| Aspect | Registered Rn | Licensed Practical Nurse |
|---|
| Credentials | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), passing the NCLEX-RN exam | Diploma or certificate from a practical nursing program, passing the NCLEX-PN exam |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, clinics, long-term care, community health | Long-term care facilities, clinics, hospitals, home health |
| Scope of Practice | Broader responsibilities, including patient assessments, care planning, and administering medications | Basic patient care, vital signs, medication administration under supervision |
Registered Rns typically have more extensive training and a broader scope of practice compared to Licensed Practical Nurses. Rns often work in more complex settings and handle more advanced patient care tasks, while LPNs focus on basic care under supervision. Both roles are essential in healthcare, but Rns generally have greater responsibilities and autonomy.