Licensed Practical Nursing vs Registered Nursing!
Your Path to Nursing in Ohio!
Have you explored the pathways to become a nurse? Folks may hear the word “nurse” and have a blanket assumption about what it means to be a nurse, but those in the field know there is a lot more to it. Whether you are a Licensed Nurse or Registered nurse, this is for you. Discover your path to nursing.
As you know, to become a nurse, you have several entry options. Weighing the pros and cons of each is vital to make the best decision for you and your life. You can become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by completing a one-year training program or working on your Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)/Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to begin your career as a Registered Nurse (RN). What are the pros and cons of each option? Let’s break it down.
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
To become an LPN, you must receive a diploma and pass the NCLEX-PN (a national licensing exam). LPNs work under the supervision of doctors or registered nurses (RNs) to provide day-to-day care to patients.
The most significant advantage of becoming an LPN is how quickly you can do it. This may be a good choice if you need to get into a career as soon as possible and you are looking to save money from the additional two years of education. LPNs are responsible for providing the routine care we associate with nursing; however, the position offers limited upward mobility. In other words, if you want to grow your career, increase your earning, take on more responsibility, or specialize, LPN is not the best direction.
Registered Nursing (RN)
There are two routes to becoming an RN. Students can pursue their ADN with two years of schooling and take and pass the NCLEX-RN. Students can also get their BSN with four years of education and take and pass the NCLEX-RN. Associates Degree in Nursing (ADNs) and BSNs become registered nurses. If both degrees end in RN, why go the extra two years?
Typical responsibilities of a registered nurse range generally include administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, direct patient care, medical record maintenance, etc. ADNs are typically limited to entry-level positions where these typical responsibilities remain the focus of work. A BSN allows nurses career growth, specialization, salary increase, and more responsibility. However, with an ADN, you still become an RN, and you can earn an RN salary sooner.
If you decide between LPN and RN, the most significant question is time. Do you have time to commit to a somewhat more extended program in exchange for a degree, higher salary, and more responsibility? If so, RN is the way to go. If you are looking for an accredited nursing school with direct admission, NO waitlist, and small classes – you are looking for Beckfield College. Learn more about Beckfield’s nursing programs at Beckfield Registered Nursing or Beckfield Practical Nursing.
RN and LPN are entry-level nursing paths, but you can take them further. Want to learn more about advancing your nursing career beyond RN? Stay tuned for the next blog to discuss careers beyond RN.
Are you ready to enroll in nursing school? Do you have more questions? Visit us at beckfield.edu to reach out with questions, apply, or refer a friend.
Are you on your way to a successful career in nursing? Don’t risk missing the information you need!
Nursing classes now forming at Beckfield College for LPN and RN training in the surrounding areas of Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky! CALL 859-371-9393, request more information today!
References
https://everynurse.org/careers/registered-nurse/
https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences/
https://www.nursingprocess.org/registered-nurse-pros-and-cons.html
Nursing careers! LPN vs RN!