Can a CNA get a job as a MA?

[ccastor]

Hello....I am currently working as a CNA at my local hospital and have been working there for 1 year. My 9 year old is having a hard time with me being gone at night (I work night shift) so I am wondering what I can do for work that would have banker's hours so I can get her off to school and also be home at night. I am 43 and I worry about my back with all the lifting I have to do. I would like to work as an MA but I don't want to go to school for 1 1/2 years to do it (I love the school part its just I don't want my 9 year old to have to wait that long to have her mom back). Is it possible with the skills that I have as a CNA to work as an MA? Especially if I took a phlebotomy class? If anyone knows the answer please let me know.

[casi, ASN, RN]

I know a while back in MN I was seeing clinics hiring CNAs instead of MAs. From what it I remembered they were using CNAs to room the patients and take vital signs.

I would look around for day shift options as a CNA though. If you are worried about your back maybe see if some of the assisted livings are hiring. How heavy the patients are depends on the AL so you'd have to shop around a little. Some ALs will only take residents who need a little bit of help with ADLs while others will take residents who need total cares.

[neutrophil]

MA and CNA, are completely different. MA's for the most part, set up patients for the physicians or NP's, but they don't do the extensive patient care that CNA's do. MA's, do invasive procedures, parenteral for the most part. Two completely different jobs. A lot more documentation. I would not have an MA work in a CNA position, they would be lost, and vise versa.