Both the profession is related to nursing field but have a very little in common in relation to job, qualification, responsibilities and remuneration. Certified nursing assistant provide basic nursing care and carries a responsibility of giving comfort to the patient, whereas the job responsibility of registered nurse is to provide primarily medication, basic treatment and offer medical advice to patients.
Difference
- Job responsibility
CNA: To provide medical and nursing care to the patients like taking temperature, monitoring vitals, facilitating catheters and ensuring comfort of patients. They have to work as liaison between patient and doctors.
RN: To administer medicine and treatment of the patient, coordinate diagnose of patients with doctor, instruct and advice patients on treatment and to oversee the job of CNAs, nursing aides and private nurses.
- Educational qualification
CNA: To undertake certified nursing program of minimum one year. They are mostly conducted by community colleges. Generally, these courses are combination of academics of biology, nursing and pharmacology.
RN: Minimum three years bachelor’s degree of science in nursing which normally takes around four years to complete or associate degree in nursing or diploma from certified nursing program, both these courses need two to three years to complete. These programs include courses in social, physical science and clinical experiences.
- Certification
CNA: To complete this program, the course has to be certified from state and after that the certificate of practicing nurse is received. It is important to take the National Council Licensure examination to start working as CNA.
RN: All RNs require license after completing NCLEX-RN examination. In some cases, RNs acquire certification from professional associations specialized in certified areas.
- Career
CNA: After completing course and getting experience some CNAs go for supervisory positions and with additional education some advance in medical specialties like RNs.
RNs: Normally after completion of program RNs begin carrier as staff nurse. After acquiring experience and pursuing further qualifications, they move to management positions. They sometimes get into APRN program as well.
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