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If you are thinking of becoming a nurse in Canada, you will have some choices to get started. There are two major types of nurses: Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses.
Though these two roles are great and very important in health care within Canada, there are some differences between them.
What is an LPN?
To be licensed as a practical nurse (also called Registered Practical Nurse), you must complete a college program in nursing that leads to a nursing diploma, these programs usually range from two to three years in length.
Whereas an LPN is more of a generalist, applying his/her skills to work with all types of patients and in various clinical scenarios. LPNs work with a wide array of medical professionals in various healthcare settings to provide and coordinate care for patients.
To be an LPN, one has to pass the NCLEX-PN (USA), REx-PN, or CPNRE examination.
What is an RN?
To become a Registered Nurse, you must complete a nursing degree at a university. The program consists of four years of advanced theoretical knowledge.
An RN is a generalist nurse qualified to work within any clinical setting, working with patients of all ages. Some registered nurses may seek specialization in one area of nursing, such as critical care areas, the operating room, or oncology.
RNs are educated to provide direct care for individuals, families, and communities in all healthcare settings. Clinical preparation enables RNs to assume a leadership role when the care needs become more complex.
To practice as a registered nurse, you must take the NCLEX-RN examination.
What is the Difference Between an LPN and an RN?
Both LPNs and RNs are equally crucial for patient care. If looked at from the patient’s point of view, their roles are the same. There are differences in job responsibilities and duties involved. Let’s see how they differ:
Duties
RNs and LPNs have many similar job responsibilities, but their roles sometimes vary depending on where they work. RNs generally have more responsibilities than LPNs.
LPNs work as supportive staff in various nursing departments, which may include nursing care facilities, hospitals, or physicians’ offices. They administer basic patient care, which includes checking vital signs, documentation, medication administration, and assisting patients with their daily tasks of living, such as hygiene and mobility.
Responsibilities of a LPN
LPNs provide care for patients who are ill, injured, or who have a terminal condition. LPNs sometimes practice under the guidance of RNs or other healthcare providers, like dentists or physicians. The parameters of their roles are province-specific and vary between geographical areas and healthcare organizations.
LPNs usually perform tasks like:
- Monitoring a patient’s comfort
- Caring for patients by taking their blood pressure, changing bandages, or inserting catheters
- Providing emotional support to patients and families
- Ensuring the essential comfort of patients
- Administering medications based on a nursing care plan
- Collecting patient data and recording findings for evaluation by another healthcare provider
Responsibilities of an RN
Registered nurses often work independently without the supervision of other healthcare providers. Some provinces and health organizations may even grant RNs the privilege of nursing diagnostics.
Similar to LPNs, the role of an RN varies with the location and credentials they have obtained. They can:
- Record detailed medical histories and symptoms
- Instruct patients and families about medication side effects, postsurgical care, and the management of illnesses or injuries
- Inform people about disease processes, healthcare management, and disease prevention.
- Provide mental health care and addiction counselling
- Triage and assess patients
- Administer medications and treatments to patients
- Provide life-saving resuscitation measures
Salary
Typically, RNs will earn more due to their skills and education. However, LPNs also have promising salary potential and career opportunities.
The median hourly wage that LPNs receive in Canada is $29, while the lowest is $23.45, and the highest is $34. On the other hand, RNs receive a median wage of $40.39 per hour; the lowest and highest range from $28 to $50.
Career Advancement
Where career prospects are concerned, both these careers have bright future outlooks ahead. With the rising demand for nurses, you can expect a lot of professional growth opportunities.
LPN career advancement opportunities are working in alternative healthcare environments, including physician offices, mental health institutions, and geriatric facilities or even home healthcare.
RNs also have excellent opportunities for advancement by moving into the various areas of the hospital or institutional setting. RNs might want to move into leadership, educator roles, or seek higher administrative experience.
Make Your Choice
So much goes into consideration at the start of your nursing career that will put you on the right career track. Here are a few questions for you to consider in deciding to either become a Licensed Practical Nurse or become a Registered Nurse:
- What is your goal wage?
- How soon do you want to start working in your field?
- What kinds of responsibilities do you want in your professional life?
- What are your long-term career goals?
Answers to these questions will help you evaluate your needs and make a more informed decision.
Final Thoughts
The decision to become a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse simply lies in personal preference. Your ultimate decision should be based on your interests, lifestyle, and long-term career goals. Either way, you will be moving into a rewarding nursing career!
If you are an internationally educated nurse looking for a nursing review center, FBNPC is your trusted partner in starting a nursing career in Canada. Contact us to discuss your needs.
