There are several clinical designations with nurse in their title. While many generalize them down to simply "nurse," it's essential to have a basic understanding of the roles each type of "nurse" embodies. But what type of nurse will they be, and does it matter? For our purposes today, we'll explore the two most common.
What’s the Difference Between an RN and an LPN?
Registered nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are both considered nurses and provide patient care, but have different scopes of practice, qualifications, responsibilities, and education levels. Becoming an RN is a more rigorous process, requiring more education and experience than becoming an LPN.
RN Vs LPN: Education
A registered nurse (RN) completes either an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing and therefore has authority to assess and administer treatments, as opposed to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who completes a shorter nursing program and accordingly provides more direct patient care.
The gap in financial earnings between the two is also significant. Salary differences between the two correlates to the difference in education (more education costs more) and the differences in their scope of practice.
RNs Vs LPNs: Licensing and Certification
After completing their nursing program and receiving their bachelor’s degree, RNs need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Each state’s Board of Nursing has its own requirements to qualify for the NCLEX-RN, so prospective nurses should consult their respective state’s requirements.
Prospective LPNs only need to complete a diploma or associate's degree program in nursing from an accredited school. These programs typically last two years and include both classroom instruction and practical hands-on training in a healthcare setting.
After completing their education, prospective LPNs will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This exam is administered by the National Board of Nursing
RN Vs LPN: Roles, Responsibilities, and Scope of Practice
RNs overall have a broader scope of practice than LPNs, which often includes developing care plans, administering medications, and communicating with patients and their families. Conversely, LPNs mainly focus on providing basic care to patients, including supporting patients with daily living activities and checking vitals.
RN Roles and Responsibilities
RN job responsibilities typically include the following:
- Conduct assessments and physical exams
- Evaluate diagnostic tests and information gained from assessments and patient interviews to develop a plan of care
- Administer medications, which includes starting IVs
- Draw blood for testing
- Supervise LPNs and CNAs
- Patient education about their diagnosis
- Collaborate with other medical professionals to coordinate treatments
- Designated team leader in the team nursing model of care
LPN Roles and Responsibilities
Alternatively, LPN job responsibilities include less autonomy or independence than an RN's. They generally encompass the following tasks:
- Distribute prescribed oral medications
- Assist patients with ambulation
- Support patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting, eating/drinking, dressing
- Check and document patient vitals
- Check blood sugar
Most LPNs in the nation have jobs in nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. In this work setting, LPNs often have the additional job responsibility of resident intake assessments. In some states, regulations will allow LPNs to supervise other LPNs and non-licensed medical workers, such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
RN Vs LPN: Salaries and Pay
As previously mentioned, there is a gap between the two regarding their earning power. The average RN salary was $82,750 for 2021, or $39.78 hourly. The highest paying states for RNs are California, Hawaii, Oregon, the District of Columbia, and Alaska. Alternatively, the average LPN salary in 2021 was $51,850, or $24.93 per hour. The highest paying states for LPNs are California, Alaska, Washington, Massachusetts, and Nevada.
Certification in a specialty is one way for RNs and LPNs to elevate their earnings. RNs have over 100 specialties to choose from, compared to LPNs, who have a smaller list of specialties available to them: IV therapy certification, long-term care, and pharmacology, among the some of the most prominent. Another popular way for RNs and LPNs to maximize their income quickly is to work PRN jobs.
How to Find PRN RN and LPN Jobs in Your Area
PRN jobs are popular with clinicians because they're shifts that usually offer top hourly rates, but they aren't part of a regular employment schedule. This gives you the freedom to choose when and where you work.
Finding PRN jobs near you is quick and easy when you download the Nursa smartphone app. Facilities and hospitals nationwide post their PRN shifts on the app then LPNs, RNs, CNAs, and other allied healthcare workers can search for those jobs within their location radius and apply. It's that simple! Download today, follow the steps to verify your license and start working PRN shifts this week.
