Which Nurse Shall I Call? Differences Between the LVN and RN
Date: August 1, 2022
It’s safe to say we’re all grateful for the countless nurses providing acute care to us in times of need. But how many of us know the differences between nurses and what each does?
What is a Licensed Vocational Nurse? What makes them different from Registered Nurses? Can both do the same functions? Here are some detailed distinctions between two care professionals, the LVN and the RN. LVN or VN is short for Licensed Vocational Nurse, as they are termed in California and Texas. These same professionals are called Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in the rest of the United States. At the same time, RN is short for Registered Nurse, a title consistent throughout the U.S.
Key Difference Between LVNs and RNs
While there are multiple variances, including education, responsibilities, and pay scale, the critical difference between the two nursing licenses is their educational requirements. The time and investment needed to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse are briefer than the length and training required to complete a Registered Nurse program. The three main differences between the Licensed Vocational Nurse and the Registered Nurse vocations are explained below.
1. Educational Requirements
Licensed Vocational Nurses—There are two minimum educational routes Vocational Nurses may follow. These include either a) a Vocational Nurse Diploma or b) an Associate Degree of Science in Vocational Nursing. Depending on one’s prerequisites, experience, and program of their choosing, both educational routes take roughly a year to complete. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts offers a Vocational Nurse Diploma Program taking 13 months to finish.* Similarly, the Academy’s A.S. in Vocational in Nursing Program route takes eight (8) months to finish.†
By contrast, Registered Nurses must obtain higher-level education at a minimum. Qualifying degrees for Registered Nurses include either a) a two-year Associate of Science-level or b) a four-year Bachelor of Science-level degree. Two-year associate degrees fulfilling RN eligibility include:
- a) Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN);
- b) Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN);
- c) Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS).5
A qualifying four-year degree for Registered Nurses is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN represents a more significant investment of time and money than an associate degree or diploma and is more comprehensive. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Bachelor of Arts’ Nursing program offers the following paths to completion:
- General or Full BSN Program, 32 months.†
- LVN to BSN Advanced Placement, 15 months.‡
- RN to BSN Advanced Placement, 12 months.§
2. Responsibilities
Licensed Vocational and Registered Nurses have similar patient-care responsibilities, yet these vary by depth and scope. These nurses are primarily responsible for assisting patients with medication, updating patient information, monitoring vital signs, assisting doctors and Registered Nurses, and conducting other skills–efficient tasks.
While Registered Nurses are generally responsible for the above items, they have added responsibilities. Registered Nurses usually manage and oversee Licensed Vocational Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) teams. Further, Registered Nurses frequently specialize in a particular aspect of medical care. These specializations range from pediatric to senior care, surgical assistance, or patient rehabilitation. Finally, Registered Nurses often serve in leadership roles.
3. Pay Differential
Given the differences in the amount of education and responsibilities, it’s no surprise that Registered Nurses typically make more than Vocational Nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Vocational Nurses in California made a median annual wage of $64,090 as of May 2020.1 By contrast, Registered Nurses in California made a median yearly wage of $120,5602 as of May 2020. However, it’s vital to remember salaries differ considerably based on several factors, including years of experience, schooling, workplace setting, geographic location, and other variables.
All Nurses
1. NCLEX Licensing
All nursing programs teach core nursing skills, including instruction for competent care for clients of different ages and needs, understanding disease conditions in different environments, and knowing nursing’s legal and ethical responsibilities. After completing their respective training programs, all nurses must pass state-board NCLEX licensing exams. Graduates from Vocational Nursing programs sit for the NCLEX-PN, while Registered Nurses sit for the NCLEX-RN.
2. Accreditation Needed
Regardless of the degree one pursues, future nurses should attend only an academically accredited program. Accreditation verifies an institution has undergone third-party evaluation and was found to be satisfactory. (Financial aid is typically only offered at accredited schools, making this another reason to attend an accredited program.)
3. Future Projections
Authors of the book Transforming Education project, “Major changes in the US healthcare system and practice environments [which] will require equally profound changes in the education of nurses both before and after they receive their licenses.”3 Authors state, “Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression.”3 Further, organizations wishing to be considered for the Magnet Recognition Program “must comply with federal laws, including employing many nurse managers and leaders who assist with managing staff and processes, and placing Registered Nurses with bachelor’s degrees in leadership roles.”
Summary
As you can see, there are many differences between Licensed Vocational and Registered Nurses. We know it can be hard to decide which direction is best for you. For your consideration, Gurnick Academy has knowledgeable admissions specialists to help you understand your options. If you aren’t sure which program to choose, please reach out to one of our admissions specialists to get started on the proper educational career training path.~
*52 Approved Instructional Weeks
†120 Approved Instructional Weeks
‡64 Approved Instructional Weeks
§45 Approved Instructional Weeks
The income references above are just estimates. Salaries may differ depending on location, company culture, one’s experience, skill level, and other factors.
By Cindy R. Chamberlin
Citations:
1 “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor. September 8, 2021. (Accessed November 16, 2021.)
2 “Registered Nurses.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor. September 8, 2021. (Accessed November 16, 2021.)
3^ a, b Wood, Robert. “Transforming Education.” Nih.gov, National Academies Press (US). 2011. (Accessed March 21, 2022.)
4 “How to Achieve Magnet Accreditation: Six Steps Can Help Hospitals in Their Magnet Journey.” Nurse.com, Relias. (Accessed March 21, 2022.)
5 Editorial Team. “ADN vs. ASN vs. AAS Nursing Degrees: What’re the Differences?” Indeed Career Guide, Indeed. May 2021. (Accessed March 21, 2022.)
