Parameters of Comparison | LVN | RN |
| Acronym | Licensed Vocational Nurses. | Registered nurses. |
| Education | Minimal/basic education of 12 months approx. | Advanced education of 2-4 years. |
| Licensure | Licensure is important. | Licensure is important, but not mandatory. |
| Independent work | Can work independently. | Can not work independently. |
| Scope and skills | Lesser skills, the limited scope of work. | Better skills, the better scope of work. |
What is LVN?
Licensed Vocational Nurses are abbreviated as LVN. To be eligible for the licenced vocational nurse’s degree, or LVN, one must first complete a basic education programme, which takes about a year. Licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs, are essential to have. A licenced vocational nurse, often known as an LVN, earns roughly $42,000 per year. An LVN, or licenced vocational nurse, is unable to work alone.
LVNs have lesser expertise and thus a smaller scope of employment. The LVN is a licenced vocational nurse with less schooling, lower pay, and a narrower area of practice than the RN. To become an LVN, one must first complete an accredited nursing programme, which takes at least a year full-time and roughly 18 months part-time.
Nursing subjects such as pharmacology, biology, physiology, anatomy, and, last but not least, clinical practise under the supervision of a supervisor are strictly followed here. After completing the programme, students must take the NCLEX-PN tests to become a licenced vocational or licenced practical nurse, which is recognised in all states.
What is RN?
Registered nurses are designated by the abbreviation RN. To become an RN or registered nurse, one must complete a post-secondary school programme that takes two to four years to complete. Licensure is optional for registered nurses. It is crucial, however. A registered nurse, often known as an RN, earns approximately $69000 per year.
A registered nurse (RN) can work autonomously and has permission to do so. Registered nurses have more advanced abilities and, as a result, a broader scope of practice. The registered nurse (RN) is a professional nurse who is licenced in every state. Registered nurses must also pass the NCLEX-RN examinations, which are more difficult than the NCLEX-PN exams, in addition to completing their studies.
These tests look at how registered nurses make decisions and think critically. To practise as a Registered Nurse, you’ll need extra education. A diploma in nursing science, ASN or a BSN are the three options available. The first two programmes take at least two years to finish, while the BSN programme takes four years.
Main Differences Between LVN and RN
- LVN is the acronym fit for Licensed Vocational Nurses. On the other hand, RN is the acronym fit for Registered nurses.
- To become qualified for the licensed vocational nurse’s degree or LVN, one must at least complete a minimal education which takes twelve months approximately. On the other hand, to be qualified for RN or registered nurse, one must complete an advanced education which requires around two to four years of study.
- Licensed vocational nurses or LVN are important to be licensed. On the other hand, for registered nurses, licensure is not mandatory. However, it is important.
- It is not possible for an LVN or licensed vocational nurse to work independently. On the other hand, a registered nurse or RN has the potential and authority to work independently.
- LVNs possess lesser skills and hence limited scope of work. On the other hand, registered nurses possess better skills and hence better scope of work.
Conclusion
Due to limited work duties and insufficient qualifications, LVNs payment is less than RNs. They mostly work under the direction and supervision of registered nurses. LVNs are supervised by RNs. A bachelor’s degree in nursing is required, which can take anywhere from two to four years. LVNs, on the other hand, can enrol in transitional programmes and finally become registered nurses.
RNs make more money than LVNs. LVNs have a narrower scope of practice than RNs, which varies by state. RNs have the option to open their own practises. They have the potential to advance to management positions. The doctors give orders to both the RN and the LVN.
Because of the critical role they play in patient care, LVN and RN are the most common healthcare occupations in the United States. Even though some of their tasks overlap, they are unique jobs that most people find difficult to comprehend. The scope of employment, educational background, and pay are all quite different.
References
- https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ137434
- https://search.proquest.com/openview/92177c533e4056941a9211e6f304a172/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750