What is the difference between Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Practical Nurse ?

What is the differene between a Licensed Practical Nurse and Regsitered Practical Nurse ?

Obvioulsy RN is registered nurse however the above dont appear to be any different , does anybody know ?
Thanks

The titles Licensed Practical Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse, and Registerd Practical Nurse are used to describe the same level of occupational health care specialty. The RPN is used primarily in Ontario, Canada. California is the largest state using the title LVN. Most of the states in the US use the title LVN.

These three all perform the same functions essentially, however each state will vary slightly dependent on state or provincial law.

About two to three years of education in nursing.

I don't think there is any different . Some state gives different title of LPN, LVPN etc... They are basically the same thing, but you may want to check with the nursing registry before you move and try to find the same type of job. Some state requires more or some speical training.

If you mean the US then there is an LPN/LVN which takes basically one year of NURSING courses.
The RN, no "practical" in the title, takes at least two years of NURSING courses.
Pre-reqs are basically the same in ADN, associate degree programs.
RNs may also have a bachelors, but you won't graduate with a BSN if you have the LPN/LVN training.

Their authorized job duties are significantly different and only an RN can move on to become an APN--Advanced Practioner Nurse--such as an NP, Nurse Practitioner, who can do much of what a physician does under his supervision.

A LPN (licensed practical nurse) goes to college for 1yr to 1 1/2yrs. They perform basic nursing duties and, in most states, they can take an IV course to start IV's. LPN's are limited as to what medications they are permitted to give through an IV, and they are to report to an RN.

I have never heard of a registered practical nurse.

A Registered Nurse has more job responsibilities and opportunity for career advancement. Different from the LPN, RN's maintain IV's, push direct IV meds, and are responsible for completing a patient's initial assessment on admission. In some hospitals, only RN's are permitted to take doctors' orders over the phone. The RN can delegate tasks to LPN's and nurse aids, as appropriate.
There are also different educational requirements for an RN. You have the option of getting an associate of applied science in a minimum of 2yrs, or getting a bachelor's degree in 4yrs. Usually a bachelor's degree is required for management positions.

RN's make a considerable amount more than LPN's per year, but this depends on job and experience.

Either way, both are very respectable positions!!

There are several differences in addition to education. Most deal with the scope of practice and what institutions allow LPN's to do. If you are considering an LPN program (offered at many Vocational/Technical Schools) your best bet for steady and fulfilling employment is in a long term care facility (nursing home). I have met many successful and happy LPN's in that area. The hospital where I am employed does use LPN's, however, in a very limited scope and, as they retire, they are being replaced by aides.
If you are at all interested in working in a hospital or moving into Advanced Practice, I suggest a program ending in RN licensure:

1. Diploma (offered by hospital run schools of nursing),
2. Associate's Degree (ADN, offered at Community
3. Colleges), or Bachelor's Degree (BSN, offered at 4 year universities and colleges).

Options 1, 2, and 3 all lead to RN licensure and pretty much pay the same. The BSN will prepare you for advanced practice opportunities (graduate study in Practitioner, Educator, and things of the sort).