What Do LVN And LPN Stand For In Nursing?


LPN is one of the most used abbreviations in the nursing community. In the medical world, this abbreviation stands for licensed practical nurse. You might commonly hear these nurses referred to as LVNs. LVN stands for licensed vocational nurse.

In some states (California and Texas) or hospitals, they might use the terms LVN instead of LPN. For all intensive purposes, they are refer to the same role in nursing. In other words, LPN and LVN mean the same thing.

LPNs can be found working in all types of healthcare facilities such hospitals, nursing homes, health clinics, and outpatient centers. LPNs provide simple medicare to patients. They help them get in and out of bed, get dressed, fed, shower, clean the patient, bandage wounds, inform patients about the recovery process, etc.

LPNs have a specific set of certifications and education that they have to obtain to reach their title. However, these nurses are not the same as registered nurses (RNs), certified nursing assistant (CNAs), and certified medical assistants (CMAs). The hierarchy and levels of responsibility differ with each role.


What Is The Difference Between A RN And An LPN?

RN stands for registered nurse. RNs are very different from LPNs. The amount of schooling and education is longer for an RN. RNs usually go through two to four year programs at community colleges and universities. They graduate with a BSN (Bachelor’s of Science In Nursing) or an ADN (Associate’s Degree In Nursing).

LPNs need to complete a one year academic program and pass their licensing exam. Becoming an LPN is a much quicker and painless process.

These positions differ in responsibilities. The RNs will always carry more responsibilities than LPNs. LPNs usually work under the supervision of a doctor or a lead nurse. They administer specific medications and carry out limited treatment for the patient.



Registered nurses can operate with more autonomy. They are given more freedom with the way they work. They are also educated in various forms of treatment delivery, much more than the LPN.

There is also a large income disparity between the two professions. Registered nurses make much more than LPNs. RNs can expect earn a salary of $60,000 to $72,000. While LPNs can expect to earn a salary of $38,000 to $46,000.

Registered nurses also have more options for their career moving forward. They can receive more education such as an MSN (Master’s in Science Of Nursing) or DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice).

They could also earn MBAs (Master’s In Business Administration) or law degrees if they want to work in different industries other than traditional healthcare.

More education could allow RNs to become nurse managers, nurse practitioners, work in a certain health specialty, or work in another industry altogether.  LPNs are pretty limited in terms of their career advancement until they become a registered nurse.


What Is The Difference Between A CNA And An LPN?

CNA stands for certified nursing assistant. Their job is to assistant and give support to all the nurses, including both RNs and LPNs. CNAs lend their support so nurses can focus their efforts on their tasks and providing the best care possible for their patients.

A traditional nurse assistant certification program is 3 to 4 months long. Some institutions offer accelerated programs so students can earn their certification in 1 to 2 months. They can receive their education from universities, community colleges, medical institutions, vocational schools, online universities, and American Red Cross.

As stated earlier, training to become an LPN takes roughly a year. A CNA’s education focuses on how to provide patient care under the instruction a licensed medical or healthcare professional such as RN, LPN, or doctor.

LPNs also make much more than CNAs. CNAs bring in a salary of $24,000 to $28,000. LPNs can make anywhere from $38,000 to $46,000.


What Is The Difference Between An LPN And A CMA?

CMA stands for certified medical assistant. Their job is to provide support to the medical professionals in whichever healthcare facility they work in. This could mean cleaning the patient room, administering specific medication to the patient, receptionist duties, working in the lab. They clean, prepare, and maintain all supplies in inventory for use.

They help maintain patient inflow and outflow. This helps maintain order and avoid chaos in the hospital.  They work under the direct supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. This is usually a physician since he or she is giving the instructions to the CMA on what should be done for the patient.

LPNs also make much more than CMAs. CMAs bring in a salary of $26,000 to $32,000. LPNs can make anywhere from $38,000 to $46,000.

Medical assistants report to the clinical manager or lead nurse. They are responsible for the CMA’s administrative supervision and give them administrative tasks that need to be done. CMAs must graduate from an accredited school for medical and nursing assistants. There educations usually last around 3 to 4 months.


See also Qid medical abbreviation

Conclusion

LPN is an abbreviation for licensed practical nurse. Theses nurses can also be called LVNs in some areas of the country. That is abbreviation for licensed vocational nurse.

These nurses have distinct responsibilities, education levels, and salaries. There salaries are different than those in other medical professions such as a registered nurse, certified nursing assistant, and certified medical assistant.

Therefore LPNs should be seen differently than the rest of the medical occupations. These nurses are very helpful and provide a great service to the community.

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