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Nurses are nurses.  This is how it may seem from the outside but there are really different types of nurses and there are clear differences separating these different types of nurses.  Here are the differences between two types of nurses, an LPN and an RN.

Registered Nurse

An RN is a registered nurse.  A person can become a registered nurse by obtaining one of two degrees.  You can either get a four year degree that ends with you receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing or 2 year degree that is an Associate’s degree in nursing.

This ability to get the same title of registered nurse with two very different degrees probably contributes to some of the confusion about the different nursing degrees.  You would think that only one degree would lead to a certain title but in the nursing field this is not the case.  It should also be noted that in order for a person to become a registered nurse they must pass a test known as the NCLEX-RN.

Licensed Practical Nurse

An LPN is a Licensed Practical Nurse.  To achieve this status a person has to complete a practical nursing program that lasts for one year.  Clearly, this is much less time than is required for either of the degrees that would lead to being an RN.  To become an LPN a person must pass a test known as the NCLEX-PN.

The Time It Takes

One of the biggest differences between an LPN and an RN was already mentioned briefly.  It takes longer to become an RN than it does to become an LPN.  It is one year as opposed to two or four years.  This extra time allows RNs to learn more about their chosen field.

What They Learn

RNs spend more time in school so they learn more.  Some areas that they study more than LPNs do include pharmacology, physiology, clinical practice, resource management, delivery systems, and research utilization.  This increased knowledge is what sets RNs apart from the very beginning.  They enter the workforce knowing more and their jobs reflect that from their responsibilities to their salaries.

Responsibilities

One of the more noticeable and enduring differences is the level of responsibility that comes with each title.  Registered nurses typically have a lot more responsibility than licensed practical nurses.  In fact, registered nurses can even hold positions where they supervise licensed practical nurses.

Salaries

Because RNs have more education and more responsibility than LPNs they also make more money.  This is a foreseeable but important difference.  Anyone who thought all nurses were pretty much the same would be hard-pressed to argue with the salary differences that are found between different types of nurses.

What exactly is the difference between an LPN and an RN?  There are several differences.  RNs get more education and they get all the responsibilities and benefits that come along with that additional education.  LPNs get to go to school for only one year before entering the workforce and do not have to shoulder as much responsibility as RNs.  These are the simple but important differences between an LPN and an RN.

T Rheinecker blogs about why you should consider enrolling in online family nurse practitioner degree programs.