Nurses: Do You Know the Difference Between RPN & RN?

 

If you've ever visited a medical facility or have gotten sick, you've likely interacted with a nurse. Whether at a hospital, private clinic, school, etc., and no matter if it's a cold or a major illness, nurses are at the front lines providing medical care and improving patient outcomes. They provide everything from generalized to specialized care, but did you know there are many different types of nurses? And no, we're not talking about specialties.

Priya Basil, the founder of the ModernTech review center, offers the best NCLEX study in Canada. In this article, she explains the difference between the most common types of nurses you'll encounter – RN and RPN.

What's An RPN?

An RPN or registered practical nurse is a professional with a college education to assist patients with general or simple health conditions. They apply the skills, common sense, and education learnt from their colleges to provide medical care. They work in clinics, schools, hospitals and even communities to provide general care to patients of all ages. RPN can finish their diploma in two years even though they study the same courses as registered nurses. Those who have had predictable and non-life-threatening conditions have most likely received care from an RPN in the past.

What's An RN?

Like an RPN, an RN or registered nurse receives multiple years of education. They hold a bachelor's degree in nursing and have extensive knowledge of their field. Since their knowledge is more vast, they can assist people with complex health problems. They are present in even more medical facilities than RPNs. You can find RNs in emergency rooms, crisis centers, hospitals, clinics, etc. They can also specialize in one field as doctors do. However, specialization is voluntary. The most common specializations include emergency care, neonatal, etc.

Different Academic Credentials

The main difference between RPNs and RNs is their level of education and training. As stated above, RPNs typically complete their degree in two years, while RNs must complete a diploma and a degree or a post-diploma from accredited and approved nursing programs. It's obvious that an RN has extensive training and can provide more complex medical care.

Differences in Salary

RPNs and RNs are paid well, but an RN typically earns more. That's because they are equipt to deal with complex issues and have a more extensive education. The medical salary for an RN is $77,000, while the median salary is around $73,000. However, it does depend on where you're practicing, as some sources claim that RPNs earn $65,000 in some provinces, whereas, in others, it can go up to $92,000.

Multiple factors impact salary, such as academic credentials, job role, field experience, additional certifications, and of course, the province and city you're in. Note that Canada is a big country, and while some provinces may you pay very well, the neighbouring ones won't offer the same salaries. Moreover, in many areas, RPNs and RNs earn similar salaries that are still above average in contrast to other jobs in the medical field requiring the same level of education.

What Role Should You Consider?

Both roles are vital in the healthcare system since they provide the essential care needed to improve patient outcomes. If you're figuring out what to do for college, there are several approved nursing programs throughout the country. After graduation and registration, you can complete a practical program and work as an RPN. Colleges also offer a 'bridging' opportunity which leads to a university program. People in this program can simultaneously complete the two-year practical diploma and four-year bachelor's degree. Students in this program can start practicing as RNs after completing it.

Final Thoughts

What is it that draws people to one role or the other? Well, it depends on the person. Some people want to become RN because they enjoy more hands-on experiences and want to directly impact patient outcomes. They like patient interactions and making decisions with the help of their extensive education and training. Others prefer the RPN because they want to spend less time in school and still receive a comfortable salary. They can also enjoy the opportunities and tasks an RPN has and still work with patients in different settings.

Be The Nurse You Want To Be With ModernTech

Whether you're aiming to become an RN or RPN, you will need a license to be a practicing nurse, and for that, you need to pass the exam. Pass whatever nursing license exam you need to with the best way to prepare for REx-PN, NCLEX-RN and other nursing exams through ModernTech, a licensed practical nursing school by Priya Basil. You can receive study plans and consultation for REx-PN, NCLEX-RN exam, Jurisprudence exam review, LPN-NCLEX, and more!

Contact Priya Basil and get the best REx-PN study plans, one-on-one consultation, and more, and start practicing today!