Along with the appearance of many workers in the health care field, many are baffled with the occurrence of many types of nurses. Amongst these are the LPN, BSN, and RN. Like many other courses in this field, each of these is differentiated by the curriculum undertaken in school or college, the licensing examination taken, and the like.
An LPN or a licensed practical nurse, or licensed vocational nurse as they are known in California and Texas, is a person who has done training and has subsequently passed the state licensure exam. A typical training would take about nine months while others take three years to complete, depending on the certification one decided to get. The state licensing exam to be able to work is called the NCLEX – PN or National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. They work under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse. On the other hand, they are able to supervise the work of orderlies and nursing assistants.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN is an academic degree that would not only entail the bedside role of a nurse but also prepares the student their professional roles as potential leaders or managers. This program takes about four years to complete, after which, the individual must take a licensing exam to work. Both BSN and an Associate Degree in Nursing or ADN would allow one to sit in the licensing exam, but and ADN takes about two years to complete and only focuses on the bedside functions of a nurse.
A registered nurse or RN is an individual who has a diploma, or an associate degree, or a bachelor of science in nursing. These individuals have also passed the state board, NCLEX – RN or National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, to be able to work. They are able to designate tasks for practical nurses and nursing assistants. While registered nurses are commonly found doing bedside care to patients, there are many other work opportunities for registered nurses such as working in a physician’s office, insurance companies, and the like.
At first glance, these three may look almost the same. With careful examination of each, though, is one able to see the difference between them.
State Approved LPN Programs