CNA or LPN? What is the difference in Iowa?

U.S.A. Iowa

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Can someone please tell me the difference between CNA and LPN?

I know what they stand for, but what is really the big difference between the two?

I live in Iowa -- does that make a difference?

Let me know....

Thanks!

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.
I know what they stand for, but what is really the big difference between two?

One's a nurse, the other's not.

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What do you mean? Whis one is a nurse? Which one is not? Can you please explain?

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Licensed Practical NURSE vs Certified Nursing Assistant.

One is a nurse, the other is simply an assistant to a nurse.

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hey CK,

CNA does basic personal cares like showers, and assisting the resident/patient with activities of daily living (ADL's) like walking (ambulating) feeding, oral care's and so on and so forth

LPN, on the other hand, can do all the above and then some. They can assess the patient/resident, plan care and come up with goals for the patient (r/t Nursing process);- they usually do this with coordination/supervision of an RN. And LPN's can administer Medications too.

In regards to WAGES, LPN makes about $40,000 a year, while the CNA makes around $24,000/yr (give or take) this translates to about $20/hr for LPN and $12/hr for CNA.

Either way, they are both important on the Health care Delivery System, they only have a difference on education levels and scope of practice.

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Specializes in OR; Telemetry; PACU.
hey CK,

CNA does basic personal cares like showers, and assisting the resident/patient with activities of daily living (ADL's) like walking (ambulating) feeding, oral care's and so on and so forth

LPN, on the other hand, can do all the above and then some. They can assess the patient/resident, plan care and come up with goals for the patient (r/t Nursing process);- they usually do this with coordination/supervision of an RN. And LPN's can administer Medications too.

In regards to WAGES, LPN makes about $40,000 a year, while the CNA makes around $24,000/yr (give or take) this translates to about $20/hr for LPN and $12/hr for CNA.

Either way, they are both important on the Health care Delivery System, they only have a difference on education levels and scope of practice.

WHEW!? $40K/$20/hr for an LPN? Not around here! That would be a good RN's wages. And CNAs probably make closer to $9/hr if they are lucky.

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Specializes in ICU, School Nurse, Med/Surg, Psych.

the same difference as in all the other states. Please refer to the state board of nursing for complete details on scope of practice

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LPN's go through 2+ years of school to get their degree and then have to take Nursing Boards to get LICENSED. CNA's go through like a 3 week course of how to scrub dentures and then take a test. WAY different in terms of abilities/scope of practice/knowledge base/liability.

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Specializes in Oncology.
LPN's go through 2+ years of school to get their degree and then have to take Nursing Boards to get LICENSED. CNA's go through like a 3 week course of how to scrub dentures and then take a test. WAY different in terms of abilities/scope of practice/knowledge base/liability.

ok i have to say we learn a little more then how to scrub dentures just saying it is not a simple course you go through, but yes i agree the scopes are very diffrent, yes as cna's we cannot do alot of things that lpns can do we are not allowed to do assements ect. but we do alot more then what you make it sound.

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Originally Posted by kirkwoodLPN2009 viewpost.gif

LPN's go through 2+ years of school to get their degree and then have to take Nursing Boards to get LICENSED. CNA's go through like a 3 week course of how to scrub dentures and then take a test.

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ok i have to say we learn a little more then how to scrub dentures just saying it is not a simple course you go through, but yes i agree the scopes are very diffrent, yes as cna's we cannot do alot of things that lpns can do we are not allowed to do assements ect. but we do alot more then what you make it sound.

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I agree spikafitz.

Yeah that's pretty much...highly inaccurate and offensive. It's not just scrubbing dentures. What the hell? LOL !!!!! Obviously this person has never been a c.n.a..... :lol2: :uhoh3: :rolleyes:

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I totally agree with you!!!! CNA'S does much more than just scrubbing dentures........LOL

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Specializes in ICU.
LPN's go through 2+ years of school to get their degree and then have to take Nursing Boards to get LICENSED. CNA's go through like a 3 week course of how to scrub dentures and then take a test. WAY different in terms of abilities/scope of practice/knowledge base/liability.

When did LPN's start going through 2+ years of school?

Maybe if you are going part time or failed some classes.

I completed my RN in 20 months.

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