What is the difference between a registered nurse, nurse practitioner and a licensed practical nurse?

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) has twelve months to two years of training. They must operate under the supervision of a registered nurse or a medical doctor. The duties of an LPN might include administering medicine to patients, taking blood pressure measurements, training in first aid and CPR, record-keeping, or assisting in surgery. They must pass state or national exams and periodically re-take those exams to remain licensed.

A registered nurse (RN) has at least two years of training in nursing. They may obtain their education through a two-year college program (yielding an associate of science in nursing), a hospital diploma program, or a four-year college program (yielding a bachelor's of science in nursing). The diploma program won't give you credit to transfer into a college. An RN's duties may include the duties I mentioned for LPNs, as well as supervising LPNs and nursing assistants. Most elementary, middle and high schools have a nurse to attend to students, and this person is probably an RN. RNs also must take an exam to become licensed.

A nurse practitioner is a RN who has completed graduate study - at minimum, a master's degree. A nurse practitioner provides much of the same care provided by physicians, but in many states, are required to operate in collaboration with a physician. However, that means that in many states, they are able to operate a practice without a physician. According to wikipedia, they can prescribe medicine in 49 states.

All of the above pertains to the United States, I suspect there would be different names for these positions in other countries, because these names relate to the regulations that are in place for nursing.

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RN has the most education, the most responsibilities and ...hopefully...the highest pay

OK in order of education: LPN, RN,Nurse practitioner can do procedures supervised by a doctor.

Registered nurse (RN) is a nurse with either an associates or bachelor's degree (ADN, BSN respectably). They oversee licensed practical nurses (LPN's) who make a little more than half of what an RN does, and their jobs aren't entirely too different.

A nurse practitioner, which requires a master's degree (MSN) can specialize in any field, providing routine care to families of adults and children, and can even specialize further into pediatrics, geriatrics, or adults. Some work in ER's, some work in doctor's offices. They can prescribe medications (but not all of them).

Registered nurses who have bachelor's degrees do the exact same job as one who has an associates degree. Rarely, they will make slightly more an hour.

The scope of practice for each type of nurse is governed by the nursing practice act (each state has one), and national organizations like the American Nursing Association. Joint Commissions also helps guide what nurses will do (since they have a lot to say one what hospitals need to do, which in turn, guides what nurses do).

LPN's are being "phased out" in some hospitals. They are valuable members of the health care team.

Go to the ANA online to get more information.