Nowadays, getting a job in healthcare is a wise career decision, as the field is growing more and more every day. However, with so many healthcare positions to choose from, deciding on one of them can be quite tricky. That's why one ought to always consider a variety of factors before selecting one option.
For those interested in nursing, RN and LPN are among popular choices. To help you navigate through the differences between the two, in this article, we'll be answering questions like: Is an LPN salary higher than an RN's? Is the RN path right for you? What are their job responsibilities?— and more.
Differences Between LPN and RN
Although similar in many ways, RNs and LPNs have their differences. Below we compare registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in several aspects such as job responsibilities, education, qualifications, and job prospects.
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Job responsibilities
One of the main differences between LPNs and RNs lies in their job duties. While RNs provide direct care to patients, LPNs usually serve as support staff to doctors and RNs, providing them with assistance.
Registered nurses have a broader scope of practice and have more responsibilities than LPNs. They can even work independently in many areas. Meanwhile, LPNs must always perform under the supervision of a doctor or RN. Below you can learn more about each nurse's duties.
LPN responsibilities
Licensed practical nurses provide basic nursing care to patients, such as checking their vitals, helping them bathe and get dressed, inserting catheters, discussing with them to ensure comfort, etc. Other responsibilities may include:
keeping medical records
reporting patient status to RNs and doctors
transferring patients in and out of bed
performing emergency CPR
changing bandages
cleaning wounds
administering oral medications
RN responsibilities
Registered nurses administer patient medication and treatment, perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results, develop patient care plans, and supervise the work of LPNs. In addition to these and the LPN duties, they can also be responsible for the following:
admitting and discharging patients
performing physical exams
collecting lab samples
providing education for other nurses
operating and monitoring medical equipment
supervising RNs and specialized nursing units
educating patients and families
Education & qualifications
We established that LPNs and RNs have different responsibilities from each other. Not only that, the education and qualification requirements for these roles also differ. While they both need to pursue accredited nursing programs and pass a national certification exam, LPN programs are much shorter than RN ones. Moreover, the national examination for LPNs is the NCLEX-PN; meanwhile, the exam for RN license is NCLEX-RN. (NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination).
LPN requirements
To become an LPN, you must complete an accredited practical nursing program. It usually takes around 12 months, and upon completion, you receive a certification in practical nursing. In addition to nursing courses in biology, pharmacology, psychology, human anatomy, etc., the program includes supervised clinical hours, as well as classes in:
Human development
Nursing care across the lifespan
Legal and ethical aspects of nursing
Nursing theory
Medical terminology
Patient safety
Basic patient care
The following requirement is passing the NCLEX-PN exam and obtaining your license to start working as an LPN.
RN requirements
Becoming an RN typically requires obtaining a nursing degree. Options include a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing). However, a BSN degree is usually preferred among employers, and that's what most RNs go for. The BSN program lasts four years and focuses on developing leadership, nursing research, and advanced health assessment skills. It includes clinical training experience and classes in physical, behavioral, and social sciences. In addition, it covers courses like:
Nursing fundamentals
Nursing ethics
Nursing theory
Biomedical statistics
Microbiology
Chemistry
Nutrition
Pharmacology
Gerontology
After graduating, RNs will obtain their license by taking and passing the (NCLEX-RN) examination.
Job prospects
Pursuing a career with a promising projected growth means that you are more likely to find and keep a position for that job. Comparing registered nurses' and licensed practical nurses' employment opportunities shows that they are projected to have the same job outlook.
LPN job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, employment of LPNs is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030. The main settings where LPNs will be needed are home health environments and residential care facilities, with about 60,700 new jobs each year.
RN job outlook
BLS data also shows a 9% growth in the employment of registered nurses. Over this decade, around 194,500 new openings are predicted each year. The most significant RN job growth is expected in long-term rehabilitation facilities for stroke and head injury patients, hospitals treating Alzheimer's disease, and residential care facilities.
Who Makes More LPN or RN?
While both job positions have a bright future, the salary is an apparent difference between these two roles. Let's compare their average salaries to find out who makes more LPNs or RNs.
According to March 2022 data, registered nurses earn more than licensed practical nurses, making $34 per hour. Meanwhile, LPNs make $22 per hour. This means that the average annual salary of an RN is $70,335, while that of an LPN is $46,282.
When we dig deeper and compare LPN vs. RN salary based on experience or location, we notice that in all the cases, a registered nurse's salary is higher than that of a licensed practical nurse. An experienced RN can earn up to $93,500 annually, which is $30,000 more than the salary of an experienced LPN, making $58,500 per year. In addition, the highest paying city for LPNs is Lakes, AK offering $55,079 per year. On the other hand, in Kodiak, AK, registered nurses are paid $98,315 annually.
Why RNs Make More Money than LPNs?
So why do RNs make more money than LPNs? To answer this question, we need to take into account all the differences between these two roles.
In general, the level of education a nurse has affects their salary. Registered nurses have more education and advanced training, allowing them to carry out more complex duties than LPNs.
LPNs, on the other hand, require less education and work under the supervision of an RN. They cannot make decisions for the patient but have to report findings to the RN. As a result, RNs earn more than LPNs do.
In addition, RNs can advance their knowledge by choosing an area of specialty, hence getting paid more. They can specialize and become neonatal nurses, public health nurses, psychiatric nurses, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurses, nurse educators, pediatric nurses, nurse researchers, etc.
Is the RN Path Right for You?
Both the LPN and RN can be great career choices depending on your professional aspirations and future goals. If you are interested in more responsibilities and increased autonomy at work, a higher salary, and more additional career advancement opportunities—you should choose the RN position over the LPN.
However, if you are a nurse who already chose the LPN path but want to advance your role to that of an RN, accelerated or bridge programs are available, enabling you to start working as an RN in less than a year!
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