Understanding Nursing Roles and Therapy Careers: What Sets LPNs, RNs, and Travel Therapists Apart?

Carvin Roa
May 23
2 min read

When navigating careers in healthcare, it’s common to come across terms like LPN, RN, PTA, and SLP—but what do they actually mean, and how do they differ? At Pioneer Healthcare, we are your dedicated staffing partner and therapy staffing agency, we’re committed to delivering clarity, support, and opportunity for every professional we serve.

What's the Difference Between an RN and LPN?

One of the most common questions in healthcare is: what's the difference between a registered nurse and an LPN (licensed practical nurse)? While both play essential roles in patient care, their training, responsibilities, and scopes of practice differ significantly.

RNs (Registered Nurses) typically hold a degree (ADN or BSN) and are trained for a broader scope of responsibilities including assessments, developing care plans, administering medications, and leading teams.
LPNs or LVNs (Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses) usually complete a year-long program and support RNs and physicians in basic patient care like monitoring vitals and assisting with daily activities.

If you’re still wondering about the difference between a RN and LPN or what is a PN in nursing is, reach out to one of our recruiters and we would be happy to further explain. As a paraprofessional staffing agency, we help guide new grads and experienced nurses alike in finding the right career paths that align with their goals.

Can a New Grad Nurse Be a Travel Nurse?

Yes—with the right mentorship and support, new graduate nurses can explore travel nurse assignments, particularly in locations like California where demand is high. We’re often asked, "Can you be a travel nurse in your own city?" and the answer is: absolutely. Local travel assignments are growing in popularity, especially for professionals seeking flexibility without relocation.

Our team understands the nuances of travel nurse licensing, including roles like LPN/LVN travel positions. Whether you're curious about "what is an LPN nurse" or looking for travel nurse assignments in California and beyond, we're here to help.

Your PT, SLP, and Therapy Career Starts Here

For those pursuing allied health roles, Pioneer offers contract-to-hire and travel opportunities in:

Travel physical therapy (travel PT jobs)
Travel SLP jobs
Travel PTA jobs
Travel OT jobs
& so much more.

Our PT job listings are updated daily to help you find the right fit across schools, clinics, and medical facilities.

Search PT Travel Jobs

Aligned with Our Core Values

At Pioneer Healthcare, our mission is grounded in five core values that guide every relationship, placement, and decision:

Purpose-Driven Care: We exist to make a difference in the lives of students, patients, professionals, and clients.
Built on Relationships: We earn trust by delivering with care and putting people first.
Transparency: We communicate openly, keep our promises, and follow through.
Authenticity: We stay true to our word, our mission, and our intentions.
Community: We create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and connected.