Choosing a career is a big decision. You already know that you want to be a nurse, but which level of nursing is the best fit for you? Practical nurse (PN) and registered nurse (RN) are different positions with their own education requirements, earning potential, and opportunities. Prism Career Institute provides a Practical Nursing program near you in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here, we compare a career as a practical nurse vs. a registered nurse to help you find the right path to your dream career.
Practical Nurse vs. Registered Nurse: Which Is Faster?
If you are looking for a fast track into a new career, then practical nursing is the way to go. PN programs have lower requirements and can be completed faster than RN programs. This is because RN programs are more demanding and, therefore, longer. Length expectations for each program type are as follows:
- PN: Becoming a PN requires completing a trade school program. PN programs are around 1500 hours in total and take one to two years to complete.
- RN: Becoming an RN requires completing an associate or bachelor’s degree. It takes two to four years, depending on your school and prior education.
RN schools also tend to have higher tuition. In combination with the longer program, this adds up to a significant difference in expenditure. Fortunately, financial aid opportunities are available for both program types. No matter which path you choose, you’ll have access to the same financial assistance options.
Salary and Earning Potential: Who Earns More?
Though becoming an RN costs more in both time and money, your increased investment corresponds to increased earning potential. Nursing salaries depend on the hiring institution and the details of the position. In general, however, RNs receive higher paychecks than PNs. They are also in higher demand: employment of RNs has a 5% projected growth from 2024 to 2034, which is higher than the 3% projected growth for PNs.
RNs also have a wider scope of responsibilities compared to PNs. With more education, RNs are qualified to perform tasks that PNs cannot. This allows them to fill more roles within the healthcare industry. This also means more chances for advancement. PNs can bridge into RNs. Once you are an RN, however, you can move into leadership positions, education, specialized practice, and other more advanced roles.
What Can a Registered Nurse Do That a Practical Nurse Cannot?
RN’s improved earnings and career potential are largely due to their broader scope of practice. The longer RN programs allow for more in-depth training on a wider range of topics and skills. As a result, they are allowed to handle more advanced and technical tasks. Common practical nurse responsibilities include:
- Admitting patients
- Managing digital health records
- Helping with paperwork
- Taking vital signs
- Collecting medical histories
- Changing dressings and bandages
- Providing personal care
- Assisting with laboratory testing
- Delivering results to patients
- Administer medications, but there may be restrictions on IV medications depending on which state they are licensed in
Registered nurses handle a similar range of responsibilities, but they often have greater independence while doing so. They are also capable of handling more advanced work, including leadership duties and technical procedures. Common registered nurse responsibilities include:
- Performing complex clinical assessments
- Developing and overseeing care plans
- Administering IV medications
- Performing diagnostic tests
- Operating medical equipment
- Educating patients and their families
- Supervising medical assistants and PNs
- Coordinating with healthcare teams
RNs can further expand their qualifications by earning certificates in various specialties, such as certified emergency nurse (CEN), family nurse practitioner (FNP), oncology certified nurse (OCN), and more. Certificates can boost your career and allow you to specialize in the roles that most excite you.
The Bridge Strategy
In summary, RNs enjoy better pay, more career opportunities, and a broader scope of practice than PNs, but these benefits come at the cost of a longer, more expensive education. Not everybody has the freedom to invest in a college degree and become an RN at the start.
If you want to become a registered nurse but can’t afford it right away, then the bridge strategy might provide a path to your career dreams. PN-to-RN bridge programs are designed for practical nurses who want to advance their careers. Because they build upon a pre-existing education, they are shorter than a full RN program. They also offer flexible scheduling to fit around your full-time job. This strategy allows you to complete a PN program, start working, and then advance into an RN program when you are ready.
Start Your Career Journey at Prism Career Institute
No matter what your ultimate career goals are, Prism Career Institute is here to help you succeed. We offer a Practical Nursing program near you in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that is a smart and efficient first step to any nursing career. Contact us to learn more about practical nurse vs. registered nurse careers, or apply online today.