In the healthcare field, doctors’ offices, hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, correctional institutions, and more rely on practical nurses (PNs) and registered nurses (RNs) to provide high-quality patient care and ensure facilities run smoothly and efficiently. While they may sound similar, these two positions have many differences that should be considered by students considering a nursing career. Prism Career Institute breaks down PN vs. RN jobs to help you determine which path is right for you.
Varied Job Duties
Both PNs and RNs play an important role in helping patients in need, but RNs have more responsibilities and often supervise PNs. PNs can only provide care when they are supervised by an RN and are expected to report changes in the patient’s care to their superiors. Generally, PN duties include:
- Taking medical histories
- Checking vital signs
- Administering medications
- Inserting catheters
- Comforting patients
- Assisting with administrative tasks
- Supervising Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (CNA’s)
RNs have more autonomy and perform more duties, although neither PNs nor RNs can diagnose patients. Some duties of RNs include administering medication through IV lines, assessing patients, performing diagnostic tests, and teaching patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries.
Education and Licensure Requirements
Both PNs and RNs must complete specific education and licensure requirements before entering the healthcare field, but they vary between each profession. Here’s a closer look at these requirements:
For PNs
After completing their education in practical nursing from a school like Prism Career Institute, students must become licensed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) exam. Most of our students complete training in as little as 15 months, which is significantly less time than it takes to become an RN.
For RNs
To become an RN, students must have at least an associate degree, but a bachelor’s degree in nursing is usually preferred by employers. Students must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam to become licensed. In all, the training and licensure process can take anywhere from two to four years, or in some cases, even longer.
Learn More About Becoming a Practical Nurse
Students in the Practical Nursing program at Prism Career Institute are equipped with all the tools needed to begin a successful career as a practical nurse, including hands-on training and career services. To learn more, contact Prism Career Institute in New Jersey or Pennsylvania today.