This article will tell you the main differences between the RN and LVN job roles. This knowledge will help you to consider LVN vs RN and decide which nursing career path would suit your career plan.

What Are LVNs and RNs?

A Registered Nurse (RN) undertakes the majority of their nursing duties independently**. In contrast, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) usually works under the supervision of an RN or qualified doctor. However, experienced LVNs may supervise and manage other LVNs or unlicensed medical staff. LVNs are sometimes referred to as LPNs (Licensed Practice Nurses). The term LVN is used in Texas and California; LPN is commonly used in other areas of the United States. There may be minor differences in the LVN role, depending on the state they are working in.

Why Are They Different Jobs?

The study route to becoming an RN is different from that required to become an LVN. There are a few different educational routes to become an RN. These include:

Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing (ASN) degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree Approved Nursing Diploma Working as an LVN and undergoing a bridge program

Each of these study programs usually takes between two and four years to complete. Classes include anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, nursing and nutrition. To complement class-based learning, students undergo supervised clinical placements within a hospital environment. To become an LVN, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program. This takes approximately one year. It is usually completed at a community college. Classes include biology, nursing and pharmacology. Again, students complement their learning through supervised clinical placements. Following completion of the program, students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination. Once they have their license, they can work anywhere in the US.

What Are the Differences Between Being an LVN and an RN?

Required Qualifications

To become an RN, you must have a nursing degree or diploma. A degree-level qualification is not required if you want to work as an LVN. You will still need to complete an accredited nursing program. To become licensed, LVN students must complete the NCLEX-PN. RN students must complete the NCLEX-RN.

Duration of Study

Qualifying as an RN can take up to four years. In contrast, it only takes around one year to complete the study required to work as an LVN.

Clinical Responsibilities

There is some crossover in the duties carried out by RNs and LVNs. LVNs tend to be more involved in direct patient care than RNs. Both RNs and LVNs can be responsible for:

Administering medication - ophthalmic, oral, rectal or topical Monitoring tube and IV sites Performing physical assessments and completing associated documentation Measuring and recording vital signs Ensuring patients are comfortable. Assisting with personal care, including dressing, feeding and hygiene Changing dressings and treating minor wounds Collecting specimens Inserting catheters Caring for patients with tracheostomy tubes and ventilators Inserting nasogastric tubes Feeding patients through gastrostomy tubes Performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Staff handover during shift changes

The following daily activities are usually only performed by RNs:

Administering IV medications – although some states permit LVNs to become certified Completing admission assessments – some states permit LVNs to do this, but only if an RN signs off the assessment Carrying out diagnostic tests and interpreting the results Developing nursing plan of care pathways Taking verbal instructions from a doctor Administering blood products Pronouncing time of death in hospice or long-term care facilities – in some states, this must be undertaken by a physician Accessing or flushing PICC lines, central lines or subcutaneous ports Administering insulin drips, total parenteral nutrition or cardiac medication drips Giving chemotherapy medications or administering dialysis Providing advice to patients on the management of their health condition after treatment Supervising LVNs, nursing aids and home care aids

Working Environment

Both RNs and LVNs work in a range of different healthcare settings. RNs and LVNs work in:

General medical and surgical hospital wards Doctors’ offices Nursing care facilities Home health care facilities Correctional facilities

RNs work in:

Summer camps Military healthcare roles Government agencies Educational facilities, including schools Administration and support services

LVNs work in:

Outpatient clinics Blood banks Dialysis centers Psychiatric hospitals Elderly community care facilities

In 2019, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirmed the median LVN salary as $47,480 ($22.83 per hour) and the median RN salary as $73,300 ($35.24 per hour). This difference in salary recognizes the higher level of qualification for RNs, and the additional responsibilities expected of RNs.

Growth of Vacancies

Both RNs and LVNs are in high demand in a range of healthcare settings in the United States. A study by the BLS found that employment of LVNs is expected to increase by 9% between 2019 and 2029. For RNs, the expected growth figure within the same timeframe is 7%. The US has an aging population, and many chronic health issues have become more common. For example, patients with obesity or diabetes require care from skilled LVNs. Many clinical procedures that have traditionally taken place in hospitals are now performed in outpatient settings. This means there is increased staffing demand in those healthcare facilities. Multi-skilled LVNs are in high demand. When updating your nursing resume, be sure to include specific details of the duties you were responsible for in previous LVN roles.

Specialty Areas

LVNs willing to study for specialist certification (for example, IV therapy) are in high demand. LVNs can access certifications, including:

Wound Care Long-term Care Pharmacology IV Therapy

These certifications can be achieved through the National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES). While LVNs have the option to gain specialist certifications, choosing to complete the RN bridge program means they can specialize in broader areas. These may include the Emergency Room (ER), cardiology or geriatrics.

Which Is a Better Career?

It depends on your career aspirations, preferences and experience. You should also consider the type of working environment you prefer. There are more progression opportunities for RNs, and they receive a higher salary than LVNs. However, they are expected to take responsibility for supervising and managing others. If you are motivated by the idea of career progression, you will probably climb the ladder faster if you choose the RN route. Qualifying as an LVN offers the fastest route to paid employment as a nurse. With many current LVNs reaching retirement age, demand will likely continue to grow. A 2013 report by the US Department of Health and Human Services highlighted that over 30% of LVNs were over the age of 50. Although there is no evidence to say every retiring LVN will be replaced, other factors mean there is a strong business case to replace many of them. The healthcare industry is working hard to reduce costs and improve efficiency. LVNs are cheaper to employ than RNs; therefore, some employers may choose to recruit LVNs to reduce their pay bills. This is especially likely in outpatient healthcare settings. The aging population means growing demand for rehabilitation and medical healthcare services. Choosing the LVN program means you can continue to earn money by working in a paid job that fits your study commitments. You could also consider an online course, as this will give you the flexibility to juggle your work and education commitments.

Can an LVN Become an RN?

The LVN study route can be completed much faster than other healthcare education studies, including the RN program. If you want to work as an RN later in your career, there is a bridge entrance option designed to streamline the qualification process. The bridge program enables you to establish your career as an LVN before committing further time and efforts to complete the RN program. In addition, you will have gained practical knowledge, which can be applied to the theoretical elements of your course. You will continue to receive a salary while you study, and some employers also reimburse tuition fees. If you prefer to learn on the job, working as an LVN and then completing the bridge program could be a good option to help you become an RN. Working as an LVN will demonstrate your commitment to nursing, enabling you to build up your clinical knowledge and skills. If you decide to pursue a career as an RN in the future, you can apply for a bridge program to widen your career opportunities. You will need to gain at least one year’s experience as an LVN before applying for the bridge program. The bridge program typically takes between one and two years to complete, although this can vary between states and colleges. You will start part-way through the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. You will complete the final three semesters before taking the NCLEX for your RN license. The RN bridge program is also available via online learning. The duration of the online program is up to 18 months. Some hospitals have an in-house LVN to RN education program. These are designed to help existing LVNs further their career and gain additional qualifications. Such programs typically include one year of college classes complemented by supervised clinical practice in a trainee RN role.

Final Thoughts

LVNs have a limited job description in comparison to RNs. The required level of qualification is lower, and the course of study is shorter. All of these factors are reflected in the LVN salary, which is significantly lower than that of an RN. The main differences between RNs and LVNs are the variations between the scope of practice that comes with their licenses. LVNs and RNs must both study a specialized college program and successfully pass a national licensing exam. Both RN and LVN nursing roles offer rewarding careers, where you will have the chance to help others and provide care for the vulnerable. The RN route is likely to be better suited to those who are motivated by career progression and promotion opportunities. Supervision and management usually fall within the remit of RNs. Experienced LVNs may take on responsibility for the supervision of nursing or medical assistants, however.