Alternative name for CNA?

Students CNA/MA

Published

Just curious but I heard that there will be a new name to replace Certified Nursing Assistant... anyone heard of it?

TampaTech

102 Posts

Specializes in med/surg and Tele.

I think it should be "The person that does everything except pass meds and chart on mars, the people who perhaps know more about the pt's then most of the nurses do, and the person who does all the backbreaking work" I think that would be a great name. lol

Specializes in Emergency Room.

I agree that CNA's have a lot of work to do. If it wasn't for them, the nurse's jobs would be harder than they already are. Give nurse's credit. I have been in both positions. The nurse's have the knowledge and have the legal responsibilities that CNA's don't. So before slamming nurses, consider analyzing your own attitude and responsibilities. CNA's have a different job description than RN's. If you can't resist comparing your job to a nurse's, get a new job or become one yourself. If you need help, get your nurse instead of complaining about her. Your duty is to help her care for the patients.

CoffeemateCNA

903 Posts

Nobody is "slamming nurses" here.

And true, CNAs do have a different job description than nurses, but we still do many of the tasks that nurses have been trained to do. Both occupations do peri care, change briefs, brush teeth, comb hair, feed, etc. And yes, the nurses have more to do; they pass meds and chart, etc. But everyone has a hand in direct patient care. CNAs are "nurse" assistants. Our jobs must be at least somewhat alike, or we would not know how to "assist" the nurses.

To the OP: What was the name of the new title that you heard for CNAs? Is it a universal change or just a regional thing?

There are already so many names like Patient Care Associate, Care Assistant, Certified Homemaker (home health aides), etc.

I wonder if it would replace "CNA" the way that "CNA" replaced "aide" or "orderly" back in the day?

Uncle Toads

3 Posts

i'd kind of like a return to the term "orderly", nurse's assistant has always struck me as sounding subservient.

TampaTech

102 Posts

Specializes in med/surg and Tele.

Sorry I havent had a chance to get back to this in a few days guys. I apologize if you all took it as I was bashing the nurses. It was a joke or atleast trying to be funny :( no we all have different job descriptions and do many of the same things. Without nurses there would be no need for CNA's right? Now heres a trick question; which came first? The Nurse or the CNA?

allnurses Guide

nursel56

7,078 Posts

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Sorry I havent had a chance to get back to this in a few days guys. I apologize if you all took it as I was bashing the nurses. It was a joke or atleast trying to be funny :( no we all have different job descriptions and do many of the same things. Without nurses there would be no need for CNA's right? Now heres a trick question; which came first? The Nurse or the CNA?

I really didn't read your post that way, Tampa. I think you probably meant you actually have eyes on the patient for the most amount of time in the shift, and see how they eat, move, breathe, have pain etc and in that sense, you do know the patient better. I'm just one of those who likes doing "aide" stuff- lots of us feel we learn most about our patients with that concentrated amount of attention. And the CNA came first. ;)

Specializes in NA.

At the hospital I volunteer at, on the CNA's name tag, it simply reads 'Nurse Assistant'. I 110% KNOW that CNA's do a lot more work, for example: taking patient to the bathroom, changing bad pads, lifting patients up (back breaking), changing patients, feeding patients, etc.).....The RN's do a nursing assistant's job only when there is a shortage for the night. So I, personally, don't want to be a CNA very long. But it beats factory work any day. Source: Experienced Volunteer

jenhev16

10 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics.

A lot of people refer to "CNA's" as "STNA's" now or "state tested nurse aides because technically there is no certification involved. That may have been what you have heard.

CoffeemateCNA

903 Posts

A lot of people refer to "CNA's" as "STNA's" now or "state tested nurse aides because technically there is no certification involved. That may have been what you have heard.

Huh??

I am certified. I have a nice little certificate from the state that says so.

CNAs aren't licensed as a nurse would be, though.

Maybe this all just varies from state to state.

jenhev16

10 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics.

Well for some reason in PA, OH, and some other places, we are now often referred to as STNA's. I really never understood either....?

daimere

88 Posts

At my LTC, we're called, "NASR" meaning Nurse aide/assistant state registered. Now we have dinky badges that say ASSISTANT. I wish they had put aide on there. Cause some combative residents have started to scream at us, "ASSISTANT?! Assisting with what?!"

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