However, much like LPN programs , students must complete clinical hours on site at local hospitals or other designated facilities. Specific clinical requirements vary by state. The specific duties of an LPN vary by state and healthcare setting.
In general, LPNs provide basic care to sick and dying patients in different health care settings. They work under RNs to take patient vital signs and perform basic care, such as helping them to get dressed or eat. Individuals who pursue an LPN generally want a quicker pathway to a new career. Both types of nurses care for people suffering from illness and injury, and provide medical and functional assistance to help them recover as quickly and comfortably as possible.
LPNs and RNs alike perform work that often proves mentally and physically demanding, serving patients in pain or dying. However, RNs and LPNs usually work in different settings and hold distinct job duties and responsibility levels. Candidates for each position must fulfill separate educational and licensing requirements that result in different statuses and salaries. RNs and LPNs have a lot of similar duties, but their roles often differ, especially considering where they work.
In nursing care facilities, hospitals, and physician offices, LPNs serve as support staff to assist RNs. LPNs work in teams under the management of RNs and physicians to perform basic nursing care, such as taking vital signs, preparing meals, and helping patients bathe.
RNs administer medication and hold the knowledge to assess patients via the nursing process and create nursing care plans. However, RNs cannot diagnose patients like doctors.
The changing landscape of nursing has created an increased demand for RNs and LPNs, primarily in settings that provide healthcare to aging populations and outpatients.
Healthcare industries in the U. They also find jobs in state and local hospitals, physician offices, home healthcare service, and government agencies. RNs also find work in ambulatory healthcare services, nursing care facilities, government agencies, educational services, and many other settings. Differences in responsibilities and educational requirements account for the salary variations between RNs and LPNs.
RNs must hold an associate or bachelor's degree, whereas LPNs need only a certificate or diploma. Different industries also offer higher salaries. LPNs and RNs can receive pay raises and advance in their careers as they gain more experience and earn higher degrees. Read more about LPN salary outlook here. In general, nursing professionals with higher education fare better in the workforce.
RNs who hold a bachelor's in nursing have higher prospects for top salaries and employment advancement. Nursing professionals also often pursue specialties in areas like gerontology to meet the growing demands from the increased aging population. Before LPNs and RNs can enter the nursing field, they must complete a diploma, associate, or bachelor's degree in nursing.
LPNs must obtain a certificate or diploma in nursing, which takes less than one year. The path to become an RN requires at least an associate degree. The most marketable RNs hold a bachelor's degree, which is typically a four year commitment.
Certificates and diplomas in practical nursing put students on track to become an LPN within about one year. Online programs feature mostly distance-learning courses, but students must still complete labs and clinical hours in-person. Online learners complete classes in pharmacology, gerontology, adult health nursing, and leadership issues. Browse some top LPN programs in the country to learn more about required courses and admission guidelines.
The length of a program depends on the nursing school and a student's availability. Students who attend classes on a full-time schedule can graduate with a certificate or diploma within semesters. Many online learners pursue an LPN program while also maintaining a full-time job. As a result, working students can only go to school part time and may take longer to graduate. Certificates require an average 48 credits, including in-person labs and clinical hours.
Registered Nurses who work in hospitals are exposed to various types of work environments due to rotations through multiple departments. RNs can also be found working in outpatient clinics, doctors offices, schools, nursing homes, and assisted living homes. Licensed Practical Nurses are most commonly found working with the elderly in nursing and assisted living homes.
This is where they can provide the most basic and direct day-to-day care for their patients. LPNs can also be found working in rehabilitation and treatment centers, as well as facilities for the mentally ill and hospice. The demand for Registered Nurses is extremely high today as they are a vital member of every health care team and network.
Reasons behind this growth could be due to the major increase in chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, which creates a growing emphasis on preventative care. On the other hand, while the demand for RNs continues to increase in hospitals, the demand for Licensed Practical Nurses is decreasing. As a result, LPNs are being transitioned from the hospital setting to the outpatient setting nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, home health, and retirement communities where their knowledge and skills are still very prominent.
This salary is determined by the demand and location where an RN works. Some RNs may choose to become certified through professional associations in certain specialties. Certification is usually voluntary, but some advanced positions require it.
Typical career steps: Most RNs begin as staff nurses, but with experience and continuing education there is opportunity to move into management positions such as chief of nursing. Other options include becoming an advanced practice registered nurse APRN or moving into the business side of health care.
Sources: U. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience, and a variety of other factors. Skip to content. Home » Blog » Registered Nurse vs. Licensed Practical Nurse. Enter Zip.
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