Key Points:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistants provide basic patient care; Graduate Nurses have more advanced clinical duties and patient management responsibilities.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically earn less than Graduate Nurses, who have higher salaries due to their advanced education and scope of practice.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistant roles are more widely available, while Graduate Nurse positions may be more competitive.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants often complete shorter, in-person training programs, while Graduate Nurses undergo more extensive, typically in-person, nursing degree programs.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistant training is generally less expensive and shorter than Graduate Nursing degree programs.

In the healthcare field, there are various career paths to choose from, each requiring different levels of education and training. Two popular options for individuals interested in nursing are becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or pursuing a Graduate Nursing degree. While both roles involve caring for patients in a healthcare setting, there are significant differences in job responsibilities, education requirements, and career outlook.

What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant?

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Patient Care Assistant (PCA), is an entry-level healthcare professional who provides direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The main responsibilities of an Acute Care Nursing Assistant include:

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Monitoring vital signs and reporting any changes to the healthcare team.
• Assisting with medical procedures, such as wound care and catheter insertion.
• Supporting patients emotionally and providing companionship.
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients.

What is Graduate Nursing?

Graduate Nursing refers to the advanced level of nursing practice that requires a higher level of education and training. It includes roles such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Graduate Nurses have the authority to diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and provide primary care to patients.

Difference between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and Graduate Nursing

While both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Graduate Nurses work in healthcare settings and provide care to patients, there are significant differences between the two roles. Some of the key distinctions include:

• Scope of Practice: Acute Care Nursing Assistants work under the supervision of RNs or LPNs and provide basic care to patients, such as assisting with activities of daily living. On the other hand, Graduate Nurses have advanced knowledge and skills, allowing them to diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive care to patients.

• Education and Training: Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically complete a short-term training program, which can range from a few weeks to a few months. They must also pass a state competency exam to become certified. In contrast, Graduate Nurses must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and complete a graduate-level program, which can take an additional two to three years. They must also pass a national certification exam to practice in their specialized role.

• Responsibilities: Acute Care Nursing Assistants primarily assist with basic patient care tasks, such as helping patients with bathing and feeding. They also provide emotional support and maintain a safe environment for patients. Graduate Nurses, on the other hand, have a broader range of responsibilities, including diagnosing and treating medical conditions, prescribing medications, and providing primary care to patients.

• Autonomy and Authority: Acute Care Nursing Assistants work under the direct supervision of RNs or LPNs and follow their instructions and care plans. They have limited autonomy and authority in decision-making. In contrast, Graduate Nurses have more autonomy and authority in their practice. They can make independent decisions regarding patient care and treatment.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Graduate Nursing: Job Description

The job descriptions of an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Graduate Nurse differ significantly. Some of the key differences include:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Monitoring vital signs and reporting any changes to the healthcare team.
• Assisting with medical procedures, such as wound care and catheter insertion.
• Providing emotional support and companionship to patients.
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients.

Graduate Nurse:

• Conducting comprehensive patient assessments, including physical examinations and medical histories.
• Diagnosing and treating common and complex medical conditions.
• Prescribing medications and other treatments.
• Providing primary care to patients across the lifespan.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans.
• Educating patients and their families about health promotion and disease prevention.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Graduate Nursing: Education and Training

The education and training requirements for an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Graduate Nurse are quite different. Here is a breakdown of the requirements for each role:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• Completion of a short-term training program, typically lasting a few weeks to a few months.
• State competency exam to become certified.
• Optional specialization in areas such as geriatrics or mental health.

Graduate Nurse:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
• Completion of a graduate-level program in a specialized area of nursing practice (e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist).
• National certification exam to practice in the specialized role.
• Continuing education to maintain certification and stay current in the field.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Graduate Nursing: Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook and salary potential for Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Graduate Nurses differ significantly due to the differences in education and training. Here are some key points to consider:

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• Job growth: The demand for Acute Care Nursing Assistants is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
• Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Nursing Assistants was $30,850 in May 2020.

Graduate Nurse:

• Job growth: The demand for Graduate Nurses, particularly Nurse Practitioners, is projected to grow by 52% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Salary: The median annual wage for Nurse Practitioners was $117,670 in May 2020, significantly higher than the median wage for Nursing Assistants.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or pursuing Graduate Nursing is a personal decision that depends on your career goals, educational aspirations, and interests. If you are looking for a quick entry into the healthcare field and enjoy providing basic patient care, becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant may be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you aspire to have more autonomy, authority, and responsibility in patient care, and are willing to invest in advanced education and training, pursuing Graduate Nursing may be the right path.

Ultimately, both roles play crucial roles in the healthcare system and are essential for providing quality patient care. Whether you choose to become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or pursue Graduate Nursing, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families.

Dreambound's educational programs open doors to exciting opportunities. For a more comprehensive understanding of the potential within these two vocations, we invite you to explore further details by visiting:

• Graduate Nursing in Hawaii
• Graduate Nursing classes near you