Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs CPR-BLS
Key Points:
- Acute Care Nursing Assistants provide basic patient care; CPR-BLS providers focus on emergency life-saving techniques.
- Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically earn more than CPR-BLS providers, but the pay can vary based on location and experience.
- Both roles are in demand.
- Acute Care Nursing Assistants require in-person training, while CPR-BLS training can be completed online or in-person.
- Acute Care Nursing Assistant training is generally more extensive and costly than CPR-BLS training.
Exploring a healthcare career? Two popular paths are becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA) or obtaining CPR-BLS (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - Basic Life Support) certification. While both offer opportunities to make a difference, they differ significantly in training, scope, and responsibilities. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed choice.
CPR-BLS Certified Individual
- Respond to emergencies, performing CPR and using AEDs to revive individuals in cardiac arrest.
- Clear airways and provide rescue breaths in respiratory emergencies.
- Communicate effectively with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to ensure timely care.
Training and Education
ACNA Training
- Program Length: Typically a few weeks to months.
- Content: Classroom learning and supervised clinical practice.
- Certification: Passing a state-administered competency exam.
CPR-BLS Training
- Program Length: A few hours to one day.
- Content: Emergency response techniques taught by organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross.
- Certification: Issued upon completion of the course and valid for 1-2 years, with periodic recertification required.
Career Outlook and Salary
Acute Care Nursing Assistant
- Career Outlook: High demand due to aging populations and the need for long-term care.
- Salary: Median annual wage of $38,200 (as of May 2023), with potential for higher earnings based on location and experience.
- Growth Opportunities: Pathways to advanced certifications or nursing roles.
CPR-BLS Certified Professionals
- Career Outlook: CPR-BLS is a valuable skill for various roles, enhancing job prospects in healthcare, education, public safety, and fitness.
- Salary: Varies based on profession; for instance, a nurse with CPR-BLS certification may earn more than a fitness trainer with the same.
Choosing the Right Path
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Consider ACNA if:
- You’re interested in direct patient care.
- You’re ready to invest time in more extensive training.
- You seek a stable, full-time healthcare role with growth potential.
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Consider CPR-BLS if:
- You want quick certification to enhance your existing skills.
- You’re interested in emergency response or adding life-saving skills to your resume.
- You plan to integrate CPR-BLS into another healthcare or public service role.
Final Thoughts
Both ACNAs and CPR-BLS-certified individuals play critical roles in healthcare, with distinct responsibilities and career paths. Reflect on your interests, career goals, and the time you can commit to training.
For those pursuing healthcare careers, Dreambound offers comprehensive resources to get you started:
Choose a path that aligns with your aspirations and take the first step toward making a difference!
Blessed Joy Amarga is part of the Growth and Sales teams at Dreambound. She helps bring in new leads, increasing the number of people at the top of the sales funnel, and supporting the team in creating graphics to boost social media engagement. Blessed is also a Licensed Architect. Outside work, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places for her vlog.
