I think the difference varies from state to state, but an R.N. is usually the most highly trained general nurse (some states have specialist nurses, like nurse anesthetist or nurse midwife that are even more highly trained). I believe a lot of states require some or a full college education for R.N.’s. A licenced vocational nurse (LVN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) makes much less and has fewer duties he or she can do. They are often not so far up from nurses’ assistants.

If you have the academic skills, the tenacity, and the financial ability to go for an R.N. or higher, it will make for a much better career.

Also, while you’re thinking about nursing, you should consider emergency medical technician (EMT) — those people who ride out with ambulances and fire trucks — and phlebotomist (experts at taking blood — working with blood and blood products donors at a blood bank is a really fine job; I’m a plasma and platelet donor, and I know).

Good luck to you.

I, too, am an ASN RN, and I have never found that the lack of a BSN hindered me in any way. I was the Head RN on the night shift in an inner-city, trauma center ER for years. I was also a MICN (Mobile intensive care nurse) and CEN (certified emergency nurse), both of which required additional study and qualification exams. My son just graduated from an associates RN program last year and got a job in critical care right out of nursing school. I’m not suggesting that everyone should become ADNs, but if educational funds and time are both in short supply, an associates degree RN program is probably the best answer for you. Furthermore, there are excellent transitional programs available on line,as well as on campus designed specifically with the ADN in mind, so you can always obtain your BSN at a later date. Due to health issues, I left the ER about 10 years ago and I am now on the Board of Directors for a growing nonprofit organization.

LPN= Low paid nurse

a RN means that person has taken the state test and passed. That’s why the R stands for registered. When yur’re registered you make more money.