elderadvocare

There are many different kinds of nurses, but the two most common are LPNs and RNs. Many people often wonder what the difference is between the two. It is important to know this, especially when you are dealing with those who care for the elderly because you need to be aware of each caregiver’s responsibilities. Here are the basic differences between LPNs and RNs.

While it is true that there are differences in salary and coursework required to obtain each nursing license, the differences you should focus on are the practical ones, like duties and responsibilities. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are responsible for most of the day-to-day patient care, such as observation, giving baths, feeding, preparing medical injections, and so on. It is important to know that LPNs cannot make any independent decisions regarding patient care; they must work under the direction of RNs.

Registered nurses (RNs) are the ones that administer medicine; an LPN is never to give medicine to patients. RNs also formulate patient care plans in conjunction with the doctor, and they are allowed to make patient care decisions independently if needed. If you ever have a question about medications or why certain decisions are made regarding a patient, ask the RN.

Now that you know the difference between LPNs and RNs, you can be more acutely aware of how each nurse is supposed to treat and care for your loved one.