LV Vs. RN: Scope Of Practices

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Medical Surgical
October 20, 2011

LVN vs. RN: Scope of Practices
Many nursing professionals begin their careers as LVNs (License Vocational Nurse) and later complete the requirements as a bridge to the RN. The role of the LVN has always been to provide direct care to patients in the medical setting. They usually work under the supervision of a physician or RN and perform lesser tasks than a registered nurse. The role of the RN (Registered Nurse) was specifically assigned to be a supervisory position.
Educationally, RN’s must attend about 2 years of nursing school to obtain an Associate’s Degree. The Associate of Science in nursing programs lets a student to become a RN and earn more money quickly than a 4 years BSN program, which
is more ideal for many students. LVN’s go through about one year of vocational training to have a license which allows them to do their scope of practice. Both LVN’s and RN’s take similar classes, such as Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Developmental Psychology, Medical Surgical, Pharmacology, Cultural Sensitivity, Leadership, Geriatrics. Each scope of practices must also attend clinical experiences, in which they give direct care of actual patients in nursing homes, hospitals and clinics for medical and surgical, labor and delivery, geriatric, and psychiatric patients. Despite the similarities, RN’s must take classes which LPN’s are not required to take. Some of these classes are on subjects such as Community Health, Role of the Charge Nurse, and Bio Chemistry. Most of these focus on theory and administrative functions. They also must attend classes which are fixed solely on the educational requirement toward gaining a degree, such as elective classes on arts or languages.
Summarily, the actual medical educations of LVN’s and RN’s are nearly, if not completely, almost the same. There have been many references to patients in the clinical setting being safer under the care of an RN than an LVN. One thing is certain that the LVN’s typically are assigned more patients to give direct care to than RN’s have been. It is common to see that most of the time, LVN’s have been considered to be working under the RN’s license.
However, the LVN must always be supervised by RN’s or doctors, and are not allowed to do everything an RN does.
In some sates, an LVN never starts an intravenous line (IV), while in other states; they may be able to get an IV certification to perform this procedure. Most LVN’s can take blood or administer injections in areas where they cannot start IVs.
To take on more challenging work or to increase their salary, many LVN’s make the decision to achieve their RN after a few years of work. Some LVN’s are content with their license, positions and pay, and LVN’s can specialize in a field of medicine that they find most interesting. LVN’s are frequently paid more and are in very high demand in some positions such as in long-term care facilities or nursing homes. LVN’s who specialize in geriatrics can find a job more easily.
Because of the cost difference in salary, many facilities prefer hiring an LVN to an RN. An LVN can almost do all tasks performed by an RN in a facility or in a doctor’s office. An LVN can take vital signs, measure blood pressure, give injections, take medical history, and LVN’s are required to take CPR classes in case of emergency. Supervision is under the practicing RN’s or
doctors.
Many training programs are available for LVN’s.
Trade or medical schools and community colleges offer LVN programs. Community colleges are usually least expensive while trade schools are most likely to be more expensive. An LVN must keep his or her license through continue education like with most medical professionals. Because it is so competitive getting into the RN programs, many LVN programs are now more available than ever before. The LVN also gain an advantage above the rest should he or she wants to be an RN. Many of the RN programs are offered to those with experience in the field.
RN’s are greatly needed solely for the reason is that they provide the greatest level of care for many patients. An RN not only provides all types of care, but they also gives advice and helps coordinate other health services for their patients. An RN may be in charge of other nursing personnel such as interns, volunteers and techs. They may be also responsible for a patient’s overall case management, working together in conjunction with everyone from the patient to the primary care physician, as well as other
specialists.
To become an RN, a nursing student must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for RN’s. Many nursing students are eligible to take the exam after receiving an Associate’s Degree, although many go for the Baccalaureate Degree.
Being an LVN or an RN is a difficult but rewarding job. Anyone who decides they want to be a nurse should do it for the right reasons. The patient should always be kept at the forefront, the focus of attention, and the pay comes later. Patients and nurses who truly care about the well being of the patients know who really cares and who is just in it for the money. A nurses’ license is sacred, and it is up to the nurses’ job to maintain it. There are many affordable nursing education and nursing programs available to a striving nursing student. But before attending a school, it is important to decide which nursing programs will work best for you and your nursing career goals.