Choosing a nursing career is a big decision, and one of the first choices you’ll face is whether to become a Practical Nurse (PN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Both roles are essential to healthcare, but they differ in training, responsibilities, and career trajectory. Prism Career Institute offers a Practical Nursing program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here, we explore the differences between a practical nurse vs. a registered nurse.
Defining the Roles: What Is the Main Difference Between a PN and an RN?
Deciding whether to begin your nursing career as a Practical Nurse (PN) or pursue the path of a Registered Nurse (RN) depends on your goals, timeline, and current life circumstances. Both roles offer rewarding opportunities to make a difference in healthcare, but they differ in terms of training and responsibilities. The main difference between the two is in the scope of their responsibilities. RNs receive more comprehensive training and are, therefore, able to perform more duties than PNs.
Academic Rigor: Is RN School More Difficult Than PN School?
When it comes to the rigorousness of nursing school, RN school tends to be more comprehensive and in-depth than PN school. This is because RN school:
- Covers a wider and more complex range of content
- Requires more extensive clinical hours
- Has a longer duration
Although PN programs are fast-paced, they are shorter in duration and scope, which typically means they are easier than RN programs.
Career Advancement: How Long Is the Bridge from PN to RN?
When choosing between a PN and RN career path, one of the most important factors to consider is how quickly you want to start working in the healthcare field. If speed and accessibility are priorities, the PN route offers a significantly faster timeline.
Practical nursing programs, such as the one offered at Prism Career Institute, can typically be completed in 15 months. These programs are designed to provide focused, hands-on training that prepares you to enter the workforce quickly and confidently. RN programs typically take two to four years to complete. To become an RN from a PN, additional training is required, which often takes one to two years.
Scope of Practice: Can a PN Perform the Same Duties as an RN?
While both practical nurses and registered nurses play vital roles in patient care, their scope of practice, or the range of duties they’re legally and professionally allowed to perform, differ significantly. RNs are trained to handle more complex medical situations and often work in fast-paced environments like hospitals, emergency rooms, and specialized clinics.
PNs provide essential bedside care, monitor patient conditions, assist with daily activities, and report changes to supervising staff. Their role is more task-oriented and focused on direct patient interaction. If you’re drawn to leadership, clinical decision-making, and advanced patient care, the RN path offers a wider scope. If you prefer hands-on care and a faster entry into the field, PN is a strong starting point, with the option to bridge to RN later.
Strategic Pathways: Is It Better to Become a PN Before an RN?
For many aspiring nurses, starting as a practical nurse and later transitioning to a registered nurse is a smart and strategic approach. This pathway, often called the bridge strategy, offers flexibility, financial advantages, and valuable real-world experience. There are a few reasons why it may be better to become a PN before pursuing an RN degree:
- PN programs are generally more accessible and have fewer prerequisites compared to RN programs.
- PN programs are designed for individuals who want to enter the workforce quickly and may not have prior college experience, whereas RN programs take longer to complete.
- RN programs, especially those leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree, often have more rigorous academic requirements.
Completing a PN can still give you an entry into the healthcare field with the ability to pursue more in-depth training as an RN later if you desire.
On the Job: What Are the Daily Differences Between a PN and an RN?
Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities of practical nurses and registered nurses can help you decide which role aligns best with your interests and career goals. While both positions involve direct patient care, the scope and complexity of their daily duties differ.
PN duties include providing basic bedside care, such as taking and monitoring vital signs (i.e. blood pressure, pulse, and temperature), assisting with hygiene, and helping patients with daily activities, including bathing, dressing, and eating. PNs are also responsible for administering prescribed medications and injections, providing wound care, collecting samples for lab testing (i.e. urine or blood), and even providing emotional support and education to patients and their families. They often work under the supervision of RNs and physicians, reporting changes in patient conditions, keeping detailed patient health charts and records, and supporting treatment plans.
RNs have more autonomy in their daily responsibilities. Some typical RN duties include administering medication through IV lines, performing diagnostic tests, assessing patients, and educating patients on managing illnesses or injuries. Overall, the scope of practice is greater for RNs than for PNs.
Start Your Nursing Journey at Prism Career Institute
No matter your long-term nursing goals, starting as a practical nurse is a smart and efficient way to enter the healthcare field. Prism Career Institute’s PN program offers focused, hands-on training that prepares you to begin working in as little as 15 months. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a stable, rewarding career, apply online or contact us today.
FAQs About Practical Nurse vs. RN
Should I become a PN or go straight for an RN?
If you want to enter the workforce quickly and gain hands-on experience, starting as a PN may be the right choice. If you’re ready for a longer educational commitment and broader responsibilities, pursuing RN credentials straight away could be a better fit.
Can I start as a PN and become an RN later?
Yes, many students begin as PNs and later enroll in bridge programs to become RNs, allowing them to work and gain experience while continuing their education.
How long does it take to go from a PN to an RN?
It depends on the program you choose, but it often takes around one to two years to go from a PN to an RN through a PN-to-RN bridge program.