| Aspect | Registered Nurse Rn Nurse | Licensed Practical Nurse LPN |
|---|
| Credentials | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); RN license | Diploma or Certificate in Practical Nursing; LPN license |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, clinics, community health, long-term care | Long-term care facilities, clinics, hospitals, physician offices |
| Job Responsibilities | Assessments, care planning, administering medications, patient education | Basic patient care, vital signs, assisting with procedures, documentation |
Registered Nurse Rn Nurses typically have more advanced training and responsibilities compared to Licensed Practical Nurses LPN. RNs perform comprehensive assessments, develop care plans, and handle complex patient needs, while LPNs focus on basic patient care and support tasks. Both roles are essential in healthcare, but RNs generally have broader scope and higher qualifications.