LPN to BSN
In the career hierarchy of the United States nursing profession, the base level is composed of licensed practical nurses (LPN), the next tier of registered nurses (RNs), and the upper reaches of the various advanced specializations of registered nurse. Education requirements, job responsibilities, and compensation are what distinguish LPNs from RNs. One can become certified as a LPN much faster than as a RN, learning general nursing skills that emphasize direct contact with patients. However a LPN will likely earn a lesser salary, and will be unable to perform the range or complexity of tasks open to a RN, nor will they have the same opportunities for career advancement. In what follows I will examine each of these points in greater detail.
First, to meet their education requirement LPN candidates must pass a twelve month LPN program, generally offered by vocational schools or community colleges. RNs have three options for meeting their education requirement: obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN Degree), or a diploma from a nursing program administered through a hospital. BSN programs take about four years to complete, while associate degrees and hospital diploma programs take from two to three years. RNs that have entered the field through either of these latter programs will often eventually pursue a BS in nursing, as it allows for greater advancement and specialization.
Both LPNs and RNs, upon completing their education requirement, must pass certification exams (NCLEX-PN or RN). Both RN and PN tests are administered by the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) through local state Boards of Nursing. The greater difficulty of the RN test reflects the more demanding educational requirements and responsibilities of the job. A RN can also choose to take advanced certification exams demonstrating competency in specialized areas of nursing.
It is difficult to precisely state the job responsibilities of a RN, given that the nature of the work varies greatly with location and specialization. RNs can choose to specialize in one or more of four general categories:
- by work setting or type of treatment (e.g. trauma or radiology nurse),
- by particular disease (e.g. HIV/AIDS nurse),
- by particular body system (e.g. cardiovascular nurse), or
- by population (e.g. pediatric nurse).
LPNs, on the other hand, tend to be generalists performing basic procedures and tests applicable to all areas of nursing. LPNs typically work under the supervision of a registered nurse or a physician, though the nature of this supervision will vary between states and between institutions (e.g. nursing homes or hospitals). Additionally, LPNs tend to have more direct contact with patients than do RNs.
In 2006, 749,000 LPNs were employed within the US; this number is projected to jump 14% to 854,000 by 2016. In the same year 2,505,000 RNs were employed, with a projected increase of 23% to 3,092,000 by 2016. The median income for LPNs was $36,550, compared to the RN median income of $57,280. It is common for individuals to begin a nursing career as an LPN, eventually becoming a RN through a specific LPN-to-RN training program.