Differences in Study and Practice for RNs and LPNs

Career choice: On becoming a RN or a LPN

For a student making a career choice between becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), there are differences between study and practice. At the same time, if that same student went into a hospital, nursing home or a home health care setting, it might not be possible to tell if a particular nurse was a RN or a LPN, unless he or she was wearing an identification tag that stated his or her nursing status. 

Many patients do not know which nurses are RNs and which ones are LPNs.

What is the difference in study and practice between RNs and LPNs?

One of the differences has to do with where the nurses are employed or practicing nursing. An RN assumes a higher level of responsibility than an LPN in a hospital setting. This is in a supervisory or administrative capacity. RNs work under the direction and guidance of physicians and may supervise LPNs. 

The nursing tasks assigned to LPNs by RNs, are directly related to their level of training and practice.

In hospital settings, many of the nursing responsibilities of RNs may be assigned to LPNs. This includes patient nursing care, intravenous therapy, administering medication, wound care, collection of specimens, oxygen therapy, monitoring of vital signs and maintaining patient's records. In other kinds of settings, like nursing homes, clinics or home health care, physicians may be the ones who supervise LPNs. Here they are assume more responsibility than in a hospital setting. This may also include supervising nursing assistants and orderlies.

Are there other differences between the study and practice of RNs and LPNs?

This is an important question particularly for this era, because the global face of nursing is changing rapidly. 

What do these differences mean in terms of the international community of nurses?

Registered nurses are recognized and acknowledged as such, worldwide. 

Are LPNs recognized internationally, too? 

To answer that question, let's look at what LPNs are called, in several other countries. LPNs are referred to as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs California and Texas). In Ontario, Canada, they are Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). In Australia and New Zealand, they are Enrolled Nurses (ENs), whereas in the United Kingdom, they are State Enrolled Nurses. (SENs) (1)

It would appear that while both RNs and LPNs can study, as well as practice nursing, in many different parts of the world, LPNs may be acknowledged or recognized under a different title.

Historically, is there a difference between RNs and LPNs?

RNs began to be officially registered as such, in the year 1901. (2)

History records that the first LPNs were trained in New York, in 1892, at the Young Women's Christian Association. Their training consisted of a three month course which included nursing care for patients and homemaking. It began at the Ballard School in New York, in 1893. In many states, LPNs they did not become licensed until the year 1955. (3)

Historically, there is a difference.

Another difference in study and practice has to do with where RNs and LPNs were trained, in the past.

RNs were trained in various hospital-based, schools of nursing. Study and practice was both hospital and college oriented. LPNs were trained vocationally and practiced their skills in various hospital or nursing home settings.

Gradually, training for nurses has shifted into the realm of colleges and universities.

Traditionally, RNs who were trained in hospitals, received two or three year diplomas, but they now require two year to four year college or university degrees. LPNs received training anywhere from nine months to three years, depending upon where they received their training.

What is another difference in study and practice between RNs and LPNs?

Both RNs and LPNs have the option of upgrading to higher levels of nursing education. An RN would proceed from a two year program to a four year program, which would be a baccalaureate degree, followed by a master's degree and then, a doctorate. An LPN could seek to become an RN and then, follow that same pathway.

Both RNs and LPNs can take specialized courses on various levels, at any time. RNs often go on to become clinical specialists or nurse practitioners.

Are you, as a student wondering what level of nursing to pursue?

Ideally, it is a good idea to aim for the highest professional level in nursing, that you can possibly achieve. Continue to upgrade, beyond that level, as your time, energy and personal finances permit.

Pursuing a lifetime occupation as a professional RN can be challenging, interesting and exciting; so can the occupation of LPN. The nursing realms and responsibilities may overlap at times, in terms of study and practice.

It is recommended that any students wanting to pursue nursing as a career, consider all of their possible options. Do online research into various scenarios that employ RNs and LPNs. Talk to RNs and LPNs.

Students who are active, ambitious and have high academic standings, will probably do well as RNs. Others might consider becoming LPNs initially, with the possibility of upgrading to RN status, at a later date.

In summary, one might suggest that the major difference comes down to the reality that there is a higher level of professional study and practice required for RNs, than there is for LPNs.

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licensed_practical_nurse

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nursing

(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licensed_practical_nurse