Many people have heard the terms LVN and LPN used when talking about basic nurses but don’t know what they mean.

LVN is a acronym for Licensed Vocational Nurse. LPN is an acronym for Licensed Practical Nurse. Both of theses types of nurses are considered a basic nurse with educational requirements one level below that of a registered nurse (RN). In their day to day duties and educational requirements there are no differences between the two types of nurses. The different names stem from titles the states choose to use when licensing basic nurses in their states.

So because of this when you are in Texas and California basic nurses are referred to as LVN’s. In all other states basic nurses are referred to LPN’s.