LPN to BSN

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) are both irreplaceable members of the healthcare team, providing direct patient care to patients in a variety of settings.

Many LPNs choose to further their education and advance their careers by becoming RNs. This guide will discuss the different ways a licensed practical nurse can become a BSN-prepared registered nurse.

What is the Difference Between a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Registered Nurse?

LPNs and RNs share many similar job duties, but there are a few important differences between them. These differences mainly have to do with their scope of practice, education requirements, and salary.

Licensed practical nurses usually provide nursing care to patients within clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities. LPNs are generally assigned to patients who are clinically stable and only require basic nursing interventions. They also work under the supervision of a registered nurse in most facilities.

Examples of tasks performed by LPNs include:

• Administration of most medications
• Obtaining vital signs and monitoring patients for changes in condition
• Performing phlebotomy
• Obtaining specimens for laboratory testing
• Providing basic wound care
• Assisting patients with activities of daily living (bathing, feeding, toileting, mobility)

Registered nurses are responsible for more complex aspects of patient care compared to LPNs. RNs are trained to manage patients who may be unstable and require advanced nursing interventions. RNs are employed in a wider range of healthcare settings compared to LPNs, including hospitals, outpatient centers, clinics, home health, long-term care facilities, and more.

Examples of tasks performed by RNs include:

• Conducting patient assessments
• Administering medications
• Obtaining vital signs and monitoring patients for changes in condition
• Inserting and maintaining intravenous lines, nasogastric tubes, and urinary catheters
• Performing phlebotomy
• Obtaining specimens for laboratory testing
• Providing basic and advanced wound care
• Providing education to patients and their families

Furthermore, most states have determined that there are a few tasks reserved exclusively for RNs to perform. This means that LPNs are not legally allowed to perform these particular tasks within their scope of practice. These tasks usually include:

• Administration of blood or blood products
• Administration of IV push medications
• Administration of chemotherapy agents
• Performing initial assessments on patients
• Providing education to patients and/or family members

Another key difference between LPNs and RNs is the amount of education they must complete.

LPNs must complete a licensed practical nursing program and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). RNs must obtain at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). LPN programs are significantly shorter than RN programs and issue a certificate at the end, rather than a degree.

Finally, there are significant salary differences between an LPN and RN. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for licensed practical nurses is $54,620. Comparatively, the median annual salary for registered nurses is $81,220.

Both professions have an estimated job outlook of 5-6%, which is faster than average.

What is the Difference Between an ADN-Prepared Nurse and a BSN-Prepared Nurse?

When you decide to go back to school to become a registered nurse, there is one big question you have to answer: ADN or BSN?

Obtaining your Associate Degree in Nursing is the quickest route to becoming a registered nurse. However, it will not provide you with as many job opportunities as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many employers prefer to hire nurses with at least a BSN, particularly in the hospital setting. However, there are still many employers who are happy to hire ADN-prepared nurses, especially in outpatient or clinic settings.

On the other hand, pursuing your Bachelor of Science in Nursing will open up more career doors, preparing you for positions in higher-paying specialties and leadership roles. Having your BSN also provides you with a direct path into graduate school, should you wish to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in the future.

How to Transition From LPN to BSN

Transitioning from LPN to BSN has many advantages, including higher income potential, more specialization options, and more opportunities for advancement. When deciding which path to take to obtain your BSN, it is important to consider your career goals, financial means, and personal responsibilities.

Option #1: LPN to BSN

Many colleges across the country offer LPN-to-BSN bridge programs. LPN-to-BSN bridge programs are designed to build upon the foundational nursing knowledge that LPNs already possess. These programs take around 2-3 years to complete, depending on the number of transfer credits accepted and whether you attend full- or part-time. It may also be possible to complete a portion of your coursework online, adding additional flexibility to your schedule, especially if you plan on continuing to work as an LPN while in school.

After graduating from a BSN program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. After passing the exam, you will be able to apply for RN licensure within the state you wish to practice.

Option #2: LPN to ADN to BSN

Some LPNs choose to pursue their ADN first, then obtain their BSN at a later time. Many community colleges offer LPN-to-ADN programs that take around 1.5 – 2 years to complete. You may also be able to receive credit for prior coursework completed during your LPN program.

After graduating from an ADN program, you are then eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. After passing the NCLEX-RN, you can apply for RN licensure within the state you wish to practice.

From there, your next step would be to enroll in an RN-to-BSN bridge program. These programs are specifically designed for RNs who already have an ADN and usually take around 1 to 2 years to complete. The majority of RN-to-BSN coursework is often completed online, but any clinical rotations must be done in person.

Since you already passed NCLEX-RN at the end of your ADN program, no additional licensing-related examinations are needed when you complete your BSN.