What is the difference between an LVN and an RN, as far as job duties?
Asked by shezapistol
I am considering going to school to earn a degree in nursing. Can you explain to me the differences in these two fields of employment?

Best Answer:
Aside from the schooling differerence (RN = 4+ years of college, LVN = 18 months of vocational training), the duties are very similar. The main difference is that an LVN cannot administer IV medications. They can run the lines, but can't start a drip. Also, they can't administer schedule I drugs. LVN's typically work in HMO settings because the company can get away with paying 15 LVN's to work under 1 RN for a lot less money than all RN's. An LVN typically makes $17-25 an hour, with an RN making $25-50 an hour. If you are an older student, go for the LVN because you can always bridge to an RN (only one additional year of school instead of 4). If you are relatively young, go for the RN.
MA, CNA, CAHCA, LVN, RN, BA in Genetics
Answered by heatherfalcone@sbcglobal.net

not exactly sure what you mean by LVN but an LPN stands for licenses practical nurse and takes a year - two years less of school and RN's are registered nurses...LPN's just may not have the same opportunities position wise that rn's do and they have a lower pay rate
Answered by Pammy G

There are quite a few differences between a Licensed Vocatioinal Nurse and a Registered Nurse. I reccommend working as a CNA (Certified Nurses Aid), CMA (Certified Med-Aid) or an office clerk in a medical environment to get a taste of what you are abou to get into. LVN's do a lot of hands on but are limited. For example, they can not give blood, they can prepare everything for the RN so he/she can give the blood though. LVN's can't do stomach tubes, but they can do Nasal tubes (if the company your at oks it). Also, RN's generally have more paperwork than hands on. The RN's pay is a good step up from LVN's. If you know for sure nursing is for you, bite the bullet and just go for RN. Generally most RN's are in an administrative position: Director of Nursing or Charge Nurse. However, not having that responsibility can be a blessing. And you must remember not ALL money is good money. If you are unsure this may be temporary, get your LVN try it out, if you like it stay there. If you see your bosses and want to be in their shoes...you'll go back to school and get your RN.
Answered by jewelrychick

Here is a website from the US Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco and can type into search 'licensed vocational (they may use 'practical' instead) nurse' or 'registered nurse'. The site has general information about job duties, pay and required amount of schooling. Perhaps as someone else suggested, look into training as a certified nursing assistant thru the local county vo-tech school or community college (non-credit course) to see if that would be something that you would like to do full time. You may also volunteer at a local hospital though a volunteer of course can't perform direct patient care :) Good luck in your future endeavors!
Answered by jannsody

LVN's cannot give IV push medications. In some states/hospitals they won't let them give out narcotics and in some states/hospitals they won't let them start IV's. Other than that they can do everything else but get paid at least $10 less an hour than a starting RN.
Answered by Mickie

LVN's work under a RN. In ca. LVN's can work in the hospital and can start an I.V. It depends on the state regulations. It is a very in demand job and salary starts at 60,000.00 yearly. Our medical assistants make around 40,000.00 to 55,000.00 yearly. They can do almost everything a LVN can except start an I.V. Starting out as an M.A. would be a good place to start to make sure you like it first. Working for doctors and patients is hard stressful but rewarding work.
Answered by Nurse Lola