I work as a CNA in the ER and we do basically everything that JessicRN mentioned: We do most of the blood draws for labs, the ECGs, vital signs, collect urine/sputum/stool samples for testing,...
MGH will hire RNs with an associate's degree if they are enrolled in a BSN program at the time of hire. They are a bit elitist, but they've earned that reputation, wouldn't you