Considering becoming a CNA? - Page 4

Now the difference between Nicu nurse and nurse practitioner is just their degree, An RN has an associates or bachelors with certification in neonatal and all that good stuff,a practitioner is an Rn or Advanced practice nurse (APN) who advances their degree to a Masters(NP),needs some years of work experience in the field and obtains certification in whatever specialty they want to work in like family nurse,neonatal,gerontology,womens health...etc Similar to being a Doctor without being in school 4ever! Lol You can have your own practice,write prescriptions and everything just like them ) I had a dream of myself doing this and I guess that was Gods way of telling me "Dont Limit Yourself" so Im gonna shoot for it,wont hurt to try!

MsKim: neonatal nursing is what an RN with either an AS or a BSN does when they work in NICU. To be a neonatal NP you have to have a master's in nursing. In our hospital there's A couple of neonatologist's and they have a few Neonatal NP's that are under them. They can attend a c/s or a delivery and if needed they can decide to transfer the newborn to NICU for further testing.

LTC is long-term care, or a nursing home. My state just increased our minimum wage, so instead of making $7.75, some CNAs here now make $8.50. Whoopie! The pay seems to be all over the place. When I was a CNA, I made $11.75. Other nursing homes in my area that I applied to were trying to hire CNAs for $8 and med techs for $9.

I live in central WI and previously worked LTC as a CNA. It was a county job and paid $12.89. I just began working at an ALF as a CNA and I earn a little over $10. Just my two cents. I didn't actually read this whole thread, sorry if I messed it up!