Practical Nurse (PN) vs. RN (Registered Nurse)

To understand the difference between a practical nurse and an RN, it’s important to know the duties and skills associated with each role. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors to provide basic nursing care to patients.

LPNs must complete a state-approved, one-year training program at an accredited technical school or community college. These programs include classroom study and supervised clinical practice. Coursework covers health-related topics such as biology, anatomy, nursing, pharmacology and human diseases. This training prepares LPNs to provide patient care to those who are sick, disabled, convalescing, or injured.
After completing LPN education and training and receiving a certificate or diploma, LPNs must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. All states require that aspiring LPNs pass the exam before they can work in their field.

LPN program graduates can apply their skills in a variety of careers. LPN duties often include providing basic patient care such as changing bandages, checking vital signs, inserting catheters, and helping patients bathe or dress. They are also responsible for monitoring patients’ health status and reporting any concerns to their supervisors. LPNs work with patients in hospitals, private practices, mental health centers, and other medical facilities.

As LPNs gain experience, they may have the opportunity to supervise nursing assistants and aides. LPNs may also choose to become certified in a specialty area such as gerontology, long-term care, intravenous (IV) therapy, or pharmacology. LPNs who wish to advance to a higher-level supervisory role or one with more responsibility may continue their education through an LPN-to-RN training program. This allows them to become registered nurses by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Becoming an RN requires the completion of a two-year education program to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma from a state-approved nursing program. However, some RNs choose to attend a four-year college or university to earn a BSN degree.

A major difference between a practical nurse and an RN is the length and breadth of their education. The RN program is more in-depth, preparing students for a role with more responsibility. Classes include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and other social and behavioral sciences. All programs include supervised clinical experience. In all states, registered nurses must receive licensure by graduating from an approved nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Requirements for licensing vary by state, so aspiring RNs should check the requirements in the state where they want to work.

RNs are in charge of providing and coordinating patient care; educating patients, families, and the community about health conditions; and offering emotional support to patients and their loved ones. RNs’ duties include administering medications; starting IVs; performing and ordering treatments, tests, or procedures; collaborating with medical staff to create patient care plans; and assessing patients’ needs in response to the care given.

RNs can work in various medical environments such as private practices, clinics, and senior living centers, but the majority work in hospitals. Many RNs choose a specialization, either because of professional experience or during their schooling, and go on to become certified in a specific area, such as pediatrics, gerontology, or ambulatory care. Certification is voluntary, but employers may require it, depending on the scope of the specific role. As RNs gain experience and continue their education, they often step into leadership roles. Management positions include assistant clinical nurse manager, charge nurse, and head nurse.

Many RNs choose to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, increasing their earning potential and job responsibilities. Some registered nurses opt to further their education with a master’s degree to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). This degree qualifies nurses to work in roles such as nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner. APRNs can provide primary and specialty care, and in many states, they can prescribe medications.

Neither RNs nor LPNs must complete a four-year degree, though their education and training requirements differ. LPNs can complete their training in as little as one year through an LPN program at a technical, vocational, or junior college.

In contrast, registered nurses must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, an associate degree, or a diploma in nursing, which typically requires two to four years of schooling. RN programs include coursework similar to that of LPN programs, but some also require general education classes, or courses in social and behavioral sciences or liberal arts.

When it comes to LPNs versus RNs, it is important to understand their different job duties. LPNs are typically limited to monitoring patient health and attending to the basic needs of patients, such as changing dressings or assisting with bathing. In some states, LPNs can administer medication and start IVs, while in others, they can only perform these tasks under the supervision of an RN or doctor.

RNs not only provide patient care but they also communicate with patients and their families on health conditions, prevention, and treatment options. RNs also administer medications, start IVs, perform and order treatments, and provide primary and emergency care for occupational and non-occupational illnesses and injuries. Other duties of RNs vary, depending on their work environments and the patients they care for. Oncology nurses, for example, work with cancer patients, whereas intensive care unit (ICU) nurses work in the ICUs of hospitals and provide complex care to patients with serious illnesses or injuries.

The healthcare industry needs nurses now more than ever. At Maryville University, the RN to BSN online program helps RNs develop their skills on an accelerated track to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. The Maryville coursework is continually updated, based on employer feedback and industry trends, to help students develop the relevant expertise to thrive in nursing today.

Ready to pursue an education that can enhance your ability to deliver quality healthcare? Maryville University’s RN to BSN program is designed to build on your experience and boost your nursing career.