Which Type Nurse Should You Become: LPN or RN?
Which type nurse should you become; RN or LPN (LVN in Texas and California)?
Since I am an Alabama nurse, I can only address the differences in this state; but, I would think they would be comparative nationally.
The LPN is directed by an RN or Physician and performs many duties. However, they are indeed limited. For instance, starting an IV requires specialized training. Trauma work is pretty much excluded.
It is my experience that LPN's mostly administer medications and are involved in direct patient care on a hospital floor. They may also assist in treatments, remove sutures, change dressings, etc.
In a Nursing Home setting, the LPN can function as a charge nurse and direct nursing assistants and manage the entire floor. They are also responsible for giving treatments, hanging IV's and feeding bags, inserting Foley catheters. LPN's spend at least a 12 month training period.
RN's, on the other hand, have the sky as the limit. They may choose to be an associate degree RN, achieve a masters degree in various specialties such as Nurse Practictioner, Midwife, Nurse Anesthesiologist; or, even a doctorate degree in nursing.
RN's are the key with the physician in trauma care. They can triage cases, administer direct IV infusions, obtain and utilize ACLS certification, supervise an entire nursing floor, such as surgical, general medicine, OB/GYN, etc.
RN's can also choose a traveling career, in that they can travel across the country and fill in for shortages for a limited period of time. RN's are paid well and traveling nurses are paid even better; sometimes with bonus incentives included.
In summation, there is a decision to be made. An LPN can work without concern of "pencil pushing" and supervision capacities. They function as a valuable and inclusive part of overall nursing care. The only problem is, if you are interested in furthering your career, you must become an RN. LPN's can challenge the RN program at most schools which includes an exam that will exempt the LPN from one or two semesters of RN training; prerequisites not included.
If one chooses to become an RN, you can set your sights on whichever career or specialty you choose. The world of nursing is open to you, but you must want that. There are very few passive RN situations. Even being charge nurse on a floor is a demanding and stressful job, and burnout is high.
Nurses are needed across the country. The pay is above average, and the career path is rewarding. You are needed.
Published by D. J. Poe
nurse 38 years; owned own business10 years 1st lit award age 17. Published in Zines View profile
Job Ideas for People Who like to Help OthersAre you a "people person"? Here are some job and career ideas for you.- Take Charge Not ControlBeing in charge or in a managerial position does not give one the authority to be unkind to other workers. Nurse Betty Williard did not understand this. She abused her position as charge nurse only to face dire conse...
- Get Your Nurse Practitioner Degree OnlineIf you are a registered nurse, there are many reasons to consider taking the next step and getting a nurse practitioner degree. You can study for your nurse practitioner degree at an online school, while continuing t...
- My Experiences as a Nurse AideJust some thoughts on my Nurse Aide Career and how I feel it can be rewarding...
- Confessions of a Nurse AideA nurse's aide describes what actually takes place in a nursing home.
- Legal Nurse Experts; Pursuing a Career Outside of Clinical Nursing Practice
- LPN School or RN School
- Tips for Your First Year as a Nurse
- What Does it Take to Be a Nurse?
- Nurse Jackie Season 2 Preview Video from Showtime Here - She's Baaaack - on March 22!
- How to Put Together an Effective Nursing Resume
- RN Vs. LPN: What's the Difference?
4 Comments
Post a CommentI have just read the comments above...i might be 2 years late but Im sure this information will help answer questions some of you might have. My husband and I graduated from an LVN school in 2004, from a Mount San Jacinto Community College. Were heading towards the end of year 2011, and many are asking how much do LVNs/LPNs make. It depends on the kind of specialty you get into, My husband had worked in the Emergency Department for years, thats his specialty, and gets paid well. My specialty is Long-Term Care. I had about 6 years working as an LVN in California in a Long-Term Care facility. I also had about 10 years experience as a Certified Nurse Assistant.
My first job as an LPN, as a new grad, my starting pay was $17.50, I worked forthe same facility for about 5 years and was making $21.00/hour when I left. I was working as PerDiem so my hours vary, I needed a full time position and got a job at a family owned facility, and took a pay cut. I was making $19.00 and hour as a floor nurse. The facility did not pay overtime, no raise, and no sick pay.
My husband and I decided to move to Oregon, September 1 of this year. I found 2 jobs, One from a Registry for $26.00 and hour, plus paid mileage. My other job is a full time position 20 miles away from my house. I was hired as a supervisor/desk nurse, with 2 CMAs and 6 CNAs under me. Im responsible for all 55 patients plus 8 staff. Im getting paid $24.00 an hour for night shift...full time position.
The more experience you have the more you get paid, and if you pick a specialty, I sugest you stick with it, obtain more experience, and get paid more. Plus...if you leave your previous jobs in good standing,,,the referrences helps a lot.
Also...there a huge difference as far as what LPNs can do here in Oregon versus what LVNs can do in California. you can check out the LVN scope of practice on BVNPT.ca.gov, and Oregon LPNs scope of practice on OSBN.gov.
We all know that nursing is not for everyone, if you are compassionate about people and enjoys helping others, have a whole lot of patience towards sick people,,,then go for it. But if youre just in it for the money...think again.
Nursing is my passion...I enjoy taking care of the elderly...
this was in Illinos
In my experience, LPN make usually $3 or so less(RN w/o specialization). Home heathcare pay is the same for both. one nursing home I worke was high-paying and I was making more than new-grad RN's at the hosp.
In some systems LPN's are expected to, and do, work outside their scope of practice. They do not receive the same training as an RN. Although there are some amazing LPN's that I have been honored to work with, this is neither fair nor safe. I am surprised you did not mention that an LPN generally makes about half the wage of an RN.