The Difference Between a Certified Nurses Assistant & a Registered Nurse
There are a number of different levels of nurses. At the top of the nursing job description are nurse practitioners (NP). An entry-level position for a nurse is a certified nursing assistant (CNA), and in between is the registered nurse (RN). The difference between the levels of nurses is primarily education. Working as an RN requires more education than working as a CNA.
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History
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Nursing began as a practice reserved for men. The first nursing school was established in India in 250 B.C. and only admitted men. Nursing did not formalize into a profession in the west until the Crimean War in the 19th century. During that war, Florence Nightingale began cleaning hospitals and equipment and helping to organize patient care. In the early 20th century, nursing education was provided primarily by hospitals, rather than colleges and universities. By the mid-20th century, specialized nurse training programs provided nursing training.
Job Duties
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Certified nursing assistants offer the most basic patient care. CNAs bathe, dress and monitor patients. CNAs also help patients with basic functions as needed. In addition to the job duties of a CNA, a registered nurse administers medication and injections, assists with tests and procedures, supervises other nurses and takes a more active role in planning patient care.
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Training
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Certified nursing assistants do not require a degree. The only training required is a certificate from a CNA training program. A person can become an RN through several paths. One is to obtain a two-year nursing degree. Another way is to work toward a vocational nursing diploma. A third way is to complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Pay Scales
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Certified nursing assistants make an average of $9.31 to $12.21 per hour, according to PayScale. With overtime, profit sharing and other bonuses, the average annual salary of a CNS is between $19,916 and $27,419. A registered nurse makes an average of $22.11 to $30.80 per hour. With overtime, profit sharing and other bonuses, the average annual salary of an RN is between $46,852 and $67,451.
Transitioning
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CNAs can often transition to a licensed practicing nurse, a level between CNA and RN, through online study. Once an LPN, many institutions offer programs to help LPNs study to become an RN.
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References
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