Within the healthcare field, the roles of a registered nurse (RN) and a licensed practical nurse (LPN) are crucial to the provision of patient services. However, they are considerably different in terms of training, duties, levels of independence, and scope for growth.
Educational requirements
Education is the stepping stone for both RNs and LPNs, but the aspects vary greatly, especially the time factor and the design of the curriculum.
Licensed practical nurse
Almost all LPN programs awarded today are based upon the completion of a practical nursing diploma or certificate program, which takes about one year to 18 months to complete. These programs are available in community colleges and vocational or technical schools. Primarily, the course includes some basic nursing skills with respect to patient care, pharmacology, human anatomy, and physiology. Upon finishing the program, the graduates should take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) so that they can practice as licensed nursing practitioners.
Registered nurse
They again must meet a higher education. There are three ways in which prospective RNs can seek education.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A 2-year course usually found in community colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A university course that runs for 4 years. Diploma courses offered in hospitals (less common as of now): The syllabus for RNs is longer as well, with more nursing theory and advanced pharmacology, leadership, critical thinking, sub-units such as pediatrics and geriatrics, etc. After such training, RNs are also required to sit for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain the license.
Scope Of Practice
Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
LPNs provide basic and essential care to the patients. They help patients in performing their daily life tasks 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 procedures. They can develop patient care plans and also make decisions about patient care procedures. RNs supervise LPNs in providing comprehensive and quality care to the patients.
Career advancement
Licensed practical nurse
Given that the opportunities available to LPNs remain limited without the additional education required to become an RN, it is not surprising that very few LPNs tend to seek advancement within their scope.
Registered Nurse
RNs can take up advanced practice roles, which include nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists with further education and training.
Read More: Can you go from PN to NP?
Licensing and certification
LPN Licensure:
- Requires passing the NCLEX-PN and adhering to state nursing board regulations.
- Some LPNs choose to earn additional certifications, such as in gerontology or IV therapy, to enhance their skills.
RN Licensure:
- Requires passing the NCLEX-RN and fulfilling continuing education requirements.
- RNs can pursue specialized certifications in areas like critical care, oncology, or pediatrics to advance their careers.
Professional development
Professional development for LPNs:
- There are many continuing education opportunities for LPNs unless they choose a bridge to an RN program.
- Most of the LPNs choose to bridge to the RN programs to advance their career options further.
Professional development for RNs:
- RNs have a variety of specializations and career advancement opportunities.
- Consequently, a lot of them go back to school for graduate degrees to take on leadership positions in the healthcare system.
Work environment
Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
- Licensed practical nurses work in long-term facilities and nursing homes.
- They can also serve in outpatient clinics and hospitals, but their role is limited as compared to RNs.
Registered practical nurse (RN)
- Registered nurses work in hospitals and clinics.
- They provide comprehensive care to the patients.
Patient interaction
Licensed practical nurse
- Because LPNs are involved in basic care activities, they can develop strong relationships quickly with the patients and spend more time with them.
- They also tend to provide comfort to the patients.
Registered practical nurse
- Registered nurses (RNs) have a more extensive function that includes direct patient care as well as some management duties.
- Individual patients may not receive as much of their attention, but they are very much involved in teaching and promoting the patients’ interests.
Conclusion
Although RNs and LPNs demonstrate the same dedication toward patient care, there are notable differences in terms of education, scope of practice, degree of autonomy, and career outlook for each role. LPNs facilitate entry into nursing as it is a fast and active patient care option within the profession. Many nurses, however, prefer to be trained as RNs because of the greater chances for career growth, the associated financial benefits, and the wider scope of patient care and healthcare systems. One has to choose these paths based on personal ambitions from a career in this field, duration of training, and other factors.