Nursing assistant?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Mar 20, 2007

What is it? how do you differentiate it with the RN or LPN?
I remember someone told me its a 2 year course although i'm not so sure.
Can someone enlightened me?:trout:

nursing assistants are not LPN. Difference between the RN and lpn I believe varies from state to state but overall the RN has the responsibility. If you are looking for immigration then I would suggest reading the phillipine forum as there are a few threads on this discussion and for immigration purposes you must be RN unless you are emigrating via a different route ie Fiance but then any training you do as LpN must meet US requirements.

I would suggest doing a search on LPN and RN and differences as there have been a few threads recently on here

ann945n, RN · Mar 20, 2007

CNA approx 3 months training, LPN a one year certificate, RN a two year or 4 year degree

allele, LPN · Mar 20, 2007

I'm actually an LNA instructor...Most states are CNA (certified nursing assistant), and the state I'm in they're considered licensed (so they're called LNAs)....meaning they come up before the board for discipline. The main responsibility of nursing assistants is to assist the patient with their basic needs and activities of daily living. Depending on the facility they end up working in, you could end up with other responsibilities also (i.e. EKGs, blood glucose, vital signs, phlebotomy, etc.). Hope this helps a little! :)

Thepreacherswife · Mar 21, 2007

I am currently in a CNA class here in California. State laws here forbid us from inserting anything into a body cavity like caths, trachs, etc.. CNA's here only do daily living things like showers, feeding and that sort of thing. CNA's can't push meds like LVNs or RNs. But yes Ann is right our training is only like 4 months. Then we take state boards.

SaraO'Hara · Mar 21, 2007

I'm in the same boat as thepreacherswife - CNA from California. I had six weeks of classroom training, then two months of clinical before state boards.

I can insert nothing into any natural orifice save a toothbrush, and cannot give any medications.

katilpz · Mar 21, 2007

I am currently in a CNA class here in California. State laws here forbid us from inserting anything into a body cavity like caths, trachs, etc.. CNA's here only do daily living things like showers, feeding and that sort of thing. CNA's can't push meds like LVNs or RNs. But yes Ann is right our training is only like 4 months. Then we take state boards.

Ah ok.thanks.

May I know how much you spend for tuition fee for the whole 3 mos. training there? & How much they usually pay per hr. CPN/LNA ther in CLA?

AprilCNA · Apr 4, 2008

In Maine the CNA is a three month program. LPN/LVN's here are getting phased out across the board, although you can get the LPN/LVN in one year, so it makes more sense in Maine to go for your RN which you can get ASN or BSN in. (plus you'll get paid more for an RN than LPN. So If you're thinking LPN, why not just go to school for a year longer and make more? hehe) :up:

AprilCNA · Apr 4, 2008

Ah ok.thanks.
May I know how much you spend for tuition fee for the whole 3 mos. training there? & How much they usually pay per hr. CPN/LNA ther in CLA?

I was able to get into a free CNA program.(free books and tuition), some want you to stay and work for 6 months, which works if the course is free! Many local hospitals and nursing homes offer the free cna course. I did this and it saved me $800 from taking it at a local college. CNA pay depends on exp. and where you work. I did the travel CNA work with Interim Healthcare(they are located in every state) and made $14-$17/hr, nursing homes pay the least with $9-$10 /hr(if they pay more, it prob means they have a high turnover and may not be a great working enviornment) and hospitals pay $10-12 hr(dep. on exp). Hospitals are the best i believe because you get great health benefits, shift differentals and weekend pay, and tuition assistance...plus the expierence! :yeah: