In the world of healthcare, there are a variety of professionals who make up its workforce. One of the most important roles is that of Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Registered Nurse (RN). While there are similarities between LVNs and RNs, there are also many differences that can have an impact on the care they provide to patients. In this article, we will explore the differences between LVNs and RNs and discuss the impact they have on patient care.
What is an LVN?
An LVN is a licensed nurse who has completed a vocational nursing program. In order to become licensed, LVNs must pass the NCLEX-PN exam. LVNs typically provide basic medical care and assistance to patients, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing patient education. They may also provide basic nursing care, such as wound care and care for catheters and other medical devices. LVNs work under the supervision of a physician and typically work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health care.
What is an RN?
An RN is a registered nurse who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). RNs must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam before they can be licensed to practice. RNs typically provide more comprehensive care than LVNs, such as administering medications, performing advanced assessments, and providing patient education. They may also be responsible for supervising LVNs and other nursing staff. RNs typically work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health care, and may also work in a variety of other settings such as school health, public health, and research.
Differences in Education
The most obvious difference between LVNs and RNs is the level of education required. In order to become an LVN, one must complete a vocational nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. To become an RN, one must earn either a BSN or an ADN and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The BSN is a four-year degree program that focuses on providing a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of nursing care. The ADN is a two-year degree program that is more focused on providing the skills and knowledge required to become an RN.
Differences in Scope of Practice
Another difference between LVNs and RNs is the scope of practice. LVNs typically provide basic medical care and assistance to patients, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing patient education. RNs, on the other hand, provide more comprehensive care, such as administering medications, performing advanced assessments, and providing patient education. RNs may also be responsible for supervising LVNs and other nursing staff.
Differences in Salary
The salary differences between LVNs and RNs can be significant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for LVNs in 2018 was $47,480, while the median annual salary for RNs was $71,730. This difference in salary can be attributed to the higher level of education and the more comprehensive scope of practice of RNs.
Differences in Job Opportunities
The job opportunities available to LVNs and RNs also vary. LVNs are typically limited to working in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health care, while RNs may also work in a variety of other settings such as school health, public health, and research. This can have an impact on the job opportunities available to each type of nurse.
Differences in Job Satisfaction
The level of job satisfaction between LVNs and RNs can also differ. Because LVNs typically provide basic medical care and assistance to patients, they may not have the level of autonomy and responsibility that RNs have. This can lead to a lower level of job satisfaction for LVNs than for RNs.
Differences in Career Progression
The career progression opportunities for LVNs and RNs also vary. LVNs typically remain in the same job for their entire career, while RNs may have the opportunity to advance to more senior roles and even pursue higher education. This can have an impact on the career prospects of LVNs and RNs.
Differences in Patient Care
Finally, the level of patient care provided by LVNs and RNs can also be different. LVNs typically provide basic medical care and assistance to patients, while RNs provide more comprehensive care. This can have an impact on the quality of care that patients receive.
Summary
LVNs and RNs both play an important role in providing healthcare services to patients. While there are similarities between these two types of nurses, there are also many differences that can have an impact on the care they provide to patients. These differences include the level of education required, the scope of practice, salary, job opportunities, job satisfaction, career progression opportunities, and the level of patient care provided. It is important to understand the differences between LVNs and RNs in order to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care.
