what is the difference between CNA and Rehab Nurse Tech?

nguyency77, CNA · Oct 18, 2012

Rehab Nurse Techs supposedly have more responsibilities than a CNA. My coworker is one and how she and my company reached that conclusion, I have no idea. She gets to wear a badge that says she is a "CNA/RNA." I imagine patients confuse her for the RN frequently. When she isn't pushing paper, she supervises patients and residents who need support while eating. They call it "restorative care." How effective it is, I'm not sure. She weighs patients and residents and occasionally gives showers. Her shift is shorter than the CNA shifts. I don't know why. She also happens to be the only rehab nurse tech our company employs.

Rehab Nurse Tech is a highly inflated title. It would be like calling your mailman a "Communications and Parcels Specialist." I don't see why a separate "title" had to be invented. Now this is only at my facility, an SNF & LTC. I don't know what rehab techs do in other settings.

LJohnson11213 · Oct 18, 2012

From what I learned a RNA is a nursing assistant working under the supervision of a nurse and physical/occupational therapist to provide quality care to clients who need rehabilation after surgery or injuries that do not cause permanent bodily damage that would leave them bedridden. Such as learning how to walk, feed themselves , mobility such as learning to adjust to using a wheelchair Etc. correct me if I am wrong because I am interested in doing that

konp · Oct 19, 2012

LJohnson,

what is your plan? are you in a nursing school? Do you plan to get into the OT career path?

Graduation2016 · Oct 19, 2012

If she's going to go for OT I don't think she can be a nurse tech. Usually nurse techs have completed and passed a whole semester of nursing school and remain in school to hold the position, otherwise she will be a CNA (as long as he passes her state exam).

Tammy Michelle Beeson Moore · Mar 4, 2021

I am an RNA.

A RNA (restorative nursing assistant) position expands the role of a CNA and is one of the specializations for which a CNA can train. Advancement to an RNA nurse position requires building on the skills and knowledge provided by CNA training and education. An RNA job requires using special knowledge and skills to perform rehabilitative and therapeutic techniques ordered and supervised by licensed medical staff. States DO NOT regulate education and certification for the RNA position. Some education providers offer certificates for completion of RNA programs. Employment as a RNA requires maintaining CNA certification. Admission to RNA programs requires completion of the CNA program, work experience as a CNA and usually completion of high school. Due to the additional experience required, an RNA salary may be higher than a CNA salary. RNAs and CNAs will particularly be needed in nursing homes as more people age and need long-term care; however, cuts to government funding can affect new jobs in these facilities. Turnover is high for nursing assistant jobs, and this makes it easier for new CNAs and RNAs to enter the occupation.

Patients receive restorative care at various ages and life stages. This may be part of a rehabilitation treatment plan after an illness or accident where the aim is to restore abilities. It is also commonly used with older patients as part of long-term care treatments. The goal is to maintain levels of ability or to stop them from deteriorating to foster independence and quality of life. RNA's work as part of medical and therapy teams and are responsible for assisting with day-to-day exercises and program tasks.

As a RNA, you'll potentially administer a variety of treatments either independently or as part of a therapy team. This typically involves physical, occupational and speech therapies, although your job duties will depend on the facility and your patients. You may, for example, work on range of motion and progressive mobility exercises, muscle strengthening, ambulation skills and speech therapy. RNA's also help with the development and maintenance of personal skills such as eating, bathing, dressing and grooming (NOT THE SAME AS CNA's). Treatments may target rehabilitation or help people retain the ability to do simple everyday tasks (NOT THE SAME AS CNA's). You'll also need to keep records of the work you do as part of a treatment plan; you may also be responsible for fitting patients with assistive devices, maintaining and cleaning equipment.

RNA's work in many different environments and with patients of all ages and treatment needs. Many work in general hospitals or medical centers; some are employed in outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation centers. RNA's who work with older people often work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities or assisted living communities. Some jobs require you to work with patients in their own homes, giving either ongoing therapy or short-term treatment plans targeting a specific need.

RNA jobs specify a minimum qualification of a high school diploma or equivalent. Most people moving into these roles typically already have a CNA license with some months of on-the-job experience. It is possible to get a job as an aide without a RNA certification, but you may have to complete an accredited course within a few months of starting work as a condition of your job offer. The job requires good communication and people skills -- you need to build relationships with your patients and your team. You also need to be physically fit as the job potentially involves a lot of standing, walking and some lifting.

RNA care classes give a basic introduction into the theory and application of this type of care, its patients and its treatments. This typically includes an overview of basic anatomy and the medical conditions and age-related issues of patients and assistive devices fitting/measurements. You'll also learn about the procedures and techniques that you will need to assist in the physical, occupational and speech therapies you'll administer.

Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN · Mar 11, 2021

How does this compare to a PT Aide? I have seen OT/PT students employed as PTAs while they're in school, exactly as a nursing student can work as a nursing tech. This might be jursidictional, and it's interesting.

AnnaCARN, BSN · Mar 17, 2021

My son is a Patient Care Technician (PCT) at a hospital and has more responsibility than a CNA. He does more technical stuff like draw blood, put in and remove IVs, EKGs, place telemetry leads on a patient, and other stuff I can't think of right now. I just know he pretty much does everything a nurse can do except for pass meds and assess a patient.