LPN vs RN: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to pursuing a career as a nurse, there are two common pathways towards receiving licensure. The two most common ways to enter the healthcare field is by becoming either a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Both LPNs and RNs play crucial roles in patient care. However, the credentials differ in areas such as education, job duties, training, licensure, and career advancement opportunities. By grasping a good understanding of the difference between the two roles, it can help you make an informed decision on your career as a nurse. In this blog we are going to dive into the topic of the differences between LPN vs RN credentials.

What is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

A Registered Nurse, or RN, is a more advanced licensed nurse who works collaboratively with doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered care. Their duties vary tremendously based on work settings, specialties, and day-to-day care. Registered Nurses are an integral part of the care team and work closely with every healthcare team member. RNs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, residential care facilities, doctor’s offices, private homes, and more.

What is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?

LPNs are entry-level licensed nurses that work alongside or under the supervision of registered nurses, doctors, and other providers. Licensed Practical Nurses, or LPNs, provide basic care and specialized medical care to a wide range of patients. They serve as a direct link between patients, doctors, their families, and other medical professionals. LPNs are essential to the patient’s experience and are crucial healthcare team members. You can find LPNs in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, physician’s offices, rehab centers, and long-term care facilities.

LPN vs RN: What’s the Difference?

LPN vs RN Education

LPN Education: To become an LPN, candidates complete a practical nursing program that can take anywhere from a few months to 2 years. A majority of LPN programs generally take 12 – 18 months and range in price from $7,000 to $40,000. These programs are often offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutes. The curriculum focuses on fundamental nursing skills, anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care.

RN Education: Since RNs are a more advanced credential, their education is more extensive. Registered Nurses earn either an associate’s degree (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree (BSN). Generally, ADN programs take two to three years to complete, while a BSN takes four years to complete. BSN programs offer a broader range of study, including nursing theory, emergency care, leadership, and public health. ADN programs can range from $6,000 to $20,000 whereas BSN programs range from $20,000 to $100,000. It’s important to note that if you’re pursuing an RN license in New York, you will need to complete a BSN program within ten years of being licensed due to the BSN in 10 law.

LPN vs RN Training

LPN Training: LPN training combines both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Students take essential nursing classes to build a foundation of knowledge and skills including taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing basic patient care. Training programs often include supervised clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.

RN Training: RN training is a little more rigorous due to being a more advanced nursing credential than LPNs. The training for RNs encompasses both classroom learning and extensive clinical practice. RNs receive training in critical care, advanced patient assessment, and specialized nursing practices. The clinical experience for RNs often includes rotations in diverse medical fields, providing a well-rounded education.

LPN vs RN Job Duties

LPN Job Duties: Licensed Practical Nurses perform various duties depending on the needs of the patient. Their responsibilities may include monitoring patient health, administering medications, assisting with daily living activities, and maintaining patient records. Being an LPN requires effective communication skills and attention to detail in order to support both the patient and the healthcare team.

RN Job Duties: Registered Nurses take on more complex responsibilities. Since RNs work more independently in their practice without the constant supervision of a healthcare provider, their scope of practice is broader than LPNs. Depending on where an RN is working, their responsibilities may include assessing patients, starting IVs, distributing medications, collecting blood samples, conducting diagnostic tests, and supervising LPNs.

LPN vs RN Licensure

LPN Licensure: After completing an accredited LPN program, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. To practice as an LPN, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Once licensed, LPNs must adhere to state-specific regulations and renew their licenses periodically. New Jersey LPNs must renew their licenses every two years and adhere to the renewal requirements. To renew an LPN license in NJ, you must pay a renewal fee and complete 30 hours of continuing education.

RN Licensure: After completing an accredited Registered Nursing program, RNs must pass the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain their license. Similar to LPNs, RNs are required to maintain their licensure through continuing education and periodic renewal, with regulations varying by state. RNs in NJ must renew their license every two years, pay a renewal fee, and complete 30 hours of continuing education.

LPN vs RN Career Advancement

LPN Career Advancement: LPNs have opportunities for advancement, though slightly limited compared to RNs. Many LPNs choose to advance in their career by going back to school and entering an LPN to RN bridge program to earn their RN license. However, some LPNs choose to stay licensed as an LPN but specialize in certain areas. LPNs can specialize in geriatrics or pediatrics to enhance their skills.

RN Career Advancement: Since RNs are more advanced, they have the opportunity to explore more diverse career advancement options. They can specialize in a number of areas such as emergency care, pediatrics, or oncology. RNs may also pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Earning these degrees lead to roles in nursing leadership, education, or practice advanced nursing. The advanced practice nursing roles include becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).

Conclusion

Choosing between becoming an LPN or an RN depends on what your career goals are, desired responsibilities, and educational commitment. If you’re looking to enter the healthcare industry as soon as possible, becoming an LPN would be best. If you’re looking to advance in the healthcare field as fast as possible, becoming an RN would be the best fit. While both roles are vital to healthcare, RNs typically have more extensive training and knowledge as well as more options to advance. Understanding the difference between the two credentials can help you make an informed decision about your future in nursing. If you’re an RN in New Jersey or New York or an LPN in New York or New Jersey, Horizon Healthcare Staffing can connect you with your next dream nursing job!