what is the difference between RN's and RPN's?
341130
RPNs are allowed to make some decisions and prescribe certain treatments without a doctor's order.
415209
RN = Registered Nurse. \n\nAn RN can be an RN in training but NOT Licensed.  The License is separate and has to be paid for renewal every year or so from the State or Country you live in.\n\nAn RN is trained in 3 different ways.  An Associates Degree, a Bachelor's Degree or a rare 3-year program called Diploma Program.  \n\n2 year = ADN = Associates Degree Nurse\n3 year = DRN =  Diploma Registered Nurse\n4 year = BSN = Bachelors of Science in Nursing\n\nThere is no difference in the Nursing Skills of any of these degrees (when we take our Boards .. the test that we HAVE to pass to BE an RN, we all take the EXACT SAME TEST).  What is different is the filler knowledge.. that additional stuff that makes a "rounded" degree.  Core Classes.. and the rest of the "Stuff'.\n\nYou can be an RN and not allowed to work as an RN when you do not have a License.  All you have to do is pay for the next couple years License fees to renew a license.. no retesting, etc.\n\nYou can go further in being an RN.. a Nurse Practitioner, a Midwife, A Masters degree, a PhD, etc.  These are more specialties.  But they all start off with the basic RN training.\n\nI am an RN, so am intimately familiar with the Process.
848395
I am an RN, the advantages are amazing.  You have so many fields to choose from, if you do not like one specialty you can find another.  The possibilities are endless.  I love the care I can give to my patients.  Rn's can make a horrible experience less traumatic just by a touch or kind word.  Something patients ALWAYS need.  Off course all of the medications and equipment are great to use but the human aspect of this profession is truly profound. \n   The disadvantage is burn out.  You give, give, give and reach a point at times that you just have no more to give.  Rn's do not have the respect we deserve.  We do so much more then the public realizes.   If you are making a decision, go for it, it was the best choice I have ever made and I have never regretted it.   Good luck :)
358826
The time they go to school, the state test that they take, the pay they get, the different responsibilities and duties.\n\nRN - Registered Nurse\nLPN - Licensed Practical Nurse
192968
It all depends on what kind of nurse you want to be.  RNs have more schooling than LPNs and nursing assistants have even less that that.\nif you want to be an RN, then i suggest going to a four year school and going through their nursing program, then you will graduate with your bachelor's of science in nursing...that's a good thing!\n\nSince you mentioned financial aid, a 4 year school may not be in your game plan and that's o.k.! But, LOTS of poeple go to 4 year schools with financial aid...it's not an issue for some, but smaller schools and tech schools tend to be less expensive.  you can check out technological schools or community colleges in your area that have nursing programs. \n\nFinancial aid is a way a school can provide you with tuition assistance based on your income, or if you are supported by your parents, then it's based off of their income.\n\nalso, look into sholarships that may be available to you. if you're still in high school, then, your guidance office can help you with that!\n\nGOOD LUCK in the future!
286880
They are the same thing, with the same qualifications and opportunities.  LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse, and LVN stands for Licensed Vocational Nurse.
143374
depends on what kind of nurse, an LPN takes about 2 years, and an RN takes about 4.
44396
It depends on what kind of nurse you are.  Unilike doctors, nurses do not specialize until after graduation.  In general, in the hospital environment, nurses monitor and assess the patients and inform doctors of any changes or complications.  Doctors write orders, and nurses carry out those orders.  Things such as medication administration, dressing changes, inserting IVs and catheters, drawing blood and the like.  Nurses are the front line.  We spend the most time with patients, know when things are going wrong, and are the first responders in an emergency.  Nurses also serve as advocates for their patients, and spend a great deal of time planning the best care, and teaching a patient and their family on diagnoses, and health maintancence.  I love being a nurse!
324317
Try visiting  www.discovernursing.com - you'll find tons of information there on nursing.\n\nDespite prior statements,  you do not need a BS to be an RN.   There are two-year RN programs and RN bridge programs for persons  who have an LPN/LVN.   The push MAY be for RNs to have a bachelor's degree,  but the  reality is that there is such a shortage of nurses  willing to work  in NURSING (yes, nurses work in  fields outside of active nursing),  that states/countries are creating  avenues to bring  in more  nurses quickly.\n\nWhat you can do with a nursing certificate/degree will depend upon the state/country you live in.  Generically, you could go back and do a 1 year nursing certificate program and become an LPN/LVN.  Or, you could pick up the sciences and other pre-reqs you need and complete a 2nd associates--the outcome could be an LPN/LVN or an RN depending upon the school/program you enter into.  Or, you could transfer to a university and pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing.
831718
Registered Nurse, because it's much more diversified. You can go into pediatrics, geriatrics, O.R., E.R., hospital, nursing home, private care,  doctor's office, so many options. the others are specialized, and job opportunities will be more limited. As an R.N. you can go to work immediately in any city anywhere anytime. R.N.'s can make 50 bucks an hour,  and be the charge nurse, not "just" an assistant.
359973
Advanced Practice Nurses.. Reaad on, i have a lot of info :)\n\nLicensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas. These individuals usually have eighteen months to two years of training in anatomy and physiology, medications, and practical patient care. They must pass state or national boards and renew their license periodically.\n\nLPNs can perform simple as well as complex medical procedures but must operate under the supervision of either a Registered Nurse or a physician. They can administer most medications (usually with the exception of IV push medications), perform measurements (blood pressure, temperature, etc.), keep records, perform CPR, maintain sterile and isolation conditions, and administer basic care.\n\nLPNs are often found working under the supervision of physicians in clinics. In long term care facilities, they sometimes supervise nursing assistants and orderlies.\n\nThe Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were about 700,000(1) persons employed as Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses in the U.S. in 2004.\n\nRegistered Nurses (RNs) are professional nurses who often supervise the tasks performed by LPNs, orderlies and nursing assistants. They provide direct care and make decisions regarding plans of care for individuals and groups of healthy, ill and injured people. They have a Diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelors Degree in Nursing at entry level, and after passing state board examininations are granted the title Registered Nurse. Regardless of degree, RNs have many hours of clinical experience before they are graduated.\n\nRNs are the largest group of healthcare workers in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were about 2.3 million (1) persons employed as Registered Nurses in the U.S. in 2004.\n\nResearch has shown that RNs are the first-line defense of hospitalized patients against disability or death from infection, cardiopulmonary arrest, and other serious complications. Higher ratios of registered nurses to patients have been shown to decrease certain complications of illness and mortality rates. Registered Nurses are educators, managers, executives, therapists, intensive care experts, symptom managers, professional mentors, researchers and community members. In hospitals, registered nurses perform diverse roles such as writing policies, responding to emergencies, managing professional, technical and ancillary staff, determining budgets, performing strategic planning, and supervising construction projects.\n\nAdvanced practice nurses (APNs) are Registered Nurses with advanced education, knowledge, skills, and scope of practice. APNs possess a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and may also sit for additional certification examinations. APNs may function as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). They perform primary health care, provide mental health services, diagnose and prescribe, carry out research, and educate the public and other professionals. Some APNs diagnose illness and prescribe medication.\n\nAll advanced practice credentials have requirements such as continuing education and periodic re-examination to maintain the credential.\n\nAdvanced Practice Nurses can expect to earn above-average salaries, especially as the population of ages and the demand for highly-skilled healthcare workers grows proportionally.\n\nGood Luck! :)
471026
I thought there were no more diploma programs for R.N.s\n\nIf you can attend a diploma program, you will be a better nurse after graduation.  Studies have shown that it take college educated nurses at least a year to acquire the same "on-floor" experience that a diploma nurse has.  This is because diploma program students spend far more time working in the hospital during their training than college  students do.  Many nurses who graduate a college program  have only done a procedure one time! (Now this might have changed as it has been years since I have had to deal with any new nursing grads). Diploma nurses have done it so often that they can't count the times.\n\nAs a head nurse, I have worked with both straight out of school.  I would take the diploma nurse anytime!  I usually had to supervise a college nurse on her procedures (as a  new grad) as she hadn't done them often enough to feel comfortable doing them alone.\n\nNow, if you are more concerned with a degree and money, then by all means get the college education.  If you are not concerned with the difference in pay, go to a diploma school.
167511
there is quite a bit of paper work in nursing....percedures depend of what type of nurse you are... Example...nursing home vs ER
89820
Nurses have a wide variety of responsibilities, patient care, knowledge of the body how it works, knowledge of medicines and body systems. Nurses should enjoy caring for people and have the ability to not take mean people personal. I am a nursing student and unfortunately nursing is not for me although I love the science knowledge(switching my major to microbiology).
206817
RN hands down! The sky is the limit as far as opportunities after your degree. Then there's a thing called 'prestige'.
330556
Registered Nurses\n\nI am sure you are paid more if you go into SPECIAL areas - Surgery, OB/GYN, Peds etc.
399847
It differs by state. Check with your State Board of Nursing!\n\nwww.ncsbn.org/regulation/boardsofnursing_boards_of_nursing_board.asp