An LPN is a licensed practical nurse that is commonly employed in elder care facilities, physician’s offices and in positions within the hospital team providing care to patients in need of assistance. LPNs report directly to RNs in most of these situations, nurses that have completed additional education and training to increase the responsibility that they are able to hold in clinical care facilities. LPNs work under the direction and supervision of RNs within these settings, but have many opportunities when it comes to advancement of their position.
What are the differences between an RN and an LPN?
One of the signification differences between an LPN and an RN is the fact that an RN assesses patients, whereas the LPN will take direction from the RN and monitor certain behaviors and reactions within patients, such as adverse reactions to medications etc. The LPN will then relay this information to the RN, who will relay this information to the physician that is responsible for primary care. The RN is able to complete diagnostic procedures whereas the LPN can provide simple measures such as blood pressure readings and temperatures, and watch for symptoms which may develop in various patients. The LPN is not certified to administer certain medications, where the RN is able to complete these tasks in the patient care.
There is a significant difference in earning potential that can be seen from an LPN to an RN. The average LPN earns approximately $15.00 per hour, where an RN has the potential to double this wage, upwards of $30.00 per hour – wages can even above this if specialized courses and continuing education has been completed by the registered nurse.
There are many differences when it comes to the responsibilities which are demonstrated between the two levels of nursing. RNs spend more time being educated about the different processes of the body and therefore are given more responsibility within the clinical setting. The LPN will take direction from RNs within the clinical setting and assist, rather than completing procedures on their own.
How does one begin the process of continuing their education from an LPN to RN?
One of the main reasons that people choose to transition their education from an LPN to an RN is the fact that the transfer can be easily attained within a matter of twelve to eighteen months after the initial LPN training has been completed.
After completing the diploma programs for the education for an LPN, the nurse can make the decision to further the education and become an RN. Researching programs which are available in the area or through the use of distance education is the first step in completing the education and increasing responsibilities within a clinical setting and increasing the pay grade of the nurse.
Continuing Your Nursing Education and Becoming an RN
After a program has been chosen for the student to complete and the application has been ordered from various programs, it is time to make a choice between the multiple programs which are available through various universities, colleges and technical and health schools.
There are many choices that the student has when making the decision to continue on from an LPN to an RN. Along with the options of which schools to continue the education through, the student can choose between part time and full time classes or can even choose between classes that can be completed on the internet, or classes that can be completed in-person. Thinking about the impact of school on the lifestyle and if a full time position with an employer would like to be continued can help to determine if online or in-class learning is right for you.
The costs for continuing the education and becoming an RN range around several thousand dollars. This amount can be funded through the use of private loans or even government loans and grants which are created for the process of educating adults and people within the community. This will include the costs of tuition as well as the costs of books and supplies while learning all of the information and skills required to become a successful registered nurse.
There are many benefits to continuing the education from an LPN to and RN, as there are many opportunities for advancement that come even without further education for an RN. These opportunities can yield the nurse the position of supervisor or even nurse practitioner, in which the nurse will be able to diagnose patients that are entering the clinical facility.