Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) both provide essential patient care, but they differ in education, responsibilities, and career opportunities.
An LPN usually completes a practical nursing program in 12 to 18 months and then passes the NCLEX-PN to become licensed. Their work focuses on fundamental patient care: monitoring vital signs, administering standard medications, assisting with daily living tasks, collecting samples, and keeping patient records. LPNs work under the supervision of RNs or physicians, often in long-term care, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, or small hospital units.
In contrast, an RN must earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) before passing the NCLEX-RN. RNs are responsible for more advanced clinical tasks: designing and managing patient care plans, running diagnostic tests and interpreting results, administering complex medications or treatments, and supervising LPNs, nursing assistants, and other staff. RNs are employed widely in hospitals, surgical and critical care units, public health settings, and community clinics.
Because of the broader scope of practice, RNs generally have greater earning potential and more opportunities for specialization, leadership, and advanced roles such as nurse educator, clinical specialist, or administrator. LPNs, though limited in scope, remain vital to the care team by providing consistent bedside support and bridging gaps in basic care.
To explore practice questions that reflect entry-level vs. registered nurse tasks, you can visit the NCLEX RN resource page on Nurselytic. For more data on national nurse employment trends, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing provides detailed workforce reports and insights into the profession.
In summary, LPNs concentrate on foundational nursing care under supervision, while RNs engage in more independent clinical decision-making, leadership, and advanced patient management. Your choice depends on how much education, responsibility, and career growth you aim for.