Key Points:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistants have more advanced duties; CNAs focus on basic patient care tasks.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically earn a higher salary compared to CNAs.
• Both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and CNAs are in high demand, but the job market may vary depending on the healthcare setting and location.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants require more extensive training, often including an associate's degree or certificate program, while CNAs typically complete a shorter training program.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistant training is generally more expensive and takes longer to complete compared to CNA training.

When it comes to pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, there are a variety of roles and positions to choose from. Two popular options that many aspiring healthcare professionals consider are becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). While these two roles may seem similar, there are some key differences that aspiring healthcare professionals should be aware of before deciding which path to pursue. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a CNA, including their job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlooks.

What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and CNA?

Before we dive into the differences between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a CNA, let's first define what each role entails.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant: An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as an ACNA, is a healthcare professional who provides direct patient care in acute care settings, such as hospitals or urgent care centers. They work alongside registered nurses and other healthcare professionals to assist with patient care tasks, such as taking vital signs, assisting with personal hygiene, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, is a healthcare professional who provides basic nursing care to patients in various healthcare settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospitals. CNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses and assist with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and transferring patients.

Difference between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and CNA

While both an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a CNA work in the healthcare industry and provide direct patient care, there are some key differences between the two roles. Here are a few distinctions to consider:

1. Work Setting: Acute Care Nursing Assistants primarily work in acute care settings, such as hospitals or urgent care centers, while CNAs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospitals.

2. Level of Care: Acute Care Nursing Assistants provide care to patients who require acute or specialized care, such as those recovering from surgery or managing a serious illness. On the other hand, CNAs provide basic nursing care to patients with a variety of healthcare needs, including elderly patients or those with chronic conditions.

3. Scope of Practice: Acute Care Nursing Assistants often have a broader scope of practice compared to CNAs. They may be trained to perform additional tasks, such as wound care, IV therapy, or phlebotomy. CNAs, on the other hand, primarily focus on providing basic care and assistance with activities of daily living.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs CNA: Job Description

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a CNA, let's take a closer look at their job descriptions.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant Job Description:

• Provide direct patient care in acute care settings, such as hospitals or urgent care centers.
• Assist with tasks such as taking vital signs, monitoring patient condition, and reporting any changes to the healthcare team.
• Assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families.
• Work closely with registered nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and well-being.

CNA Job Description:

• Provide basic nursing care to patients in various healthcare settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospitals.
• Assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
• Take vital signs and report any changes in patient condition to the healthcare team.
• Assist with transferring and repositioning patients.
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs CNA: Education and Training

When it comes to education and training requirements, there are some similarities and differences between becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a CNA.

Education and Training for Acute Care Nursing Assistants:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically need to complete a state-approved nursing assistant or nursing aide training program.
• These programs usually consist of both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
• Some states may require Acute Care Nursing Assistants to be certified or licensed, while others may not have specific certification requirements.

Education and Training for CNAs:

• CNAs are required to complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program.
• These programs typically take a few months to complete and include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience.
• Upon completion of the program, CNAs must pass a competency exam to become certified.
• CNAs must also meet any additional state-specific requirements, such as background checks or fingerprinting.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs CNA: Career Outlook and Salary

When considering a career as an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a CNA, it's important to also consider the career outlook and potential salary.

Career Outlook for Acute Care Nursing Assistants:

• The demand for healthcare professionals, including Acute Care Nursing Assistants, is expected to continue growing due to an aging population and advancements in medical technology.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants may have opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a registered nurse or pursuing specialized certifications.
• The average salary for Acute Care Nursing Assistants varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants in general was $30,830 as of May 2020.

Career Outlook for CNAs:

• The demand for CNAs is also expected to grow as the population continues to age and require long-term care.
• CNAs may have opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.
• The average salary for CNAs varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants in general was $30,830 as of May 2020.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in the healthcare industry is a noble and rewarding decision. Both an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a CNA play crucial roles in providing quality patient care. When deciding between these two paths, it's important to consider factors such as the work setting, level of care, job responsibilities, education and training requirements, and career outlook. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal interests, goals, and aspirations. Whether you choose to become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a CNA, both roles offer opportunities for growth and the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families.

Dreambound provides programs in several locations. Get detailed information about these two vocations by checking:

• CNA in California
• CNA in Pennsylvania
• CNA in Texas
• CNA classes near you

Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you:

• Become a CNA in 3 easy steps
• CNA classes near me
• Become a CNA in High School
• STNA in Ohio