LPN vs RN
LPN is a Licensed Practical Nurse and RN is a Registered Nurse. The main difference that can be noticed between LPN and RN is in their duties and practice.
A registered nurse is one who has graduated with a 4 year nursing program with a Bachelor of Science degree or a 2-year nursing program with an Associate’s Degree. On the other hand, a Licensed Practical Nurse is a person who has graduated with a one year Practical Nursing program. While a person needs to pass NCLEX-RN to become RN, a person can become an LPN after passing NCLEX-PN.
When a person needs just one year to become an LPN, four or two years are needed for becoming a RN. As such a RN has to learn more than an LPN. A RN is known to have more knowledge about physiology, clinical practice, pharmacology, delivery systems, resource management, research utilization and team functioning.
When talking of responsibilities, it is the RN who has to take more responsibilities. The RNs even supervise the LPNs. The RNs can take independent decisions, which an LPN cannot. The LPNs are always under the supervision of RN or doctors. The Registered Nurse addresses wide issues than the Licensed Nurses. RNs also address a wider spectrum of issues than Licensed Practical Nurse.
Some of the main functions of LPNs include observing patients, collecting samples from patients, preparing and giving injections, inserting catheters, feeding patients, helping the patients with dressing and bathing and keeping them comfortable. Apart from these functions, the LPN also do chart out assessments of patients, give certain drugs or medications and even assign work for nursing assistants. But these nurses do not have the authority to give restricted medicines or intravenous narcotics.
The RNs are always at a higher level of the LPNs. The RNS can administer medicines, develop and manage nursing plans, assist physicians in examinations and treatments and take independent decisions.
In Hierarchy, the RNs are above the LPNs. Another difference that can be noticed between the LPN and the RN is their salaries. The RNs are paid more than the LPNs.
Summary:
1. A person needs to pass NCLEX-RN to become RN. A person can become an LPN after passing NCLEX-PN.
2. When a person needs just one year to become an LPN, four or two years are needed for becoming a RN
3. Registered Nurses have more responsibilities than Licensed Nurses. RNs even supervise the LPNs.
4. The RNs can take independent decisions, which an LPN cannot