CNA over Nursing Assistant? Whats the difference?

Published

Hello All,

I am confused when it comes to being a CNA or a Nursing Assistant. Don't they do the same things? Another question is do hospitals hire nursing assistants without being a CNA? I am have done some research and have noticed that some hospital list the position as Nursing Assistant but with CNA highly preffered. Will they still hire me if I apply? I have done some work in a few group homes with patients with developmental disabilities, that required total care. Does that count as experience toward becoming a Nursing Assistant?

Sorry for so many questions, but hopefully some you can help me make things clear?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Certified means that the person has taken and passed the state certification exam. This allows one to work as a CNA. Most states require this. Some states will only allow a person to work at certain jobs up to, say, four months, before they are required to have their certification.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much for the info. The position I am debating on applying for is a Nursing Assistant in the high risk antepartum of a hospital. I am scared that they won't give me a chance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You have to expect though that if CNAs apply for the position, although you meet the minimum listed requirements, they will have a more likely chance of being selected. You should consider getting your CNA certificate as soon as possible to prevent a similar situation in the future. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

different employers call the same basic job different things. nursing aide, nursing assistant, nurse tech, etc. (some may or may not require you to be a cna (it's up to the employer usually), those job titles imply NO level of certification/license).

certified/licensed personnel in health care have different scopes of practice (md, rn, lpn, cna, etc), the higher up the certificate/license the wider the scope of practice (what a person can do). the job title usually implies a certificate/license (registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, certified nursing assistant, etc).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's where the confusion comes in. This particular position says Nursing Assistant, but inside of the description it says CNA highly preferred.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

CNA = Certified nursing assistant

NA = Nursing assistant

CNAs and NAs are both nurse aides, but the only difference is that the CNA has passed a certification test for the state in which he/she works. Many facilities will hire NAs with the goal of getting them to pass the state exam within a certain amount of time after the date of hire.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion