Rn And Lpn Scope Of Practice Comparison Chart
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are two types of nurses that work in various healthcare settings. While they have some similarities, they also have differences in their scope of practice. This article will provide a comparison chart of the scope of practice between RNs and LPNs.
Education and Licensing Requirements
RNs are required to have a minimum of an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). LPNs, on the other hand, are required to have a diploma or certificate from an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
RNs have a higher level of education and training than LPNs, which allows them to perform more complex tasks and have a broader scope of practice.
Scope of Practice
The scope of practice for RNs and LPNs is defined by the state's Nurse Practice Act, which outlines the legal and ethical responsibilities of nurses in that state. While there may be some variation from state to state, the following is a general comparison chart of the scope of practice for RNs and LPNs:
| Task | RN | LPN |
|---|---|---|
| Assessing patients | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| Developing care plans | Yes | No |
| Administering medications | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| Performing procedures | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| Supervising other healthcare staff | Yes | No |
| Teaching patients and families | Yes | No |
As you can see, RNs have a broader scope of practice than LPNs, as they are able to perform more complex tasks and have more responsibilities. LPNs are limited in their scope of practice and must work under the supervision of an RN or physician.
Work Settings
RNs and LPNs work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies. However, the specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on the setting.
RNs may work in a variety of roles, including staff nurse, charge nurse, case manager, nurse educator, and nurse practitioner. LPNs typically work in more entry-level roles, such as medication nurse, charge nurse for a specific unit, or nursing assistant.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for RNs was $73,300 in May 2019, while the median annual wage for LPNs was $47,480. The job outlook for both RNs and LPNs is positive, with employment projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
Conclusion
In summary, RNs and LPNs have different education and licensing requirements, scope of practice, work settings, and salaries. While they both play important roles in providing patient care, RNs have a broader scope of practice and are able to perform more complex tasks. LPNs work under the supervision of RNs or physicians and have limited responsibilities. Both professions offer rewarding careers in the healthcare industry.
