Why Hire an RN for an Emergency Department Vs. an LPN
A RN, or registered nurse, is almost always hired for emergency departments or rooms rather than a LPN, licensed practical nurse. This is because RNs have more education--sometimes significantly more--than LPNs and the medical training of RNs often includes areas specifically geared to the needs of emergency departments. The difference in education and training is reflected in salaries. Depending on shifts, employers and specialties, RNs earn between $38,000 and $125,000 a year, while LPNs earn between $29,000 and $55,000.
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RN Education and Training
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RNs evaluate a range of patients from pediatric to geriatric. A registered nurse holds either a two-year associate degree or a four-year BSN, bachelor's degree in the science of nursing. He or she must also pass the licensing exam NCLX-RN, the National Council Licensure Examination. Emergency nurses often acquire additional certification and/or training in such areas as trauma, geriatric and pediatric nursing. Ten percent of RNs have master's or doctoral degrees.
LPN Education and Functions
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LPNs sometimes work under the supervision on a RN. A practical nurse has one year of vocational training and then must pass the licensing exam. She or he is supervised by a RN or MD and works in such facilities as hospitals, assisted-living residences and private homes. The LPN usually does not do trauma work.
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Emergency Departments
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Emergency departments treat a wide range of patients, from pediatric to geriatric. Patients are often in pain, badly injured, traumatized and/or under emotional stress. They suffer from a wide range of illnesses, from sore throats and headaches to heart attacks and brain aneurysms. Under what are often high-stress situations, they need to be assessed and treated.
Emergency Nurses
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ER nurses must assess patients, remaining calm and focused under stress. They must have general and specific knowledge on a wide range of health problems from a child's earache to a man's graphic injuries from a car crash. The RN must also interact with composure with the patient and family members. She or he must also assist physicians, administer medications, monitor patients and work well with the emergency-room medical team. Many emergency nurses also maintain patient records.
Statistics
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There are more than 2,500,000 RNs in the United States, about 90,000 of them are emergency nurses. RNs comprise the largest group of health care professionals, and their number is expected to increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates their growth will increase by 22 percent through 2018. There is already a severe shortage of emergency and other nurses, a situation expected to worsen because of the aging population which will require increased medical care.
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References
- Photo Credit female medical nurse with syringe 2 image by fotosergio from Fotolia.com doctor and patient 25 image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com lovely doctor 24 image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
