What Degree Is Higher Than An Rn
Two Lpn Vs Rn Job Duty Differences
Both RNs and LPNs perform a wide range of patient care duties. However, to fully understand the distinctions between the professions, it is crucial to understand their scope of practice: the practices and professional duties that an RN and LPN are legally allowed to practice under state law.
An RN and LPN achieve different professional licenses based on education, experience, and training. These licenses determine the scope of practice that the clinician can legally have. .
How Long Does It Take To Become An Lpn
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 3-4 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. Each state has varying clinical hour requirements, which may affect how long it takes to graduate.
Learn more about the clinical components of a program in the following section.
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What Are The Differences In Lpn And Rn Nursing Education
LPNs undergo one year training programs in technical or community colleges or in hospital based schools of nursing and receive a diploma or certificate. They take basic nursing courses such as Fundamentals in Nursing, Nutrition, Structure and Function of the Human Body, Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Pharmacology, and get assigned to clinical rotations at a variety of clinical settings. They then take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses to obtain their LPN license.
There are three common routes to the RN: A diploma program of two to three years at a hospital-based school of nursing, a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing through a community or technical college, and a Bachelors degree at a four year college or university. The RN program will include nursing theory and advanced knowledge courses. At the BSN level, leadership, communication and critical thinking courses prepare them for coordination and managerial responsibilities. Graduates of all three types of programs take the NCLEX-RN for licensure.
Demand For Lpns And Rns
Nursing is one of the few fields where there is more demand at the higher levels of practice than the lower ones. Nationwide, there are far more RNs with active licenses than LPNs 3,236,288 to 816,687. Why? Their skills and legally allowable duties are needed.
Both fields are growing, but the registered nursing field is growing a little faster. The BLS has predicted 22% job growth for LPNs between 2010 and 2020. For RNs, the projection is 26%.
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Bachelors Of Science In Nursing
A BSN is a 4-year nursing degree for students who want to be a registered nurse , or for RNs who currently only have an associates degree in nursing . Many nurses who start their careers with an ADN eventually advance their careers by achieving a BSN.
Bachelors trained nurses work in nursing specialties throughout the hospital setting. For example, cardiac, neuro, pediatrics, labor & delivery, emergency room, and ICU, to name a few.
Nurses are encouraged to become certified within their chosen specialty after they have gained at least one or more years of direct nursing experience. For example, a nurse on an ICU neuro/trauma can study and sit for the Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurses Certification . Achieving certification within your chosen specialty shows that you are an expert nurse in a particular nursing field. In addition, many institutions will pay nurses more when they are certified within their specialty.
Both ADN and BSN graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN examination to become licensed to work as an RN.
Vocational Nurse Vs Practical Nurse: Which Is The Right Career Path For You
Starting a career in nursing might be quite overwhelming due to the amount of nursing subspecialty you can work in and the types of degree and pathways to dive into this profession. Among those, the ones that could cause much hesitation are Vocational Nursing and Practical Nursing. In this article, we identify the differences between them and answer commonly asked questions of which is the better option.
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Practical Nursing Diploma Vs Associates Degree In Nursing: Whats The Difference
Two of the most common career starting points in nursing are becoming either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse , and as you might expect, there are some significant differences between the two.
First, lets clarify the difference between an LPN and an RN. Licensed practical nursessometimes called vocational nurseshave a smaller scope of practice than RNs. Their duties typically include helping patients with basic tasks of daily lifelike bathing and dressingas well administering medications, aiding in wound care and monitoring patient vital signs for changes in status.
Registered nurses are responsible for a wider range of job duties, such as developing care plans, administering medications and treatments to patients, consulting with physicians, and educating patients about a diagnosis.
To start a nursing career as an LPN, youll need to earn a Practical Nursing Diploma, pass the NCLEX-PN exam and meet all other state licensure requirements. To work as a registered nurse, you have the option to pursue either an Associates degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing . Once successfully completed, would-be RNs will also need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet all other state licensure requirements.
Can Nurse Midwives Prescribe Medication
Yes. Licensed midwives may become certified by SED to prescribe medications and to order diagnostic tests within their scope of practice and consistent with their practice . Licensed midwives may obtain a Drug Enforcement Administration number and thereby prescribe both controlled and non-controlled substances.
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Six Rn Vs Lpn Differences In Career Advancement
Both RNs and LPNs have an excellent opportunity for career advancement by gaining more work experience and higher education.
LPN career advancement opportunities include moving into alternative healthcare environments, including physician offices, mental health institutions, geriatric facilities, physician offices, and home health care. An LPN may also consider advancing their education by completing an LPN to RN bridge program to work as a registered nurse.
RNs also have excellent career advancement opportunities by moving into various areas of the hospital or institution setting. RNs may want to consider moving into leadership or educator roles and gain higher administrative experience.
Also, RNs may consider advancing their career potential with higher education through one of the following pathways:
Choosing Between Rn And Lpn Degree Programs At Fnu
While the BSN program is always recommended because of its more extensive curriculum, the choice is yours. FNU offers two convenient campus locations in South Florida along with a range of courses that can be completed online. We also provide assistance to students who qualify for financial aid, and they are always welcome to explore our scholarship programs. We even have a vibrant athletics program and various activities to augment student life as well as closer connections with the community.
Our admissions counselors can provide some guidance to ensure that you make an informed decision about entering the nursing profession in Florida. You can explain your current situation with regard to work and family obligations to determine if the LPN or RN paths are in tune with your career goals. If you have served as a medic or hospital corpsman in the armed forces, you should know that FNU holds a Military Friendly School designation. Get in touch with our admissions counselors today to learn more about becoming a nurse in Florida.
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Associates Degree In Nursing
An ADN is a 2-year degree and is the minimum amount of education required to obtain a license to work as an RN, other than an RN diploma .
Most RNs begin their careers working at the bedside performing direct patient care. This experience is usually preferred for nurses who wish to advance their careers and eventually earn a BSN, MSN, APRN, or DNP. However, there are also many career paths that an RN can take outside of the hospital setting, including case management, or aesthetic nursing.
What Do Licensed Practical Nurse Graduates Do
LPN program graduates can apply their skills in a variety of careers. LPN duties often include providing basic patient care such as changing bandages, checking vital signs, inserting catheters, and helping patients bathe or dress. They are also responsible for monitoring patients health status and reporting any concerns to their supervisor. LPNs work with patients in hospitals, private practices, mental health centers, and other medical facilities.
As LPNs gain experience, they may have the opportunity to supervise nursing assistants and aides. LPNs may also choose to become certified in a specialty area such as gerontology, long-term care, intravenous therapy, or pharmacology. LPNs wishing to advance to a higher level supervisory role or one with more responsibility may continue their education through an LPN-to-RN training program. This would allow them to become registered nurses and continue their schooling by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
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Licensed Practical And Licensed Vocational Nurse Resources And Organizations
As an LVN or LPN, joining professional organizations can connect you with peers and keep you up to date on the industry. Check out these resources and organizations for LVNs and LPNs.
- American Nurses Association : As a member of ANA, you can attend free webinars, get continuing education, get access to nursing journals, connect with other nurses and participate in lobbying efforts.
- International Council of Nurses : The ICN is a global organization representing nursing. It promotes nursing policy and aligns nursing organizations throughout the world.
- National Association of Hispanic Nurses : NAHN offers professional networking, continuing education and leadership development for Hispanic nurses.
- National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses : This is the national professional organization for LPNs and LVNs. NALPN puts on an annual conference, sends out a newsletter and can connect you with a state chapter.
- National Black Nurses Association, Inc. : The NBNA has an annual conference and networking opportunities for African American nurses.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Vs Licensed Practical Nurse : Whats The Difference
The world of nursing has many different titles and acronyms. You may be wondering about the difference between an LVN versus LPN. These two titles have many similarities, as they both represent entry-level licensed nursing, but there are some key differences. Use this guide to learn more about what an LVN and LPN do so you can decide if a career as a vocational nurse is one youd like to pursue.
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One Whats The Difference Between A Registered Nurse And A Licensed Practical Nurse
In short, the difference between the two nursing roles lies in the education and license the nurse possesses.
Registered Nurses have completed either an Associate Degree in Nursing program or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and then taken and passed their NCLEX-RN licensure exam to become a registered nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurses sometimes referred to as Licensed Vocational Nurses have also completed schooling, but a specific LPN program rather than a registered nurse program. These typically take 2 years to complete and can be found at community or vocational colleges. Prospective LPNs will then have to take and pass the NCLEX-PN licensure exam in order to become licensed.
Cna Helps With Daily Living
A certified nursing assistant provides basic care to patients under the supervision of an LPN or registered nurse. The CNA works as a part of a health care team and has a limited scope of practice. Most tasks associated with nursing cannot be performed by a CNA.
CNAs spend their days answering call lights, assisting patients with bathing and dressing, serving and feeding patient meals. They must report changes to LPN or RN nursing staff. CNAs need physical stamina for transporting patients and making beds.
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Can I Become An Rn Or Lpn Online
No. Itâs not possible to take a fully online degree program to enter nursing as either an RN or LPN. This is because of the required hands-on clinical skills training and clinical experience components. You may be able to complete some classes online while pursuing an LPN diploma or nursing degree, but you can expect to spend time on campus several days a week.
Licensed Practical And Licensed Vocational Nurse License And Exam
All state nursing practice requirements for LVNs and LPNs include passing the NCLEX-PN in order to get a license. Candidates must submit an application for licensure/registration to the states nursing regulatory board, register for the NCLEX-PN and pay the required fee.
The NCLEX-PN includes questions covering:
- Basic care and comfort
- Psychosocial integrity
- Safety and infection control
If you dont pass the exam, you may retake it after 45 days. Youll receive a NCLEX Candidate Performance Report that shows how you performed in each test plan content area, so youll know what to focus on before retaking the exam. Once youve passed the NCLEX-PN, you can apply for licensure in your state as long as you meet the remaining requirements, which may vary by state.
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What Is The Difference Between Rn Vs Lpn Salary
RN and LPN salaries can vary greatly from state to state. This depends mostly on the cost of living and demand. According to the 2019 Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an RN is $73,300 while the average median salary for an LPN is $47,480.
RN and LPN salaries vary by experience and area of specialization. Generally, the more years of experience a nurse gains the more he or she will get paid. Critical care specialties such as the intensive care unit , emergency department , labor and delivery , and the operating room are highly paid specialties in nursing. Generally, more positions are available to RNs in these areas than LPNs.
Use our RN salary comparison tool to learn more about RN salaries. You can also see a table of LPN salaries compared to RN salaries.
Vocational Nurses And Practical Nurses Duties
With licensed vocational nurses, their scope of practice will vary based on their work settings. During the daily basis, besides providing basic nursing care such as performing tests and recording vital signs, if they work in home care settings, they will also be changing bandages, dressing and bathing patients. An LVN will also perform supervisory function over healthcare workers such as nurses aides and assistants, plus, theyll also be handling the documents related to the care.
Other specifics tasks of an LVN and LPN include:
- Provide basic treatments such as bedsores, giving enemas or douches, massaging patients or performing catheterizations
- Work in collaboration with other healthcare team members, assessing patients need to modify the treatment plan or implement intervention
- Assemble and maintain equipment such as catheters, tracheostomy tubes and oxygen suppliers
- Prep patients for upcoming operations, administer tests and examinations as well as explain the procedures thoroughly
- Perform routine lab tests, collecting samples and records patients improvements
- Frequently check on inventory and requisition supplies, making necessary request to maintain stocking limit
- Helps patients make appointments with doctors and perform other clerical duties in doctors offices
- Prepare and set up equipment in the medical rooms, sterilize the supplied using germicides, sterilizer, or autoclave
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Seven How Do You Decide Between Becoming An Lpn Or An Rn
There are many important factors to consider if you are deciding between becoming an RN or an LPN. To start, spend some time thinking about your ultimate career goals. That may help you figure out how much time and money you will need to invest in getting yourself into a career that fits you.
Either way, the professions are backbones for the healthcare profession with a shared goal: to give the highest level of patient care possible.
Salary And Employment Outlook
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. According to the BLS, LPNs make a median annual salary of $47,480 and RNs make $73,300.
Different industries also offer higher salaries. Government agencies pay the most for RNs, with a median annual wage of $79,790. Nursing care facilities pay LPNs the highest median annual wages of $48,840. 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.
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