Difference between RN and LPN

We all know them under the umbrella term “nurse”, but there’s more under those scrubs than meets the eye. For one, there are RNs, or registered nurses, and then there are LPNs, or licensed practical nurses. So what’s the distinction? Aside from the obvious disparity between these two professions’ names, one big difference between RN and LPN is the scope of their activities.

What is an RN?

If you want to be an RN, you will have to dedicate yourself to completing a two- to four-year bachelor of science degree at a university or college and successfully quallify for an RN license by passing the NCLEX-RN national licensing examination. The total length of time that it takes for one to become an RN is another key difference between RN and LPN. Among an RN’s many responsibilities are treating patients, administering medication, performing diagnostic teats, analyzing test results, and helping out with a patient’s follow-up and rehabilitation. An RN must also be able to establish a patient care plan or add to an existing one. An RN may also choose to specialize in a particular ailment or healthcare condition such as addiction, mental and physical disabilities, and traumatic physical injuries.

What is an LPN?

An LPN, who is also known as a licensed vocational nurse or LVN in some parts of the United States, has a more narrow scope of responsibilites compared to an RN. To become an LPN, one must first graduate from a practical nursing program and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN licensing examination. An LPN can then choose to continue their education and become an RN through various bridge programs. LPNs are usually under the supervision of an RN and are the ones tasked with executing the patient care plan established by a physician or RN. An LPN’s purview covers hands-on bedside care such as monitoring a patient’s condition and administering medication. Unlike an RN, however, an LPN cannot administer restricted or intravenous medication to a patient.