A Registered Nurse (RN) should have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing of 4 year duration or an associate degree in nursing of 2 years duration. The Registered Nurse should pass a National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX)-RN.

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) should have a graduation in one year Practical Nursing program. The Licensed Practical Nurse should pass a National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX)-PN.

Registered nurse and opportunities

The responsibilities of an RN include the following

• administer medicines
• develop and manage nursing plans
• assist physicians in examinations and treatments
• take independent decisions on critical matters

An RN should have good knowledge in various areas of the medical field including the following.

• Physiology
• clinical practice
• pharmacology
• delivery systems
• resource management
• research utilization
• team functioning

An RN has a lot of job opportunities both in the public and private sectors. They can get placed in various public and private hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, private offices, schools and educational institutions. An RN is assured of very good salary packages. They have a lot of job opportunities abroad also.

Licensed practical nurse and opportunities

The responsibilities of an LPN include the following.

• observing patients
• collecting samples from patients
• preparing and giving injections
• inserting catheters
• feeding patients
• helping the patients with dressing and bathing
• keeping the patients comfortable

An LPN also has a lot of job opportunities in both public and private undertakings. They have a great scope in various hospitals, private clinics, and rehabilitation centers just like an RN. But the job profile and the salary packages offered will be different. They also have job opportunities abroad.

The LPNs are always under the guidance of RNs and doctors.

Key difference between registered nurse and licensed practical nurse

The RN needs to pass (NCLEX)-RN whereas a LPN needs to pass (NCLEX)-PN. To be an RN one needs to undergo a 2 years or 4 years of program in Nursing whereas to be an LPN one needs to undergo one year of practical nursing program. The RNs have more responsibilities than an LPN. The practical knowledge acquired by an RN and a LPN is different. The RNs can take independent decisions in the field whereas LPNs cannot do that, to be clearer an RN can supervise LPNs at times. The salary packages offered for an RN is comparatively higher than that of an LPN.