What Is the Difference Between CNA and Nurse Aide?
If you are considering a career in healthcare, you may have come across the terms “CNA,” “Nurse Aide,” “Nursing Assistant” or even State-Tested Nurse Aide (STNA). These terms can be confusing, especially because they vary from state to state. So, is a CNA and a Nurse Aide the same? Let’s break it down.
What Is a CNA?
A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), in some states referred to as a Certified Nursing Assistant, is a trained health worker that provides basic care for patients. CNAs usually work under the guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). They help patients bath, eat, dress and move, and monitor vital signs including blood pressure or heart rate.
What distinguishes someone as a CNA is certification. CNAs must pass a certification exam after completing a state-approved training program. When they pass, they are added to a state registry, where they are legally allowed to work as a CNA.
What About Nurse Aides and Other Names?
The term “Nurse Aide” is sometimes used interchangeably with CNA, but it does not always mean the same thing. “Nurse Aide” or “Nursing Assistant” is a general term in some states and may or may not require certification. For example:
- State-Tested Nurse Aides (STNAs) — Nurse Aides who pass the state competency test are known as STNAs (State-Tested Nurse Aides) in Ohio.
- Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs): In states such as New Hampshire and Vermont, certified nursing assistants are known as licensed nursing assistants, or LNAs.
- Patient Care Assistants (PCAs): This designation is common in some healthcare settings, and certification is still offered, but is job-specific, meaning PCAs may or may not be certified.
Differences Between Certification and Job Role
The biggest difference between the same role, which some refer to as CNAs, Nurse Aides, or similar, is certification and state-specific laws. Certification means the aide has gone through formal training and passed a standardized test. Hold this certification and you will have more job opportunities opened and they will pay more than an uncertified Nurse Aide.
Uncertified Nurse Aides can assist in long-term care facilities or hospitals as well, but their role is often more limited, and they are not able to perform some of the services that a CNA is trained to administer.
How to Find Out What’s Required in Your State
Each state also has its own rules for training, certification and job titles. For instance:
- Kansas: To qualify as a CNA, Nurse Aides must take a 90-hour in-person course and pass a state exam.
- Texas: Certified Nurse Aides are registered with Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
- California: The CNA term is widely used, and certification requires a minimum of 160 hours of training.
Check your state’s requirements to make sure you meet the qualifications if you are considering becoming a CNA.
Conclusion
Although the terms CNA, Nurse Aide, Nursing Assistant and others may be confusing, the job descriptions are closely associated. A title and scope of responsibilities is usually given based on certification. Knowing your state’s vocabulary and qualifications will enable you to select the correct course for your health care career.
