Is it easier to get your LPN than your RN?

I'm a pre-nursing student, and I can't decide which one I want to do.
Answers:
Depending on the regulations of your local state board of nursing, you may end up doing less as an LPN than an RN. An LPN degree can either be a diploma or certificate program, depending on whether or not a college is involved. LPNs in the usual scope of practice cannot insert intravenous lines, access central venous catheters or administer drugs intrathecally (via the spinal canal). They can give medications and administer subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. They also cannot perform patient assessments (like physical examinations) By law, an LPN must have any assessments or test results signed off by an RN.
RNs are either a 2-yr (associate degree) or 4-yr (Bachelor degree or BSN) program from an accredited school of nursing.
RNs can administer medications through central venous catheters, take samples from arterial lines and Swan-ganz catheters, etc. They can suture minor wounds and perform complex dressing changes and packings. They can perform dialysis. An RN is a better career move because you will have higher pay (as well as greater responsibility) and can work in any health care facility, from a doctor's office or clinic to an operating room in a major trauma center.
If you can afford the time, get the 4 yr BSN degree, because then you can get into Master's levels of nursing, like nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, etc.
BTW, both LPNs and RNs must pass a board certification test in order to practice and maintain their licensure in the state in which they practice

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Yes, you can get your LPN in 1 year. RN is a minimum of 2 years. ( I have my LPN) However, if you have the time to get your RN now, I would strongly suggest that you get it! Better pay, more job opportunities and much better work! I wish I would have done it.
LPN's DO have to take boards..I am also IV certified which just required an extra class.

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Indeed it is. All RN's have a bachelor of science degree in nursing, and passed a national board of nursing before they are certified RN's. A degree is not required to be an LPN, because they don't have the technical skills of an RN to administer drugs, adjust and put in IV's, etc.

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Basically the first year of a ADN program and LVN or LPN program are the same. Best thing about getting your LVN first is that you can work in the nursing field while you are getting your RN..the best thing to do these days is to get a BSN,about 3year program. Bachelors

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It is much easier to get your LPN than your RN. Schooling is only half the time. Is it worth it though? NO. Take the extra year to get your RN and your salary will almost double.

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Easier is subjective. Less time is more accurate. I have been a LPN for 16 years and I had to learn how to pass medications, start IV's, know anatomy and physiology, drug calculations and direct patient care. The difference is in level of responsibility not necessarily technical ability. RN courses will stress importance of management not patient care. LPN courses are more geared to patient care issues. I love being a LPN. And I would rather be taken care of by a LPN.

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LPNs are a valuable resource to the nursing community, but if you have the time, I encourage you to seek an associates degree or better yet a bachelor's degree and become a RN. RN courses do not just focus on management. In fact, they help expand your understanding of patient care so you know what you're doing and why, not just how to do something reflexively (develop critical thinking). There are so many opportunities in the nursing profession, and having a bachelor's degree makes most of those an easier possibility. For example, I am in grad school right now for nurse anesthesia. I completed a bachelors in nursing right from the beginning, so when i decided that I wanted to move on to advanced practice, I didn't have to waste an extra 2 years trying to finish a bachelor's degree and could apply right away. Many of my co-workers did associate programs or hospital programs and had to spend more time to prepare before they could apply to grad school. Plus, you'd save yourself the stress of trying to work and go to school at the same time. Many people do it, but just focusing on school was so nice. I could really focus on learning and didn't have to worry about work requirements.

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