The careers and education of a registered nurse and a licensed practical nurse may sound similar, but they differ considerably in terms of job responsibilities, educational requirements, and pay scales. Nevertheless, despite the fact that both titles contain the word "nurse," they are actually quite different jobs within the healthcare sector. Each contributes in a crucial but individual way to the improvement of their patient's health.
Licensed Practical Nurse
If you want to be a nurse, one of the first decisions you must make is what type of nurse you want to be. Working under the direction of physicians and registered nurses is a licensed practical nurse (LPN), also referred to as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states. An LPN's responsibilities include taking vital signs, gathering samples, giving medications, and making sure patients are comfortable.
LPNs tend to be much more task-driven in their work and are typically responsible for carrying out those treatments, whereas a registered nurse or nurse practitioner actively participates in conceptualizing patient treatment plans.
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) route is an entry-level option for many aspiring nurses. LPNs are typically in charge of the patient's comfort and deliver more fundamental nursing care. On the other hand, RNs mainly give patients and the general public educational advice in addition to administering medications and performing treatments.
Registered Nurse
A nurse who has fulfilled all academic and licensing requirements and has been granted a license to practice nursing in their state is known as a registered nurse (RN). As a job title or position, "registered nurse" will also be visible.
Obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing is the first requirement to become a registered nurse. Following completion, RN candidates take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's NCLEX-RN Exam. Once all testing and educational requirements have been met, prospective registered nurses can submit an application for licensure in the state where they plan to work.
Payscale and Job Prospects
According to U.S. statistics, a registered nurse makes an average salary of $73,300. Occupational Labor Statistics (BLS). That works out to about $35.24 per hour. The demand for registered nurses is anticipated to increase at a faster-than-average rate of 7% between 2019 and 2029.
On the other hand, the average annual wage for a licensed practical nurse is about $47,480, or $22.83 per hour. Demand for licensed practical nurses is anticipated to increase at a nine percent annual rate between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the national average.
There are many different nursing courses available, giving students the chance to select the setting and career path that's best for them. The numerous nursing options may seem overwhelming at first, but once you comprehend the various programs, you can begin to investigate the courses offered at your preferred universities.
The fact that there are so many options for earning a nursing degree in the US may at first seem overwhelming, but it also means that each student can select the program that's best for them. While some students want to concentrate on their education and look for a high-level job when they graduate, others want to gain practical experience as quickly as possible. Before investigating the various nursing opportunities across the US, consider your priorities and goals.
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