What is the Difference Between an RN and an LVN? — Pacific College (2024)

If you want to pursue a nursing degree, you must first determine which nursing program is right for you. Understanding the differences between a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and a registered nurse (RN) is crucial.

When it comes to nursing, both roles are dedicated to patient care and play a critical part in the recovery of patients. However, there are numerous distinctions between the RN and LVN careers.

A licensed vocational nurse (LVN)—sometimes known as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or vocational nurse—works at a hospital to care for disabled, sick, or otherwise injured patients. During education and on-site training, licensed vocational nurses are typically trained on basic patient care methods. They can help with patient comfort, vital sign monitoring, IV therapy, record-keeping, and wound management, among other things. An LVN provides primary bedside care for patients under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), a medical doctor, or a mid-level practitioner.

LVN Vs RN: Main Differences

The primary difference between an LVN and an RN is that the former requires a less formal program. An LPN performs specific medical duties but is not given the same responsibilities as an RN.

We have compared both professions based on education, licensing, function & responsibilities, and work environments. Knowing how they differ and what they offer career-wise can help you decide which role fits your lifestyle and personal preferences when it comes to the job you plan to land. .

Education

The routes to becoming a vocational and registered nurse are quite different. The logical answer for the LVN vs. RN question is the path you choose in the beginning.

To become a registered nurse, you can choose from a variety of educational options. Those include earning one of the following options:

• a diploma from a program in nursing,

• an Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing (ASN) degree, or

• a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree

The first two take a minimum of two years, while the BSN takes four years to complete.

On the other hand, an LVN program takes almost one year to complete and awards either a diploma or certificate in practical nursing. Students can enroll in formal vocational nursing programs at community colleges and vocational institutions, where they will study biology, pharmacology, and nursing. Anatomy, nutrition, pharmacology, physiology, obstetrics, pediatrics, first aid, obstetrics, and patient care are some of the topics covered in these classes. Additionally, during the program, students will receive training both inside and outside the classroom, which includes hands-on training in a clinical environment.

Licensing

Both RNs and LVNs must complete specific education programs and pass a national licensure exam before gaining licensure. To become a licensed vocational nurse, students must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). On the other hand, prospective RNs must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to become fully qualified registered nurses.

RNs, however, attend school for 1-3 years longer and hence have a broader scope of practice than LVNs.

While LVNs may not have access to the same range of specialties as RNs, they can still pursue credentials. Several certifications are available through the National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES), including the following:

• IV Therapy,

• Long-term Care,

• Wound Care,

• Pharmacology.

Function & responsibilities

When it comes to job responsibilities, RNs and LVNs have similar duties regarding patient care. However, a practical nurse focuses more on performing fundamental responsibilities. An LVN is typically not allowed to make important decisions associated with a patient's treatment without the approval of a registered nurse, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional. In contrast, an RN is responsible for more complex duties that require no prior guidance or instructions.

Licensed practical nurses check patients, keep track of critical symptoms, and help with wound care. As an LVN, your responsibilities in the hospital may include:

• Monitoring patients' vital signs, including temperature, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration,

• Communicating vital signs of patients to the doctor or RN,

• Making a patient as comfortable as possible, including bathing and clothing them as needed,

• Assisting in changing bandages, inserting catheters, and providing other primary nursing care for patients.

Registered nurses, on the other hand, have various responsibilities, but the most important is meeting all of their patients' needs and ensuring that they are comfortable in a secure and safe environment. RNs generally take on leadership roles and use critical thinking to provide appropriate medical care. An RN's job entails the following duties and responsibilities:

• Taking down the patient's medical history and making a plan for their care,

• Dispensing medications to the patient and ensuring that they get the required treatment,

• Consulting with mid-level practitioners and doctors regularly,

• Analyzing the results of diagnostic tests on patients,

• Receiving reports from LVNs on patients' vital signs and analyzing them adequately,

• Supervising LVNs.

Work environment

One more aspect of the LVN vs. RN issue is when you compare the work environment of each. If you wish to work as a hospital nurse, your aim should be to become an RN. A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) career is ideal if you want to complete your education quickly and begin working as soon as possible.

As an LVN, you can work in many places, such as:

• General medical and surgical hospitals

• Blood banks

• Psychiatric hospitals

• Offices of doctors

• Correctional facilities

• Dialysis centers

An RN can work in several additional settings, including:

• General medical and surgical hospitals

• Military positions

• Correctional facilities

• Government agencies

• Schools

• Administrative and support services

• Summer camps

• Home health care services

When deciding between vocational nursing and becoming a registered nurse, keep in mind that both are necessary professions in providing high-quality health care. The decision to take one of the pathways is based on what duties you want to do and how well your interests and skills align.