Nurses are an important part of the health care system. They provide critical care to patients in hospitals and other medical settings. There are two main types of nurses: RNs and LPNs. How do you know which one is right for you? This article will explore the differences between these two professions and help you decide which one is best for you!
What Is A Registered Nurse?
This type of nurse deals directly with patients. They are responsible for taking care of them and making sure that they are comfortable. They also have to keep track of their medical records and make sure that they are up to date. Registered nurses usually have a lot of contact with doctors and other medical staff.
It’s not easy to become one. You’ll have to be working hard towards a graduate certificate in nursing online in order to register as a registered nurse. But, the job outlook is great for registered nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that registered nurse jobs will grow in the next few years!
What Is A Licensed Practical Nurse
A registered nurse or a physician serves as the primary supervisor of Licensed practical nurses. They provide basic nursing care and may work in various settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics. LPNs are responsible for taking vital signs, monitoring patients’ health, and providing personal care. They also may give injections and perform other medical procedures.
For example, if a patient needs help getting out of bed, an LPN will be there to assist. If a patient is having a bad day and needs someone to talk to, an LPN will provide emotional support.
LPNs play a vital role in the healthcare team and provide essential care to patients. This is because they are able to provide a high level of care while working under the supervision of a registered nurse or a physician.
Education
There are certain differences in educating these two types of nurses. Registered nurses, for example, need to have a college education, which takes four years. Licensed practical nurses generally only need about a year of education, although some states are now requiring an associate’s degree, which takes two years.
So if you’re trying to decide between the two based on education alone, it really depends on how much time you want to spend in school and whether or not you want to get a bachelor’s degree. If you’re looking for a faster option, then an LPN program might be the right choice for you. But if you’re wanting to further your education and career down the road, then becoming an RN is probably the better option.
Whichever you choose, you should know that one of the most important things you need to do is keep learning until you’re done working.
Job Duties
RNs and LPNs also have various job duties. When it comes to registered nurses, these are the following:
- Providing direct patient care
- Monitoring patients
- Documenting patient records
- Administering medications
LPNs, on the other hand, have job duties that include the following:
- Providing direct patient care under the supervision of an RN
- Checking vital signs
- Administering injections and IVs
- Changing dressings
You need to know what you’d be doing as an RN or an LPN before you can decide which job is right for you. Consider your interests, skills, and goals to make the best decision possible.
For example, if you’re more into working with patients one-on-one and providing direct care, then you might want to become an RN. If you’re interested in more of the administrative side of things, such as charting and documenting patient records, then you might want to become an LPN.
Job Outlook
When it comes to the job outlook of RNs and LPNs, both job types are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The job outlook for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is also expected to grow by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028.
So, if you’re wondering whether you should become an RN or an LPN, know that both job types are in high demand and offer a great job outlook. However, there are some differences between the two job types that you should consider before making your decision. Let’s take a look at some of those differences now.
Place Of Work
Registered nurses usually work at hospitals, while licensed practical nurses typically work in nursing homes. RNs also work in schools and community health clinics. Some may find employment at doctor’s offices, prisons, and corporations. There are many places that employ RNs because of the nature of their job. They often have more responsibilities than LPNs, which is why they are usually found in settings that require more supervision.
LPNs can also be found working in hospitals, but they are more likely to be employed in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. They may also find work at home health agencies, doctor’s offices, or outpatient clinics. In general, LPNs have less responsibility than RNs and are often supervised by them.
The places of work for RNs and LPNs differ depending on the level of responsibility each position entails.
Who Earns More?
One of the main concerns people have when choosing a nursing path is earnings. So, let’s compare the earnings of RNs and LPNs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for RNs was $71,730 in May 2019. The median annual wage for LPNs was $46,480 in May 2019. As you can see, RNs earn more than LPNs. However, there are several factors that affect earnings, such as experience, location, and employer type.
There are many reasons why someone would choose to become an RN over an LPN. One of those reasons is earnings potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for RNs was $71,730 in May 2019. The median annual wage for LPNs was $46,480 in May 2019. As you can see, RNs earn more than LPNs. However, there are several factors that affect earnings, such as experience, location, and employer type.
Being a nurse is a noble call, no matter what type you choose to be. However, learning the main differences in education, job duties, and demand, as well as where they work is an essential step in making an informed decision. Finally, you should also look into which occupation makes more money!
