Healthcare is a vast industry with many different professions. It is not just doctors, nurses, physicians and pharmacists. Most of the medical profession aspirants are confused with many roles and they mostly confuse the difference between LPN and LVN.
In this blog, we are going to understand the difference between LPN and LVN.
LPN vs LVN: How are the roles different?
LPN stands for licensed practical nurse and LVN stands for licensed vocational nurse. While both roles seem very different, they are essentially the same. LPNs and LVNs are both licensed nurses who provide basic care for patients in various healthcare settings. A registered nurse(RN) will supervise LPN and LVN. Their operations are the following.
- Monitoring vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, respiration)
- Assisting with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and eating
- Administering medications (orally, topically, by injection – depending on state regulations)
- Changing dressings and wounds
- Collecting lab specimens
- Documenting patient care
Both LPNs and LVNs partake in the same education training and certification programs. This certified program teaches basic patient care, required skills, and knowledge, and the program usually lasts up to 12 months. The curriculum includes the following:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Nursing fundamentals
- Pharmacology
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Maternal-newborn nursing
- Mental health nursing
In order to become an LPN or LVN, you have to complete the 12-month certified program, and you have to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Only if you clear the exam will you be eligible for LPN or LVN.
Same responsibilities but different states
Both LPNs and LVNs have similar educational training and job operations, but why different terminologies? The State Board of Nursing administers nurse titles and regulations. Hence, different states chose different terminologies.
LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse): The title LVN is used only in California and Texas.
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse): The title LPN uses across all the states except California and Texas.
Let us look at some more differences
Both LPN and LVN have similar job operations but the only difference is the medical practice and that differs from state to state. The medicine administration requirements change from state to state. It is advisable to follow the state nursing board practice information according to your location.
LPN vs LVN: What steps do you need to take to become one?
There is not much difference between LPN and LVN. A registered nurse supervises LPNs and LVNs or doctors. Following are the steps to become an LPN/LVN.
Education: Pursue a diploma or a certified program from an accredited LPN/LVN institute. Local community colleges, vocational schools, and hospitals offer this course. It covers basic nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and clinical skills.
Obtain a diploma or a certificate from an accredited LPN/LVN training institute or facility. Big healthcare facilities, local medical colleges, and vocational training centers offer this course.
Licensure: Once you have completed the course, you should apply for the NCLEX-PN exam. It is an important step to becoming an LPN/LVN. This test is designed to identify your skills and knowledge about patient care. It is best to go ahead and apply only after the course.
Earn additional certificationsThe medical industry is ever-evolving. Upskilling is a key skill to acquire in the medical industry. Do additional certifications in specific areas of practice. Upskilling yourself will help you to explore more job opportunities in the healthcare industry like:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Clinics
- Doctor’s offices
- Home healthcare agencies
LPN vs LVN: Check out jobs for both of these roles at MedCadre
LPN and LVN might have differences, but both are dedicated to patient care. These roles play a crucial role in patient care. If you are passionate about providing better patient care and making a promising career in the medical field, then LPN/LVN can be a great start.
If you are looking for an open LVN/LPN position across the USA, then
