Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) vs. Registered Nurses (RN)
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- LPN vs. RN Compared
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Education and Certification
- Salary and Career Outlook
- LPN vs. RN: Which Is Best?
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: FatCamera / E+ / Getty ImagesDo you want to start your nursing career but cannot decide between a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN)?
LPNs and RNs share many duties and have significant flexibility and job security. RNs, however, typically have more professional autonomy, with LPNs often unable to take certain actions without approval from an RN, physician, or other appropriate member of the care team.
However, you can become an LPN in 12-18 months, while becoming an RN usually takes 2-4 years.
Learn more about what differentiates these two fields, including salary and career outlooks for LPNs vs. RNs.
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LPN vs. RN: Key Similarities and Differences
LPNs and RNs both monitor patients, administer medications, perform wound care, help patients with basic tasks like bathing and feeding, and often educate and support patients and their loved ones.
However, there are differences in the education requirements and scope of practice between RNs and LPNs. It’s crucial to note that individual states dictate the scope of practice for each role, and differences can be significant. Check with your state board of nursing to learn more about the rules in your state.
What Is an LPN?
LPNs (also known as licensed vocational nurses, or LVNs, in Texas and California) perform vital work in collaboration with RNs, physicians, dentists, and other healthcare professionals. LPNs work alongside or under the supervision of RNs to deliver care and support to patients.
This role also requires gathering patient data, which other licensed healthcare providers later interpret. Unlike RNs, LPNs typically do not have state authorization to make health assessments, create nursing care plans, or triage patients.
What Is an RN?
Compared to LPNs, RNs generally operate independently. In certain settings, they may delegate some tasks to LPNs. RNs use their specialized judgment, skills, and knowledge to provide direct patient care in various settings.
To the patient, it may be difficult to discern the differences between RNs and LPNs.
| Points to Consider | LPN | RN |
|---|---|---|
| Education Required | LPN program | Associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) |
| Time to Become | 12-18 months | 2-4 years |
| Average Annual Salary | $60,790 | $94,480 |
RNs primarily work in general medical and surgical hospitals. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, as of May 2023, over 1.7 million RNs work in hospitals, while 84,870 LPNs work within a hospital setting.
In addition to traditional healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and residential care facilities, RNs can also work on cruise ships, at summer camps, as school nurses, and in many more locations where healthcare is needed.
After being pushed out of hospitals in favor of BSN-prepared RNs, many LPNs moved to nursing care facilities or home health services. However, that trend is correcting. Now, many LPNs are returning to the hospital, thanks in part to team nursing models.
RN vs. LPN: Key Roles and Responsibilities
RNs and LPNs share many nursing tasks, but their scope of practice differs depending on their state. In all situations, RNs have a broader scope of practice than LPNs.
Generally speaking, only RNs provide initial assessments. Therefore, an RN must perform all tasks that require close monitoring and frequent assessment, such as initiating blood products, the first round of antibiotics, and initial patient assessments. Both LPNs and RNs perform all other nursing duties, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education.
What Does an LPN Do?
LPNs provide essential nursing services to a range of patients, from the routine to the serious. Depending on the practice setting, they work independently or with RN supervision or another licensed healthcare provider. Each state regulates what LPNs can do, so their roles vary by region and setting.
For example, in some states, LPNs can start intravenous lines (IVs). And in other states, LPNs delegate duties to medical assistants. However, LPNs have dependent roles, performing duties, such as:
- Monitoring patients by assessing their comfort level
- Tending to patients by taking their blood pressure, changing bandages, and inserting catheters
- Providing emotional support to patients and families
- Ensuring the basic comfort of patients
- Administering medications according to a nursing care plan and medical orders
- Collecting patient data and recording their findings for another healthcare provider to review
What Does an RN Do?
Registered nurses work more independently in their practice without the constant supervision of a healthcare provider. States may provide RNs with nursing diagnostic privileges. However, they cannot give a medical diagnosis or prescribe medication and treatments.
Much like LPNs, the role of an RN depends on where they work. They may:
- Record medical histories and symptoms
- Examine, assess, monitor, and treat patients according to medical orders
- Teach patients and families about medication side effects, postsurgical care, and the management of illnesses or injuries
- Educate people on disease processes, healthcare management, and disease prevention
- Triage patients
- Administer medications and treatments to patients
Education and Licensure
State regulations vary for LPNs and RNs because of differences in their education. RNs must spend more time on earning their ADN or a BSN degree, while LPNs can complete a program in a single year.
How to Become an LPN
States determine the scope of practice and educational requirements for LPNs. All LPNs must complete a state-approved LPN program that leads to a certificate or diploma. Technical schools and community colleges offer programs that often take one year or less to complete.
After graduating, you can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and later apply for state licensure. LPNs can specialize in specific nursing fields, such as IV therapy, but this requires certification from a professional nursing association.
How to Become an RN
As an RN, you can start your nursing career after earning either an ADN or a BSN, which takes full-time students 2-4 years. Both degrees prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN exam that leads to licensure. While you can work with an ADN degree, there are additional benefits to getting a BSN degree.
Many LPNs go on to get their RN licensure through bridge programs, and many ADN-prepared nurses also eventually receive their BSN degree through RN-to-BSN bridge programs. In addition, there are accelerated BSN programs available for those who have a bachelor’s degree in another field to get their BSN in 12-18 months.
Many nursing programs are available full or part time. Your exact time to graduation will vary depending on which type of program you attend.
RN and LPN Salary and Career Outlook
Earning a higher degree and becoming an RN offers more opportunities and autonomy in nursing. However, both nursing careers offer job security, and there will be a steady demand for more LPNs and RNs in the next decade.
LPN Salary and Career Outlook
Average Annual LPN Salary:$60,790
Where you live, your degree, seniority, and nursing specialty influence what you earn as an LPN. According to the BLS, the bottom 10% of LPNs earned $45,670 as of May 2023. And the top 10% enjoyed salaries above $77,870.
Skilled nursing facilities pay LPNs the most, with median salaries of $63,730. No matter the setting, there is a demand for LPNs. The BLS projects that jobs for LPNs will grow by 5% from 2022-2033, with employers adding 34,900 positions.
RN Salary and Career Outlook
Average Annual RN Salary:$94,480
According to the BLS, the top 10% of RNs earned more than $132,680 as of May 2023. Salaries for RNs vary by setting, geographic location, experience level, and other factors.
Optional certifications also allow RNs to earn more money and gain authority in specialty areas, such as emergency care, adult-gerontology, or pain management.
According to the BLS, the job outlook for RNs is essentially the same as that for LPNs. Employers are projected to add 177,400 RN positions between 2022 and 2032, increasing employment by 6% annually.
LPN vs. RN: Which Career Is Right For Me?
Becoming either an LPN or an RN offers a rewarding, stable career path. If you want to become a nurse quickly, you may be best suited to become an LPN. The shorter education route also costs less. If you decide later to become an RN, LPNs can get advanced standing in LPN-to-RN programs.
Conversely, RNs have higher earning potential, more job opportunities, and a broader scope of practice. Yet, both careers offer the same job security, with jobs projected to grow faster than most other careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN vs. RN
RNs can work relatively independently, while LPNs typically operate alongside and under the supervision of RNs. RNs perform health assessments, create nursing care plans, and have no limitations on their skill set. Only some states allow LPNs to provide IV therapy, and they can only do it under supervision. LPNs cannot administer certain IV push medications or start blood transfusions.
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