Licensed Practical Nursing or Registered Nursing: Which is Best?
Nursing is a hot career choice right now. Here are some tips for anyone who is unsure whether they should become an LPN or an RN.
Many people are interested in becoming nurses at the moment. Job opportunities for both licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) are expected to increase much faster than average. Here are some of the things that anyone who is interested in a nursing career should take into consideration when deciding whether they want to be an LPN or RN.
Education Required for LPNs and RNs
Licensed practical nurses are generally required to earn an associate’s degree, though it is possible to earn a diploma. They are generally offered at community colleges and vocational or technical schools. Some of the courses which LPNs are required to take include human biology, anatomy and physiology, surgical nursing, obstetrics nursing, and pharmacology. Also, students often use the nursing essay writing service to save time and relieve their busy schedules a bit.
Registered nurses have two main options when it comes to their education. They can either earn a bachelor’s of science in nursing at a university or an associate’s degree in nursing at a community college. It is important to note that more job and advancement opportunities are available to nurses who earn their bachelor’s degrees. Many of the courses which are required for RNs are similar to those which are intended for LPNs. It is typical for registered nurses to choose a specialty that they are most qualified to work in, such as pediatrics or obstetrics.
Job Duties of LPNs and RNs
Most students use an essay help service specifically for admission to LPN programs at community colleges or technical colleges, but statistically more than half of LPN and RN job duties are the same. Both of these types of nurses give patients injections, take their blood pressure, and help patients eat, bathe, walk, and perform other chores they may not normally be able to do on their own. It is important to note that the job duties of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses vary according to their work settings.
Registered nurses are qualified to perform a few extra job duties that licensed practical nurses are unable to do. RNs are able to draw blood samples, prepare IV drips, and handle certain medications. While these are only a few additional job duties, these are things that LPNs are not trained to do through their educational programs.
There is an overall misconception that LPNs have to take care of the less pleasant jobs, such as changing bedpans. Licensed practical nurses are more likely to work in nursing homes than registered nurses are, which is the only reason they may be more likely to take care of these job duties.
Average Salaries for LPNs and RNs
According to the Essay Writing Service USA research, average yearly earnings for LPNs are about $39,030 and average yearly earnings for RNs are about $62,450. Note that a few factors determine pay for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. The location of the job, the specific type of healthcare facility, and the type of degree and experience that the nurse has are all factors that will play a role in earnings for nurses. It is safe to say that RNs do earn more money overall than LPNs.
LPN and RN Licensure Requirements
Licensure is required for both RNs and LPNs. After completing an educational program, nurses must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN for licensed practical nurses and NCLEX-RN for registered nurses). Each state has its own eligibility requirements for becoming a licensed nurse.
Nursing can be a great career choice for some individuals. The job outlook for both LPNs and RNs is very good. While licensed practical nursing is ideal for some, registered nursing comes with higher pay. Just like LPNs, it is possible to become an RN with a two-year associate’s degree. Considering the benefits of each of these two nursing careers is very important before deciding on one.
