At TK Health, we believe strategic employment and assignment of LPNs is the answer to the nationwide RN shortage. But what’s the difference between an LPN and an RN? All the acronyms can confuse someone unfamiliar with what each role does. This post explores the differences between the two roles and further explains how they work together.
Education and Training
One of the biggest differences between an LPN and an RN is the education and training required for each role.
LPNs complete a shorter, focused educational program, typically lasting 12-18 months. These programs are offered at colleges and universities, community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals.
LPN programs emphasize fundamental nursing skills, such as:
- Patient care and hygiene
- Monitoring vital signs
- Administering medications
- Assisting with daily activities like dressing and feeding
Because the training is shorter, LPNs can enter the workforce sooner than RNs, making it a great option for those looking to start their nursing careers.
RNs have a more extensive education that prepares them for advanced patient care and leadership roles.
Two educational pathways to becoming an RN:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). A two-year program that provides foundational nursing education and clinical training.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A four-year degree that offers a more in-depth curriculum, including leadership, research, and specialized care.
RN programs cover a broader range of topics, such as:
- Advanced patient assessments
- Critical thinking and decision-making in healthcare
- Disease prevention and management
- Developing and implementing patient care plans
While an ADN allows graduates to become licensed RNs, many healthcare employers prefer or even require a BSN because of its emphasis on leadership, evidence-based practice, and comprehensive patient care.
Licensing and Certification
Both LPNs and RNs must obtain a license to practice, but the requirements and exams are different.
To become an LPN, candidates must:
- Complete an Accredited LPN Program. This includes coursework and hands-on clinical training.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) tests a candidate’s knowledge of basic nursing care, patient safety, and medical procedures.
- Obtain State Licensure. After passing the NCLEX-PN, candidates must apply for a license through their state’s nursing board.
Some LPNs also pursue certifications in specialized areas to enhance their skills and job opportunities. Many often continue with their education to become RNs.
To become an RN, candidates must:
- Complete an Accredited Nursing Program. They must complete either an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as described above.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) tests the nurse’s ability to make critical decisions, assess patient needs, and implement complex care plans.
- Obtain State Licensure. Just like LPNs, RNs must apply for licensure through their state’s nursing board.
Many RNs also pursue specialty certifications to help advance their careers and qualify for higher-paying positions.
LPNs and RNs must complete continuing education (CE) credits to maintain their licenses. The required CE hours vary by state, but ongoing education ensures that nurses stay current with the latest healthcare practices, technologies, and regulations.
Scope of Practice
The scope of practice typically differs for LPNs and RNs. While both provide essential patient care, RNs typically have a broader range of responsibilities.
LPNs focus on providing primary medical care under the supervision of an RN or physician. Their primary duties include:
- Documenting patients’ health status and medical history
- Administering medications
- Performing patient care
- Monitoring patients’ response to care and documenting their updated status
- Communicating with the medical team and patients regarding their medical situation
- Implementing nursing protocols for patient care as derived and approved by a physician
RNs have a wider scope of practice, including creating care plans and training new team members. They often collaborate with doctors, make critical decisions about patient care, and oversee LPNs and other healthcare workers.
Salary and Job Outlook
Salary and job growth are different for LPNs and RNs. While both careers offer stability and high demand, RNs typically earn higher wages and have more opportunities for advancement.
The salaries of LPNs and RNs vary based on location, experience, and workplace setting. However, in general, RNs earn more than LPNs due to their advanced education and broader responsibilities.
The salary range for an LPN is $22 to more than $42 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. The average salary is about $60,000 a year, but it depends on the factors described above. The median annual salary for RNs is around $75,000-$85,000 a year, with higher earnings in specialized fields or leadership roles.
The demand for LPNs and RNs is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor projects that the need for RNs is growing 6% faster than other professions, leading to ongoing demand. The nurse shortage isn’t affecting LPN positions as much as RNs, but there’s still plenty of demand. The Bureau of Labor estimates about 54,000 LPN openings annually on average, creating excellent job security.
Working as an LPN or RN with TK Health
Whether you’re an LPN or RN, you have employment opportunities with TK Health.
TK Health, an Oklahoma-based correctional healthcare provider, employs about 760 nurses in jails across the region. We employ LPNs under the direction of RNs and physicians and prefer to promote from within.
Our team oversees the day-to-day healthcare operations in facilities with inmate populations ranging from 25 to more than 2,000 inmates.
Want to work for TK Health? Learn more about joining our team.
