What Is an LPN?

Hospitals and nursing homes are filled with licensed practical nurses, or LPNs. But how are they different from certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and registered nurses (RNs)? Read on to find out.

Training

• An LPN goes through more education and training than a CNA, but not as much as an RN. LPNs must have a high school diploma or GED and gone through an accredited practical nursing program. LPNs are not required to have a 4-year college degree.

Duties

• LPNs have many of the same duties as RNs, but are often supervised by an RN or physician. LPNs can provide basic testing, record patient histories and monitor patients.

Work Settings

• LPNs can be found throughout the health care industry, but are limited to that industry. RNs can be found in laboratories, college campuses and insurance companies.

Stepping Stone

• Often, an LPN is a stepping stone to becoming an RN. CNAs often continue their education and become LPNs.

Authority

• While LPNs are delegated work by doctors and RNs, LPNs do have some authority over the CNAs. CNAs can do menial tasks such as bedpan changing and freeing up the LPNs and RNs for more important tasks.