LPN and RN: How to Choose the Right Nursing Career Path?

If you are interested in pursuing a career in nursing, you may be wondering whether you should become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). Both LPNs and RNs are essential members of the healthcare team, providing direct patient care and support to other healthcare professionals. However, there are significant differences between LPN and RN roles, responsibilities, education, licensure, salary, and career outlook. In this article, we will compare and contrast LPN vs RN in various aspects, and help you decide which nursing career path is right for you.

What is the Difference between an LPN and RN?

The main difference between an LPN and RN is the level of education and training they receive, which affects their scope of practice and job duties. LPNs typically complete a one-year diploma or certificate program, while RNs need to complete at least a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree. LPNs have a more limited scope of practice than RNs, meaning they can perform fewer tasks and have less autonomy and authority. RNs have a broader scope of practice than LPNs, meaning they can perform more tasks and have more independence and leadership.

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) are healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. RNs work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, public health agencies, and home health care. RNs can specialize in different areas of nursing, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, critical care, emergency, or psychiatric nursing.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in some states, are healthcare professionals who provide basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of an RN or a physician. LPNs work in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, clinics, and home health care. LPNs can also specialize in different areas of nursing, such as geriatrics, wound care, hospice, or dialysis.

Read more: Everything About Nursing Vocational Training in Germany

LPN vs RN Scope of Practice

Scope of practice refers to the range of activities and responsibilities that a healthcare professional is legally authorized to perform based on their education, training, and licensure. The scope of practice for LPNs and RNs varies by state, but generally, LPNs have a more restricted scope of practice than RNs.

LPN Job Duties

LPNs are responsible for providing basic nursing care and comfort to patients, such as:

• Monitoring vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration

• Collecting samples, such as blood, urine, or sputum, for testing

• Administering medications, injections, and treatments, as prescribed by a physician or an RN

• Changing dressings, bandages, and catheters

• Assisting patients with personal hygiene, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting

• Helping patients with mobility, such as walking, transferring, or positioning

• Documenting and reporting patient information, such as medical history, symptoms, and progress

• Communicating and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as RNs, physicians, and therapists

• Providing emotional and social support to patients and their families

RN Job Duties

RNs are responsible for providing and managing patient care, as well as supervising and educating other healthcare professionals, such as:

• Assessing patients’ health status, needs, and problems, and developing and implementing nursing care plans

• Performing physical examinations and diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiograms, x-rays, or laboratory tests

• Administering medications, injections, and treatments, as prescribed by a physician or an advanced practice nurse

• Operating and monitoring medical equipment, such as ventilators, infusion pumps, or defibrillators

• Evaluating and modifying nursing care plans, as needed, based on patients’ responses and outcomes

• Documenting and reporting patient information, such as medical history, diagnosis, treatment, and progress

• Communicating and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, advanced practice nurses, and therapists

• Providing education and counseling to patients and their families on various health topics, such as disease prevention, medication management, or self-care

• Providing leadership and guidance to other healthcare professionals, such as LPNs, nursing assistants, or nursing students

LPN vs RN Education Requirements

The education requirements for LPNs and RNs differ in terms of the type, length, and content of the programs they need to complete.

LPN Education

LPNs need to complete a state-approved practical nursing program, which usually takes about one year to finish. These programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes. LPN programs consist of classroom instruction and clinical practice, covering topics such as:

• Anatomy and physiology

• Nursing fundamentals and skills

• Pharmacology and medication administration

• Medical-surgical nursing

• Maternal-child nursing

• Pediatric nursing

• Geriatric nursing

• Mental health nursing

• Nutrition and diet therapy

• Infection control and safety

RN Education

RNs need to complete a state-approved registered nursing program, which can be either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). ADN programs usually take about two years to complete, while BSN programs usually take about four years to complete. These programs are offered by community colleges, universities, or nursing schools. RN programs consist of classroom instruction and clinical practice, covering topics such as:

• Anatomy and physiology

• Nursing theory and research

• Pathophysiology and pharmacology

• Health assessment and physical examination

• Nursing care of adults, children, and families

• Nursing care of patients with acute and chronic conditions

• Nursing care of patients in different settings, such as medical-surgical, critical care, emergency, psychiatric, or community health

• Nursing leadership and management

• Nursing ethics and legal issues

• Nursing informatics and technology

Read more: Getting to know the German education system

RN vs LPN License

Both LPNs and RNs need to obtain a license from the state board of nursing in order to practice legally. The licensure process involves meeting the education requirements, passing a national exam, and applying for a license in the state of practice.

LPN Licensure

To become a licensed practical nurse, you need to:

• Complete a state-approved practical nursing program

• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is a computerized adaptive test that measures your knowledge, skills, and abilities in providing safe and effective nursing care

• Apply for a license from the state board of nursing in the state where you plan to work, which may require additional fees, background checks, or continuing education

RN Licensure

To become a registered nurse, you need to:

• Complete a state-approved registered nursing program

• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is a computerized adaptive test that measures your knowledge, skills, and abilities in providing safe and effective nursing care

• Apply for a license from the state board of nursing in the state where you plan to work, which may require additional fees, background checks, or continuing education

LPN vs RN Salary & Career Outlook

The salary and career outlook for LPNs and RNs depend on various factors, such as education, experience, location, specialty, and employer. However, generally, RNs earn more than LPNs and have more job opportunities and growth potential.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for LPNs was $48,820 in 2020, while the median annual wage for RNs was $75,330 in 2020. The BLS also projects that the employment of LPNs will grow by 9% from 2019 to 2029, while the employment of RNs will grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029. However, the demand for RNs may vary by region and setting, as some employers may prefer to hire more RNs or LPNs to provide higher quality care and meet regulatory standards.

LPN vs RN Differences in Career Advancement

Another difference between LPN and RN is the level of career advancement they can achieve. LPNs have fewer options for career advancement than RNs, as they are limited by their scope of practice and education. LPNs can advance their careers by obtaining additional certifications, such as IV therapy, wound care, or hospice, or by pursuing further education to become an RN. RNs have more options for career advancement than LPNs, as they can pursue higher education, such as a master’s degree or a doctoral degree, or obtain advanced practice nursing roles, such as a nurse practitioner, a nurse anesthetist, a nurse midwife, or a clinical nurse specialist. If you are looking for advancing your nursing career visit our blog posts.

LPN vs RN | How Do I Choose Which Is Right for Me?

Choosing between LPN and RN depends on your personal and professional goals, interests, and preferences. You should consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Time and cost: LPN programs are shorter and cheaper than RN programs, so if you want to start working as a nurse sooner and with less financial burden, becoming an LPN may be a good option for you. However, if you want to have more career opportunities and earning potential, becoming an RN may be worth the extra time and cost.

• Scope of practice and job duties: LPN scope of practice and job duties are more limited than RN scope of practice and job duties, so if you enjoy providing basic nursing care and comfort to patients, becoming an LPN may suit you well. However, if you want to have more autonomy and authority, as well as

Conclusion

Choosing the right nursing career path for you is a personal and professional decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, such as time, cost, scope of practice, job duties, education, licensure, salary, and career outlook.

Whether you decide to become an LPN or an RN, you will be making a valuable contribution to the healthcare field and the well-being of your patients. However, you should also be aware of the differences and similarities between LPN and RN roles, responsibilities, and opportunities, and how they align with your goals, interests, and preferences. We hope that this article has helped you understand the pros and cons of LPN vs RN, and how to choose the right nursing career path for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.

Frequently Asked Questions about LPN vs. RN

What is the difference between LPN and RN?

LPN stands for licensed practical nurse, and RN stands for registered nurse. The main difference between them is the level of education and training they receive, which affects their scope of practice and job duties. LPNs typically complete a one-year diploma or certificate program, while RNs need to complete at least a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree. LPNs have a more limited scope of practice than RNs, meaning they can perform fewer tasks and have less autonomy and authority. RNs have a broader scope of practice than LPNs, meaning they can perform more tasks and have more independence and leadership.

How much do LPNs and RNs earn?

The salary of LPNs and RNs depends on various factors, such as education, experience, location, specialty, and employer. However, generally, RNs earn more than LPNs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for LPNs was $48,820 in 2020, while the median annual wage for RNs was $75,330 in 2020.

How long does it take to become an LPN or an RN?

It takes about one year to become an LPN, and about two to four years to become an RN, depending on the type of program you choose. LPNs need to complete a state-approved practical nursing program, which usually takes about one year to finish. RNs need to complete a state-approved registered nursing program, which can be either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). ADN programs usually take about two years to complete, while BSN programs usually take about four years to complete.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of becoming an LPN or an RN?

There are pros and cons of becoming an LPN or an RN, depending on your personal and professional goals, interests, and preferences.

Some of the advantages of becoming an LPN are:

• You can start working as a nurse sooner and with less financial burden, as LPN programs are shorter and cheaper than RN programs.

• You can gain valuable clinical experience and skills, as LPNs provide direct patient care and comfort.

• You can advance your career by obtaining additional certifications or pursuing further education to become an RN.

Some of the disadvantages of becoming an LPN are:

• You have a more restricted scope of practice and job duties than RNs, meaning you can perform fewer tasks and have less autonomy and authority.

• You earn less than RNs, as RNs have more education and training, as well as more career opportunities and growth potential.

• You may face more competition and less demand than RNs, as some employers may prefer to hire more RNs over LPNs to provide higher quality care and meet regulatory standards.

Some of the advantages of becoming an RN are:

• You have a broader scope of practice and job duties than LPNs, meaning you can perform more tasks and have more independence and leadership.

• You earn more than LPNs, as RNs have more education and training, as well as more career opportunities and growth potential.

• You have more options for career advancement than LPNs, as you can pursue higher education or obtain advanced practice nursing roles.

Some of the disadvantages of becoming an RN are:

• You need to spend more time and money to become an RN, as RN programs are longer and more expensive than LPN programs.

• You may face more stress and responsibility than LPNs, as RNs provide and manage patient care, as well as supervise and educate other healthcare professionals.

• You may need to meet more requirements and regulations than LPNs, such as continuing education, licensure renewal, or certification.