If you’re not familiar with the medical community, you might not understand what LPN or RN means. These are abbreviations to describe specific nursing careers. An LPN is a licensed practical nurse, and an RN is a registered nurse. Here we compare the LPN vs RN nursing duties:
Education
LPNs and RNs are required to complete different levels of education. According to Herzing University, to become an LPN, you must complete one year of training at an accredited school for nursing. Once you have completed this training and received a diploma, you must pass the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses exam. Once you pass the NCLEX-PN, you can begin your LPN career. LPN jobs are great for those wishing to pursue their bachelor’s degree in nursing and who want experience right away.
Training to become an RN is a bit more extensive. According to the NurseJournal, a student wanting to become an RN must complete and pass an accredited four-year program to earn a bachelor’s of nursing degree. Once you have completed these clinical studies, you must pass the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses. It’s essential to check your state requirements and processes to see any fast-track options for RN jobs.
Responsibilities of an LPN job
CynaMed lists an LPN’s job as providing basic medical care to a variety of patients. LPNS work directly under doctors and RNs. LPN jobs’ primary responsibilities include monitoring the patient’s health through checking the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. As an LPN, you work closely with patients to discuss the type of care that the doctor will be providing during their stay. You will also be treating wounds, inserting catheters, and providing ambulatory care for those patients who cannot walk or have mobility issues. An LPN must take and keep proper medical records for each patient to receive the best care.
LPN jobs are highly active and require you to be on your feet all day. As an LPN, you can work in any healthcare facility. However, the majority of LPN jobs are in residential care or nursing care facilities. In these work environments, the mobility restrictions of patients will require a lot of lifting.
Responsibilities of an RN job
CynaMed explains that RN jobs provide optimal care for patients. RN jobs have more responsibilities by overseeing LPNs and CNs. RNs can offer education and instructions to patients for at-home care and medical conditions. It is also imperative that RNs keep a thorough record of a patient’s medical history and symptoms. RNs can administer medicine, help perform diagnostic testing, and use medical equipment. Doctors can consult with RNs regarding a patient’s diagnosis or care. There are specialty RNs that will have differing responsibilities. For example, at a rehabilitation clinic, there will be RNs who specialize in therapy.
RN jobs can be hectic and fast-paced in an emergency medical setting. These work settings could include a typical hospital, physician’s office, or nursing homes. RNs also have the option of work-at-home jobs or to work in outpatient facilities.
LPN vs RN
RNs have a higher salary because they must complete a more significant amount of education and take on a leadership role in the healthcare industry. Therefore, the considerable benefit of becoming an RN is the competitive wage. CynaMed hires RNs starting at $30 to $35 an hour on a full-time or part-time schedule. LPNs are very closely behind, making $20 to $25 an hour through CynaMed. Both of these career opportunities will experience job growth and demand in the future. Therefore, LPNs are guaranteed career development options. An LPN and an RN are rewarding and exciting career paths. These are well-respected professions that give back to the community. You are making a difference when you choose to become a nurse. Apply online at Cynamed to start your career journey today!
