How to Choose Between LPN or RN
There are two kinds of nurses. Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, take coursework at a nursing school for a year before they are permitted to earn their nursing license. LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses, or RNs. Registered nurses usually attend nursing school for at least two years and often for up to four. There are many other differences between each form of nursing. When choosing which course of action to pursue it is wise to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each job.
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Instructions
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Complete LPN nursing classes. LPNs are generally required to complete a year of schooling after completion of a GED or high school diploma. At the end of this time, they are issued a diploma or certificate of completion. They may then apply for jobs.
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Complete RN training. Registered nurses must study for at least two years. Many take four years of training and complete a bachelor's degree in nursing. Coursework involves completion of classes in both the hard sciences and the liberal arts. RNs also must complete clinical training where they are given hands-on experience in nursing. Clinical coursework is generally full-time work that leaves little time for other jobs or commitments.
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Find work as an LPN. Licensed practical nurses are generally paid about a third less than RNs and may find it more difficult to find work. Many hospitals prefer RNs over LPNs because RNs are allowed to take on more duties than an LPN. An LPN must work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. She is not allowed by state licensing boards to provide patient care on her own.
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Find work as an RN. An RN degree takes longer to get than an LPN degree, but there are more RN training programs than LPN programs. If you change your mind and decide you would rather do something else, then credits taken to get the RN degree may easily be applied to other fields, such as becoming a doctor or certification as a science teacher. RNs are in high demand in a wide variety of settings such as nursing homes and hospitals. An RN may find employment easily once licensed.
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Transition from LPN to RN. If time and money are an issue, it can make sense to complete a quick course to become a LPN. Money can then be saved by working as an LPN to pay for additional nursing classes to become an RN. LPNs are often looked upon favorably in nursing school admission, which can be highly competitive because of a shortage of slots.
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