What is the difference between an LPN and a RN?

I don't know what state you are in but take a look at this link. Although it is specific to Connecticut it will give you general information in answer to your question.

The differences between an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) vs. and RN (Registered Nurse) lie in the job responsibilities and level of training, with the LPN being below the RN in both respect. However, some LPN's do ultimately go on to become RN's later on in their careers. And both can be rewarding and enjoyable.

about two years of school. LPN stands for licensed practition nurse and RN is for registerd nurse

the letters are different

Legally, RN's are able to do more for patients than LPN. Take for example in the state of Massachusetts RN's are are able to administer IV medication, but LPN's cannot. With an RN license you would have more opportunities job wise. As far as patient interaction it would depend on the setting your working in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licensed_Practical_Nurse http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Registered_nurse

The LPN does some patient care and can give some medications. The RN gives all sorts of medications and does stacks of paper work. All the dirty work falls to the Assistants who could be LPNs if they just took pharmacology and stood the bar.

RNs can dispense medicine. LPN can not dispense medicines