By
Lanee’ Blunt
There
is a difference between a CNA and a LPN. A certified nursing aide assists
people that have physical disabilities, mental impairments, and other health
care needs related to aging. A licensed practical nurse or LVN in some states provides
basic medical care to their patients, and works under the direct supervision of
registered nurses and doctors. A nurse assistant works under the
supervision of licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and doctors.
Job Duties of Practical Nurse Licensed vs Certified Nurse Aide
The
responsibilities of a CNA include basic bedside care, cleaning and bathing
patients and residents. They assist their patients bathing, grooming, oral hygiene
incontinent care, and toileting. This care may include colostomy care, prosthetic
care, transferring patients from their beds to wheelchairs and reposition and
turn bedridden patients. They serve meals and help patients eat. They lift and
transport patients using proper lifting devices to avoid accidents. They may
take vital signs and administer medication.
A
LPN will measure and record patient’s vital signs such as, weight, temperature,
blood pressure, pulse, and respirator rate. They monitor catheters, dress
wounds, give enemas and injections. They help patients dress, personal hygiene,
walking, standing and moving in bed. Collect samples record food and fluid
intake, and report adverse reactions to medication and treatment. Keep records
on patient’s health, and report a residence’s status to a registered nurse or a
doctor. A practical nurse with many years’ experience will supervise CNA’s and
LPN’s. In some states they may give medication and start intravenous drips (IV)
under state regulations.
Education Requirement
A
nurse’s aide must be certified in the state in which they work. They must have
a high school diploma or GED pass a criminal background check, drug test, proof
of immunizations, and proof of age requirement of 18 years. A training program
is required in which they study the basic principles of nursing and clinical
work. The training may be taken at community colleges, the Red Cross, and
technical schools or online. The program will take between 6 to 12 weeks. After
training they must take a competency exam and pass it which allows them to use
the state title of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). After passing the exam
the candidates name will be placed on the state registry.
A
LPN must be licensed in the state in which they work. The candidate must have a
high school diploma or GED, unless this training is part of a high school curriculum.
The program includes both classroom theory and clinical practice. The classes
are learning basic nursing concepts such as, biology, anatomy, physiology,
pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, obstetrics nursing, first aid, and
nutrition. The program may be found in community colleges, and technical
schools. The clinical portion of the training will be in a hospital, but
sometimes other places. It will take about one year to complete the training.
The test is a computer-based national licensing exam the National Council
Licensure Examination NCLEX-PN to get a license. In many states require that
LPN’s obtain continuing education credits.
Pay Scale
Nursing
homes and hospitals are open all hours and certified nursing assistants usually
work all shifts, nights, weekends and holidays. According to Payscale.com the
hourly rate is $8.44 to $14.22 and depending on how many years of experience a
CNA has $14,942 to $24,010 per year.
LPN’s
work nights, weekends, and holidays because hospitals, nursing homes and
medical facilities are open all hours. They are required to work long shifts
more than 8 hours. According to Payscale.com the hourly rate is $13.47 to
$23.22 and depending on experience they may earn $20.532 to $50,620 a year.
Job Outlook
Employment
of nursing aides is on the rise and there has been growth by 20 percent from
2010 to 2020. The population of the elderly has grown and many more nursing
assistants will be needed in nursing homes.
Employment
of licensed practical nurses is also on the rise and there has been growth by
22 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. This
trend will continue to fill the need of hiring more LPN’s in hospitals, physician’s
offices, and nursing homes.
See also:
References:
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Licensed Practical Nurse
