Nursing Jobs : What Is the Difference Between RN & LVN?

An RN is a registered nurse, and an LVN is a licensed practical nurse. The main difference in the jobs is related to what medications LVNs are allowed to administer. Find out why LVNs are an important part of health care with help from a licensed RN in this free video on nursing jobs and health care.

Expert: Kayti Brosnan
Bio: Kayti Brosnan has been a licensed RN in the state of Texas since 2003.
Filmmaker: Todd Green

[lpntornprograms]

Thank you for giving such useful information. I agree that each member of the healthcare team plays a vital role. Though there is a staffing hierarchy, everyone should be given due respect and recognition because one cannot function without the help of the other.

[stacigirl]

Thank you. I am an Lvn and that was nice!

[stacigirl]

Why are there so many mean comments. Gosh.

[worstofwhiskey]

I just passed my NCLEX and would like to take you on a date!!

[dstreeter]

I have worked with some FABULOUS LVN's however the MAIN differences is the independent practice of a RN, along with the responsibility for assessing, initiating & revising the care planning. There is a reason LVN's practice under supervision of a RN or physician that may not have anything to do with ability. I am grateful for the teamwork that working with LVN's provides however I think you do a disservice to mislead the public in believing the only difference is license.

[TheCHEFHALL]

and BTW Ticky835 we do work in ICU and ER. check on that! Patients by the way...are never predictable, they can turn for the worst faster than you can turn your head, I know that by my years of experience as an LVN(ICU, ER) nurse, Thanks.

[shun]

but they always s ay that LVNs recive very very low payment compared to RNs is that really true?

[QuestUnknown]

Difference is RN thinks they can tuff to LPN what they should handle while LVN works closely with the provider every day. Some RN don’t even know how to do injections or ECG.. yah

[bplha]

i done general nursing & midwifery diploma in india.i can apply for RN directly.but can i apply for cna and lvn directly without having classes.plz replay

[pattyshipman]

I love it when someone implies they know the scope of practice for RN 's and LVN/LPN's in ALL 50 states. And Tricky, I'll tell my LPN friend who works in ICU and my LPN friend who works ER that they can't work there because you said so.

[TheCHEFHALL]

I am an LVN, and might I say, I am much smarter than some RN's on the floor. LOL deligation and supervision my crack, Im starging all the IV's Hanging all the fluids and carrying out all the MD orders. Im almost done with my RN and thank god, I can finally Work on my own with out a baby sitter LOL