Top Nursing Schools

Licensed Practical Nurse

A nurse is by far and away one the best and most exciting careers that you enter into. As a nurse you will help people who are suffering and in need every single day. Nurses are an essential part of the health care system, ensuring that the patients are well cared for and that making sure the prescribed treatment is being administered properly. A a licensed practical nurse, is one step below a registered nurse. Most commonly referred to within the health care industry as an LPN, you will also oversee and coordinate nursing assistants and orderlies. It should also be noted that in some states a licensed practical nurse is known as a licensed vocational nurse, more commonly referred to as an LVN. There is little difference between a licensed practical nurse and a licensed vocational nurse, they just have slightly different titles.

LPN vs RN

While there are many different specialties within nursing, it is most important for you to understand the distinction between the two most common levels of nursing. The first is a licensed practical nurse, and the second is a registered nurse, more commonly known as an RN. The first difference you should understand is that they have different levels of education. An RN usually completes a four year bachelors degree program, and a LPN spends between one and two years training to become an LPN. They share many of the same responsibilities with a few key differences. An LPN is not authorized to administer intravenous fluids, commonly known as an IV. LPNs also are not permitted to work on patients in critical condition, and LPNs must work under close supervision from physicians whereas RNs are slightly more autonomous.