Cna and rn duty differences?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Newbie question but whats the differences in duties as for working as an lpn cna and rn? Is one better than the other? I just heard they do the same duties and some do more and some can only do so much.

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RNs will assess and form a nursing diagnosis off of their findings. They will delegate smaller duties to CNAs and then carry out the remaining tasks that require more knowledge. They are the ones that actually administer the medication after the doctor orders it.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

RNs and LPNs have a much larger and complex scope of practice than CNAs. CNAs can become licensed after one semester of classes. RNs need either a 2 or 4 year degree to become licensed.

RNs form an initiate a pt's plan of care. They do assessment, administered medications, wound care, manage IV drips, and communicate with physicians.

LPNs have a similar scope, but are limited in some areas. They can update plans of care after the RN has initiated it. LPNs can't act as charge nurse of a floor where I work but that could vary.

CNAs work under Rns & Lpns and assist with ADLs, such as bathing, tolieting, and assisting with ambulation of pts. They can also do vital signs and accuchecks.

Hope this helps answer your question!

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Oh ok thats more clear. So what if you dont become a cna and go straight to rn? Are is expected to remember everything from nursing school (im not in the program yet)

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Some schools require you to get your CNA before the beginning of the nursing program. This is so you won't waste time in the beginning learning basic pt care. Other programs don't require that (mine didn't).

You can't be expected to remember everything because you learn the basics on EVERYTHING. Lol. But I would say you do need to come out of school with a good understand of the nursing process, disease process/interventions for common disorders (COPD, pneumonia, MI, CHF, GI bleeds, ect), and of course some basic nursing skills. Med knowledge is important too! You'll learn more at your first job; each unit is different and deals with different types of pts.. That will be your real time to learn in depth info!

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

I entered nursing school and went straight to RN. Being a CNA wasn't necessary in my program but I agree that earning that position would not be time wasted. Good luck!

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RNs and LPNs are nurses. CNAs are not.

RNs are typically graduates of a college degree program; rarely will you find diploma school graduates, but it is a possibility. RN college grads have either a Bachelor's (BSN) or Associate's (ASN/ADN) degree.

LPNs do not complete college nursing degree programs, but rather certification programs. Both RNs and LPNs must sit for their respective Board of Nursing licensing exams, the NCLEX (one for RNs, one for LPNs).

Some nursing schools require that an applicant to the program be certified as a nurse's aide (CNA) first. Most do not. Some students work as CNAs while in school, some do not.

RNs may delegate tasks to LPNs or CNAs. LPNs may delegate tasks to CNAs. Responsibility moves up the chain, not down....whatever a CNA is expected to know or do, so is an LPN, so is an RN.

Does that help?

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

This may help some:

http://facultyfiles.deanza.edu/gems/oneillpatricia/ScopesofPracticeHandout013.pdf

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Specializes in ICU.

I would like to second the fact that a CNA is not a nurse. LPNs and RNs are licensed nurses. A CNA is a certified nursing assistant. While each plays a role in the health care management of a patient they are vastly different. A CNA does the basics. They can take vitals, they do patient feedings and hygiene, they can help the patient with daily activities.

LPNs or Licensed Practical Nurses do things like med passes, dress wounds, do nursing assesments, and start IVs. LPNs have a diploma and generally go to school for about a year. LPNs sit for the NCLEX-PN.

RNs or Registered Nurses go to school longer and have a much broader scope of practice. RNs can get differing certificates to specialize in the area they want. A RN has a degree whether it's an ADN or BSN. They do a lot of educating patients and families also. They also make the most money. RNs sit for the NCLEX-RN.

It can kind of be a ladder that people climb. Some start as CNAs and go on to be NPs. Others just go straight for the RN.

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