What is the difference between lpn and cna

Repositioning bedridden patients. Emptying and supplying bedpans. Transferring patients to wheelchairs, beds, and other locations. Changing sheets. Cleaning a patient's living space. Recording vital signs. Documenting a patient's condition. Collaborating with other caregivers, nurses, and doctors. Communicating with the patient and patient's family about the individual's condition.

Dressing wounds. Assisting with basic medical procedures. An LPN's job includes the following responsibilities: Recording vital signs. Assisting patients with toileting and bathing. Changing dressings. Inserting catheters. Assisting with tests and medical procedures. Recording patient health histories. Collecting samples, such as blood or urine. Caring for patients' ventilators or tracheostomy tubes. Feeding patients through gastronomy or nasogastric tubes.

Administering medications and vaccines. Executing nursing care plans as set forth by an RN. Infection control. Communication and teamwork. Patients' rights. Delivery of personal care. Workplace safety. Vital signs recording. Range of motion exercises with patients.

LPN programs cover the following subject areas: Anatomy and physiology. Medical terminology. First aid. Physical education. Emergency medical technology. Human growth and development. Topics covered on the exam include the following areas: Physiological integrity. Psychosocial integrity.

Health promotion and maintenance. Safe and effective care environments. IV Therapy. Pharmacology NCP. Developmental Disabilities DDC. Gerontology GC. Urology CUA. Long-term Care LTC. Skill Set: CNA vs. Some of the places that a CNA may work include the following environments: Nursing homes: Providing long-term care to residents. CNAs and LPNs go through similar steps to earn their licenses and certifications, but important differences do exist.

LPNs receive additional training in nursing procedures, along with preparation for working more autonomously and supervising CNAs and other staff. The sections below outline the expected curriculums, examinations, and licensing procedures that CNAs and LPNs experience.

The first step to becoming an LPN consists of finding and applying to an accredited LPN program at a vocational, technical, or community college. Some high schools and hospitals may also offer training.

Applicants need a high school diploma or GED certificate, and some schools may require an entrance exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills. Admitted students can expect to complete credits of coursework in nursing fundamentals, anatomy, biology, and pharmacology, along with lab components and clinical hours at a hospital, nursing home, or healthcare facility. Once they receive a passing score, candidates qualify for state licensure as an LPN — known as a licensed vocational nurse in California and Texas.

Prospective CNAs can enroll in state-approved training programs through community colleges, hospitals, and organizations like the American Red Cross. High school graduates and GED certificate holders qualify for admission. Some states allow on-the-job CNA training at nursing and assisted living centers and other healthcare facilities.

This is a good way for students to get additional patient care experience and network, increasing employment opportunities after graduation. Students can complete some of their training online, but hands-on experience may also be required to practice such skills as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid, basic nursing care, and using automated defibrillators. In-person or online coursework typically includes anatomy, physiology, and patient care fundamentals and safety. CNA credentialing procedures vary by state.

Most states certify CNAs to begin working once they have completed 75 hours of instruction and clinical experience. CNAs must also pass a competency examination. They also assist patients with tasks such as dressing, bathing and eating. Our findings revealed the most in-demand skills employers are seeking in each field. While several of these skills overlap, you can see that LPNs require more planning and teaching skills and CNAs require more skills involving assistance and hands-on care.

When looking for a new career, you may wonder how secure that job is, as well as how much it could pay. As the healthcare system stretches to include the large baby boomer population into aging, the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS projects that hospitals, clinics and long term care facilities will rely on nurses and nursing aides more than ever to be a cost-efficient response to the surplus in patients. The BLS projects an 11 percent growth in employment from — for this position. Before joining either the nursing or nursing assistant ranks, you will need to be prepared for the roles.

Both professions require education or training, although the amount of time differs. An important thing to remember is that neither of these careers is a dead-end. There is always the ability to go back to school to earn a more advanced degree and grow in your nursing career. To become a licensed practical nurse , you will need either a Diploma or Certificate in nursing from an approved nursing program in your state.

The Practical Nursing Diploma program at Rasmussen College involves both classroom time and clinical experiences, and can be completed in as few as 12 months. LPNs need to pass this exam in order to be licensed and able to work. Certified nursing assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a multi-week nursing assistant training program.

These programs typically combine both classroom and clinical experience to teach basic anatomy and physiology, nutrition, basic patient care, how to take vital signs and other information pertinent to nursing assistants. Once students have finished and obtained a Certificate, they must take a state exam in order to become licensed and begin working. Knowing more about these differences should help you to choose the option that best matches your needs and career aspirations.

Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary. It has since been updated to include information relevant to There are some errors in the form.