Aussie unsure of US initials

aimeee, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2002

Look above and click on the glossary button, then the letter of whatever term it is you are unsure about. If you don't find the answer you are looking for, then give a holler here and I am sure somebody will know. :)

roden58 · Mar 5, 2002

Thank you, aimeee.:) xx

Agnus · Mar 5, 2002

Phew! There's a mess of em. And some of them we don't know ourselves. It would be tough to come up with a comprehensive list. "When you see one you don't know just pop in and ask. We will be glad to answer. I'll try and answer a few here that you may be wondering about.

UAP- unlicensed assistive personal (anybody who is not a licenses nurse that assists in some way)

CNA- Certified Nursing Assistant (someone who has passed a 150 hr. course in personal care and has been tested by the state. She/he does bathing, vital signs, weights, is the eyes and ears or the licensed nurse. She is there to assist the patient in personal care and the nurse in basic things so that she can carrier out more complex duties)

NA- Nurse's Aide is same as above but has not been tested by the state.

MA-medical assistant (she has usually had 6 -12 mo training to work in a doctor's office)

BSN- a registered nurse with a Bachelor in Nursing Degree

MSN-same as above with a Masters degree

ADN- same with associates

LPN and LVN- Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse (different states use one or the other title)

NPA- Nurse practice act. The Laws under wich we practice.

This should get you started. Please ask away we'll be happy to fill you in. It has gotten so we don't speak in words anymore, only letters. :eek:

Agnus · Mar 5, 2002

here I go again. Responding before I read the whole thread. (It's 4 a. m. and not awake yet) Glossary! Hey I neve saw that before. Thanks aimeee.

roden58 · Mar 5, 2002

Thanks Agnus, this helps me relate your terms with mine (aussie)

A CNA is the PCA here. I am starting to understand.