When choosing a career path in nursing, many students think whether to proceed as PN or RN. Both roles have their own significance in healthcare settings. Both roles require different levels of education and have different responsibilities in healthcare sectors.
Understanding PN and RN roles
Practical nurse (PN)
PNs provide basic and essential care to the patients in healthcare settings. They usually assist patients in performing their daily activities and also perform various duties like monitoring patients vitals, taking care of wounds, and administering medications. They provide care to the patients under the administration of registered nurses or physicians.
Registered practical nurse (RN)
Registered nurses work in healthcare settings and perform complex and comprehensive procedures. They can develop patient care plans and also make decisions about patient care procedures. They supervise PNs in providing safe and effective care to the patients.
Education requirements of PN and RN
Practical nurse (PN)
This position requires education in a 12 to 18 month program that has been approved by the state. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing administers the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which you must pass to begin your career as an PN. The coursework for PNs covers fundamental nursing skills, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical practice.
Registered practical nurse (RN)
RNs require more periods of education. RNs must have completed a two-year associate’s degree program in nursing or bachelors of science in nursing. Employers are increasingly requiring four-year bachelor’s degrees. Furthermore, RNs have to pass the NCLEX exam, and many choose to obtain further certification in a specialty. The coursework is more detailed and comprehensive and includes advanced nursing concepts, leadership skills, critical thinking, and specialised fields such as paediatrics, mental health, and intensive care.
Curriculum difficulty PN vs RN
The coursework for both PNs and RNs is different. The coursework of PNs is mostly related to basic patient care. Students also learn medical concepts and learn how to perform efficiently in clinical settings. Hands-on training is provided to the students. These courses are designed to give students the skills that are essential to start working as entry-level nurses as soon as possible. The curriculum of RNs as compared to PNs is complex and comprehensive. The curriculum is more demanding, covering not only basic care but also in-depth patient assessments, nursing theory, advanced pharmacology, and critical care. RNs also have to deal with emergency medical situations that add more complexity to their education requirements. RNs are expected to engage in evidence-based practice, research, and leadership, which adds more academic and clinical complexity to their education. PNs programs seem easier due to shorter duration and more concentrated coursework. RNs have complex coursework and require in-depth understanding of medical concepts. RN schools are more challenging because of depth and complexity.
Time commitment and clinical hours
PN programs have a shorter duration than RN programs, so they require more time for the completion of the program. Clinical hours in PN programs are less than RN programs. RN are complex and comprehensive and are long duration programs. The clinical hours of RN programs are extensive, and RNs spend many hours in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centres. Those who have to fulfil personal commitments as well may find RN roles more challenging.
Licensing exam NCLEX-PN vs. NCLEX-RN
PN programs have a shorter duration than RN programs, so they require more time for the
Practical nurse (PN)
PNs must pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses). This exam verifies that the student is equipped with basic and essential patient care knowledge and skills.
Registered practical nurse (RN)
RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) . This exam is more complex as compared to NCLEX-PN. This program verifies that students are equipped with patient management, critical thinking, and decision-making skills to provide care in complex healthcare situations.
Career opportunities and advancements
The advancement in the career opportunities for PNs is fewer as compared to the RNs. RNs have broader opportunities for career advancement. RNs can pursue further education to become nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), nurse anaesthetists, or nurse educators. RNs can proceed into leadership or academic roles with advanced degrees like a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing.
Personal factors to consider
To know whether PN school is easier or RN school, there are some personal factors that are needed to consider, such as learning style and career aspirations. Those who want to start their nursing career in a shorter period of time can choose the PN program. Students who want to work sooner and prefer hands-on training at PN school made it easier, keeping in mind the practical aspect of PN programs and their short duration. However, those students who can carry more responsibilities and can give more to the patient can opt for RN programs.
Conclusion
To conclude whether PN school is easier or RN school, there are many factors to consider, such as the program’s curriculum, complexity of coursework, hands-on training, and clinical hours. By keeping in mind the career opportunities and advancements of both programs, we may conclude which program is easier. Both programs have their own requirements, and both have their own rewards and challenges.