Normally, when thinking about a career as a nurse, there are two different ways that one usually uses to get their license. To enter the healthcare field, most people seek either to be licensed as a nurse practitioner, LPN, registered nurse, or RN. Normally, LPNs and RNs are equally significant in patient care. Their credentials differ in education, job roles assigned, training, licenses that they get, and possibilities of promotion later in their careers.
To make an important career path decision, it will be very important to gain a deeper understanding of both LPN and RN to choose one that meets your career objectives and goals as a nurse.
Let’s know how both LPNs and RNs differ:
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse):
LPNs are beginning-level nurses who work under or are overseen by registered nurses, physicians, and other providers. A Licensed Practical Nurse provides special medical care or basic care to a wide range of patients. They serve as a direct link between doctors, patients, their families, and other medical professionals. The LPNs are considered very important in the healthcare team and patients’ experience. LPNs can be found in a variety of settings: in schools, in hospitals, in rehabilitation centers, in physician offices, and in facilities that provide long-term care. LPN Education:
For LPNs, Nurses must attend a practical nursing program for few months or 2 years. Generally, most LPN programs last 12–18 months with a tuition fee ranging between $7,000 and $40,000. The curriculum in such LPN programs in community colleges and technical institutes emphasizes nursing skills, patient care, anatomy, and pharmacology.
LPN Training :
LPN training includes practical clinical exposure as well as theoretical classroom instructions. Training in nursing classes provides a student with a preliminary basis of proficiency and knowledge regarding pharmacological intervention, care of patients, and vital sign assessments. The training programs also include a supervised clinical rotation in various healthcare settings.
LPN Job Duties:
Among many others, these are the role of the Licensed Practical Nurse: patient monitoring, medication administration, assistance to patients in activities of daily living, and record-keeping. The LPN, therefore, needs good communication skills and attention to detail in the effective care of the patient and to assist both the patient and the health team.
After the completion of the accredited LPN course, a nurse is eligible to appear for the NCLEX-PN.
To get a license of LPN, nursing individuals need to acquire the National Council of License Examination for Practical Nurses. A licensed LPN nurse needs to follow the specific rules and regulations mentioned by the respective state to renew the license from time to time. The LPNs of New Jersey have to renew their licenses every two years and fulfill the renewal requirements. The LPN license is thus renewed in NJ upon paying a pre-set renewal fee in addition to 30 hours of continuing education.
RN (Registered Nurse):
A registered nurse holding an advanced license is one expected to work collaboratively with the doctors and all other professionals in providing patient-centered care.
The role of an RN depends on the specialties, day-to-day care, and work settings. RN nurses are the central part of the care team in every healthcare setting. As a profession, RN nurses work in various settings like schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential care facilities, doctor’s offices, and private homes. RN Education:
Since RNs have more advanced credentials; therefore, their education is more vast.
Registered nurses earn an associate’s degree (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree (BSN). Normally, ADN programs take two to three years and some BSN programs take four years. In BSN programs, there is greater depth in terms of study in nursing theory, care in emergencies, leadership, and public health. Tuition cost for ADN programs ranges from $6,000 to $20,000, while for BSN, it lies in the range between $20,000 and $100,000. It is important to note that if you are looking to become licensed as an RN in New York, you will have to complete a BSN program within ten years of licensure due to the BSN in 10 law. RN Training:
RN training tends to be a bit more intense because RNs are an advanced nursing qualification compared to LPNs. The training of RNs includes theoretical classes and extensive clinical training. RNs are trained to provide critical care, conduct advanced patient assessments, and in specialty nursing practice. The clinical exposure of RNs tends to cover a wide array of fields in medicine, hence giving them a broad-based education.
RN Responsibilities:
The role of the registered nurses is more complex. Since RNs frequently practice independently, without direct personal supervision of a health professional, RN scope of practice goes beyond the LPN. Where employed, the work obligations for an RN could include assessing patients, drawing blood, initiating intravenous lines, administering medication, testing procedures, and LPNs supervision.
RN Licensure: In order to work as an RN, one must graduate from an accredited Registered Nursing program and then pass the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or the NCLEX-RN. As it is with LPNs, RNs have continuing education obligations, and their licenses renew on a timeline basis-mostly measured in years that also vary by state. RN licensure in NJ can be renewed every two years with a renewal fee and 30 hours of continuing education.
LPN Vs RN Career Advancement
LPN Career Advancement:
Advancement opportunities for LPNs are available, although slightly limited compared to RNs. Many LPNs choose to further their careers by attending school and pursuing an LPN to RN bridge program to obtain licensure as an RN. A few LPNs, on the other hand, remain licensed as LPNs but further specialize in fields of study. Examples of specializations include geriatrics or pediatrics to further enhance skills.
RN Career Advancement:
Since RNs are more advanced, they have the opportunity to explore more varied career advancement options.
They can specialize in a number of areas, such as emergency care, pediatrics, or oncology. They may also pursue advanced degrees, such as an MSN or DNP. Earning these degrees leads to roles in nursing leadership, education, or practice of advanced nursing. The advanced practice nursing roles include becoming a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Choosing between becoming an LPN or an RN depends on what your career goals are, desired responsibilities, and educational commitment.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to start a healthcare career quickly, consider becoming an LPN. For rapid advancement, becoming an RN would be more suitable. Metasense Healthcare Staffing can help you find your ideal nursing job, whether you’re an RN or an LPN in New York or New Jersey.
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