An LPN is licensed to provide basic patient care while an RN is certified to take on more dynamic tasks in caring for patients. There are also differences in the job duties that an LPN and RN may perform. The biggest difference between a licensed practical nurse and an RN is the certification and education level each profession requires. The following information highlights the key differences between an LPN and similar nursing fields. For instance, LPNs and CNAs can differ in the credentials each role requires, and LPNs may not require the same degree as a licensed practical nurse. However, there are several differences between the LPN profession and other nursing roles. Oftentimes, LPNs can share similarities with other licensed nursing professionals. Read more: Learn About Being a Licensed Practical Nurse Differences between a practical nurse, RN and CNA Additionally, working as a practical nurse can offer career advancement opportunities such as additional certifications and degrees. Practical nurses may also supervise certified nursing assistants (CNAs) during patient treatments, monitoring patient vital signs and documenting patients' medical information. LPNs may typically perform basic medical tasks such as taking and monitoring patients' vital signs, administering medication, taking blood or tissue samples, caring for patients and reporting patients' health status to the supervising registered nurses. Oftentimes, licensed practical nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, rehab centers and private practices under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses. LPNs may work in a variety of healthcare settings to provide basic and specialized medical care to a diverse range of patients. What is a practical nurse?Ī practical nurse-or 'licensed practical nurse (LPN)'-is a medical professional who has completed a degree program in practical nursing and who has completed the national exam requirements for licensing. In this article, learn what an LPN is and what they do, what the salary average is for LPNs and the steps you can take to pursue a career as a practical nurse. Working as an LPN can also be a good way to enter and advance in the nursing field. They may take on responsibilities such as caring for sick and injured patients, assisting in rehabilitation treatments and supervising certified nursing assistants and orderlies.

Licensed practical nurses can be essential members of a medical team.

What is a cpn nurse