{"id":7954,"date":"2024-02-13T15:00:55","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T15:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=7954"},"modified":"2024-02-10T00:21:53","modified_gmt":"2024-02-10T00:21:53","slug":"bridge-your-career-gap-with-an-lpn-to-rn-track","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/healthcare-education\/bridge-your-career-gap-with-an-lpn-to-rn-track\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridge Your Career Gap with an LPN-to-RN Track"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the healthcare industry expanding tremendously, so is the job outlook for registered nurses (RNs) and <\/span>licensed practical nurses<\/span><\/a> (LPNs), also called licensed vocational nurses in California and Texas. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 5% job growth for LPNs and 6% for RNs between 2022 and 2032. RNs have one of the <\/span>fastest-growing healthcare careers<\/span><\/a> and several career advancement opportunities, so many LPNs enroll in LPN to RN programs to pursue an RN degree to boost their careers and paychecks. Learn more about the benefits of becoming an RN, key role differences and standard LPN-to-RN bridge programs in our overview below. We also cover potential challenges and misconceptions to help you determine if this career track is right for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

LPN vs. RN Role<\/b><\/h3>\n

The LPN vs. RN roles share some of the same responsibilities, but RNs may delegate some of these responsibilities, such as assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), to an LPN or certified nursing assistant (CNA). Other key duties distinguish the RN from the LPN role. We broke down some typical responsibilities within each position in the table below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Responsibility<\/b><\/td>\nLicensed Practical Nurse<\/b><\/td>\n\n

Registered Nurse<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Assist with ADLs<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Yes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Complete vital signs<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Yes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Perform trach and wound care<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Yes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Administer medications<\/span><\/td>\nYes*<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Yes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Perform assessments<\/span><\/td>\nYes, limited*<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Yes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Insert intravenous (IV) catheters<\/span><\/td>\nYes, limited*<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Yes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Administer IV medications or blood transfusions<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Yes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Triage patients<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Yes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Create patient care plans<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Yes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Provide patient education<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n\n

Yes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*May differ depending on state scope of practice.\u00a0<\/em><\/small><\/p>\n

Benefits of Becoming an RN<\/b><\/h3>\n