CNA vs RN

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2012

The following article describes what CNAs do and how to become one:

https://allnurses.com/cna-ma-nursing/how-become-certified-748527.html

The following article describes what RNs do and how to become one:

https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/nursing-different-methods-744542.html

In a nutshell, everything that the CNA does is fully within the RN's scope of practice. In other words, the RN does everything that the CNA does, but the CNA cannot legally do everything that the RN does.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2012

Anything that a CNA does is within the RN's scope of practice and may be his/her responsibility depending on the unit. The majority of what an RN does, a CNA cannot do.

roser13, ASN, RN · Jul 5, 2012

The RN is a licensed nurse. The CNA is not. The CNA may have a certificate of completion of a training program, but is in no way a nurse. The other type of licensed nurse is an LPN or LVN.

nursingstudent2458 · Jul 5, 2012

Thanks everyone :)

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 5, 2012

the CNA does not have a scope of practice. A scope of practice is a description of what the LICENSED person is licensed to do. Since they have no scope of practice, their duties are ONLY what an unlicensed person can do and must be supervised by a licensed person. They do not give meds or assist with procedures. In my state their duties differ from acute care (hospital) to nursing home. The duties are too numerous to mention here, but the CNA does a lot of direct patient care and is vital to our nursing units.

funtimes · Jul 7, 2012

CNAs do the time consuming and back breaking patient care that doesnt require the knowledge and license of an RN.

Thats not to say RNs will never do those tasks themselves, just that as a CNA those tasks are ALL you do.

ctmed · Jul 10, 2012

The RN is a licensed nurse. The CNA is not. The CNA may have a certificate of completion of a training program, but is in no way a nurse. The other type of licensed nurse is an LPN or LVN.

Some places are calling CNAs PCTs/PCAs/techs to take the word "nurse" out of the title :)

*runs and hides....