What is the difference between a registered nurse and a practical nurse?

Now is the perfect time to enter the field of nursing. Nurses are always in demand, especially now that there is a bit of a shortage in many parts of the US, and as such there is a great deal of job security with this profession.  If you are considering a career in nursing you will need to figure out what type of nurse you want to be. Two of the most common options are becoming a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). While both of these jobs are in the nursing field they are very different when it comes to educational paths, job tasks, and salary. Before you can make an informed decision of what type of nursing you are going to get into, you should know a good deal of information about both.

Education

The educational requirement differs for each field of nursing.

• LPN: In order to be an LPN, you must complete a practical nursing program that has been accredited. These programs can be taken at a community or technical college, and take about a year to complete. The course focuses on nursing, biology, pharmacology, and clinical training.
• RN: To be an RN you will need either an associate's degree in nursing (ADN),a nursing school diploma from an accredited school, or a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). These programs are all very different. If you are going for your bachelor of science degree you should plan on being in school for four years. If you are going for your associate's degree in nursing or getting your nursing school diploma it will take two years.

Certification/Licensing

In order to be an LPN or an RN, certain tests must be passed to become licensed and certified. The certification/licensing requirements differ for both an RN and an LPN.

• LPN: After you have completed your nursing course you will receive a certification in practical nursing. In order to become licensed you will need pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). This is the only way you can work as an LPN.
• RN: After you have completed the necessary nursing program you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). If you are planning to have a specialty you will need to pass an additional certification exam. Although it is voluntary, if you want an advanced nursing position you will need to become certified.

Duties

The duties that are performed by each type of nurse differ as well.

• LPN: As an LPN you would provide basic nursing duties, such as checking vitals, inserting catheters, dressing and bathing patients, keeping them comfortable, and reporting the status of patients to the doctors or RNs.
• RN: As an RN you would coordinate patient care, administer medication, perform diagnostic testing and analyze the results, oversee the LPNs, nursing aides, and home care aides. An RN would also instruct patients on how to manage their illness after treatment has finished.

Salary

Because the duties and the level of responsibility differ so much between a registered nurse and a practical nurse the pay is very different as well.

• LPN: An LPN can expect to earn an average salary of $42,490.
• RN: An RN can expect to earn an average salary of $66,640. If you are certified in a specialty this salary would be higher.

The decision to work as a registered nurse or a practical nurse depends on the type of work that you want to do. Both registered nursing and practical nursing are rewarding careers and offer excellent salaries and benefits. Should you decide to move up in the nursing field you can always continue your education while still working as a nurse. Regardless of whether you are embarking on a new career path or just getting started in the field of nursing there is no better place to do it than Athena Career Academy.

To learn more about a career as a Practical Nurse or as a Registered Nurse, and whether it’s the right fit for you, schedule an appointment with Athena Career Academy today. One meeting with our Admissions counselors could help put you on the path to a successful new career that could change your life for the better. 

Athena Career Academy is located at:
5203 Airport Highway
Toledo, Ohio 43615
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30AM to 4:30PM
Phone: (419) 329-4075