LPN Programs in New York

Before starting your career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) you must first complete the training offered by LPN programs in New York. To meet the requirements of the National Council Licensure Exam - the licensing body for all nurses in the United States - courses need to last between one and two years. They should also cover important aspects of patient care, including safe care environments and health promotion. Other topics included in the curriculum of these training programs might include patient assessment and care, medical terminology, physiology and anatomy, medical ethics, and law. Various types of nursing care - such as therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventative - may also be part of the course.

Mildred Elley

Certificate
Practical Nursing
Albany

What Is the Difference Between an LPN and an RN?

Many people who are interested in nursing as a career confuse the duties of and LPN and an RN. Both fulfill vital roles in the health care industry and are a part of largest, fastest, and steadily growing career sectors. While LPNs and RNs both work closely with doctors and patients, there are a few things that separate the titles.

Education

One of the main differences between an LPN and an RN is the amount of education required to be certified in each field of expertise. In order to be certified as an LPN, you usually need to have a high school diploma before enrolling in an LPN training program. The LPN training course usually takes about a year to complete and involves both classroom-based studies, as well as working with patients in a clinical setting.

Training

The training needed to become an RN is more detailed, and will require an advanced degree, such as a Bachelor's of Science in nursing or an Associate's degree in nursing. Some hospitals also offer RN training programs as well. Depending on which course of study you choose to become certified as an RN, the schooling process usually takes two to four years.

Job Responsibilities

The day-to-day duties of the job also vary between LPNs and RNs. An LPN will work under the supervision of doctors and RNs to assist patients in the recovery process. They take patients' vital signs, administer shots, help doctors and RNs with some procedures, as well as assist in bathing and feeding patients in a hospital setting. They are also allowed to takes samples for tests and perform laboratory tests. In an office setting, an LPN will also make appointments for the doctor and perform some clerical duties.

An RN can work in a wider variety of settings, from doctors' offices, to nursing homes, and care facilities. RNs can also use their training courses to choose a certain area of medical specialty, such as preoperative work, pediatric, or geriatric care. RNs can also center their area of specialty on a certain medical condition, such as pregnancy and delivery or a particular organ specialty, such a cardiovascular, urology, or orthopedic care. A day in the life of an RN involves a bit more hands-on work with the patients. In an office setting an RN will assist the doctor by taking detailed descriptions of symptoms from patients, as well as keeping medical histories up to date.

Depending on which state you live in, LPNs will be not be legally allowed to perform certain duties and procedures that RNs are permitted to do, but you will be informed of the legal issues as you progress through your chosen training program.

Career Prospects

Another main difference between and LPN and an RN is their pay and opportunity for career advancement. RNs tend to make higher salaries than LPNs and many times have a better chance of being promoted in the nursing field. Many LPNs, after a few years on the job, return to school to get the additional training needed in order to be certified as an RN.

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