| Aspect | Practical Nurse | Licensed Vocational Nurse |
|---|
| Credentials | Diploma or certificate from a practical nursing program | Diploma or certificate from a vocational nursing program |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities | Hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities |
| Job Duties | Basic patient care, administering medications, assisting with procedures | Basic patient care, administering medications, assisting with procedures |
| Regulation | Licensed by state nursing boards | Licensed by state nursing boards |
Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses perform similar roles, often in the same settings, with comparable responsibilities and licensing requirements. The main difference lies in terminology used in different regions, but both titles refer to licensed professionals providing essential patient care under supervision.