CNAs usually work under the guidance and supervision of Registered Nurses. RNs are also concerned with getting feedback on the health condition of the patients and reporting the same to the doctors. The benefit of the CNA to RN program is that it makes you aware of your tasks and responsibilities. The cost of this program is about $6000.
As per a recent survey, there is a great demand for Registered Nurses, and hence many medical institutions are now offering the CNA to RN courses. These programs are also available online. If you wish to progress your career as a RN, then it's best to carry out some research regarding the CNA to RN programs.
Difference between CNA and RN
Education
In order to become a CNA, a high school diploma is necessary. To become a RN, candidates need a high school diploma as well as an ADN (associate degree in nursing) or the BSN (Bachelor of Science in nursing) degree.
Certification/ License
Once the candidates finish with the required amount of CNA training for a certain period and clear the CNA certification examination, they can obtain the CNA certification. For getting the RN licensure, candidates require to clear the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) that is conducted by the National Council of State Nursing Boards.
Job Level
CNAs are typically entry-level workers. CNAs work under the direction, supervision or guidance of RNs as well as LPNs. Registered Nurses, on the other hand, are higher level professionals who are in charge of supervising the tasks of CNAs as well as LPNs.
Job Responsibilities
CNAs perform the following set of job duties:
- Checking the patients frequently
- Feeding as well as transporting patients
- Assisting the patients in exercising, feeding, moving and bathing
- Measuring and recording patients' vitals like blood pressure, pulse rate, etc.
- Handling the personal hygiene needs of the patients
- Infection control and cleaning the patient’s room
- Assigning tasks to CNAs
- Wound dressing
- Supervising LPNs as well as CNAs
- Administering injections and different kinds of medication
- Assisting doctors with various medical procedures
CNAs have a wide variety of working options and can work in rehabilitation centers, assisted living centers, nursing homes, day care centers, hospitals, clinics, etc. RNs typically work in doctor’s offices or even in hospitals.
Career Advancement
As a CNA, you have limited options for career advancement. With the necessary educational qualifications as well as required amount of experience, CNAs can advance their career to become LPNs or RNs. Registered Nurses, on the other hand, can assume managerial roles and can also carry on working as nurse practitioners after getting the necessary amount of training.
Scope of Practice
CNAs work under the guidance, supervision and direction of the RNs. CNAs cannot discharge duties of RNs. RNs come in direct contact with the patients and can carry out the tasks of CNAs. Salary As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the year 2010, the average annual income of CNAs was $24,010 while that of RNs was $64,690. The hourly income of CNAs in 2010 was $11.54, while that for RNs was $31.10.
How to move up from a CNA to RN
To become a RN, candidates need a minimum qualification of associate degree or bachelor's degree in nursing. The main task of the Registered Nurses is to assist and help the patients in case of emergency situations in the Intensive Care Units (ICU). RNs can work in schools and colleges as well as in hospitals and other medical and health care institutions. The CNA program consists of 5 levels which are as follows:
- Level 1 – Certified Nursing Assistant – 6 to12 months
- Level 2 – Associate Degree in Nursing – 1 year
- Level 3 – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – 4 years
- Level 4 – Master of Science in Nursing – 2 years
- Level 5 – Doctorate of Science in Nursing – 2 to 5 years
In case you wish to progress your career as a Registered Nurse, then it is necessary for you to possess certain traits such as good amount of patience, good communication skills, equipped with the necessary domain knowledge as well as being calm and composed by nature. The associate degree in nursing, which is of two years, can help you become a RN; while the bachelor's degree, which is for four years, can help you assume managerial roles in the field of nursing.
Candidates need another year after becoming CNAs to further their role to become RNs. They need to finish with the associate degree. The candidates will be assigned a small project work as well as a training program work shop. In this particular training work shop, the candidates will be trained on various aspects like time management (this includes completing all the tasks within a given time frame), handling the hygiene needs of the patients, monitoring and keeping track of the health condition of the patients and above all providing the patients with the necessary mental and emotional support to help them recover at a faster rate.
Thus, we see that there are several differences between CNAs and RNs. RNs are at a much higher level in the nursing field as compared to the CNAs. However, aspiring CNAs can always look forward to becoming RNs by pursuing the CNA to RN programs.
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