Introduction

When it comes to the healthcare industry, there are a variety of roles that individuals can pursue. Two popular choices are becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Registered Nurse. While both positions involve providing care to patients, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the roles of an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Registered Nurse, as well as the differences in job description, education and training, and career outlook and salary.

What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and Registered Nurse?

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• An Acute Care Nursing Assistant, also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), provides basic patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
• They assist registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in performing tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with personal hygiene, and turning and positioning patients.
• CNAs may also assist with tasks like setting up medical equipment and transporting patients.

Registered Nurse:

• A Registered Nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has completed a nursing program and obtained a nursing license.
• RNs are responsible for providing direct patient care, administering medications, coordinating care plans, and educating patients and their families about healthcare.
• They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home healthcare.

Difference between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and Registered Nurse

• Scope of Practice: The main difference between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and a Registered Nurse is the scope of practice. CNAs work under the supervision of RNs and are limited in the tasks they can perform. On the other hand, RNs have a broader scope of practice and can perform more advanced nursing tasks.
• Level of Responsibility: RNs have a higher level of responsibility compared to CNAs. They are responsible for assessing patients, making critical decisions about care, and managing the overall healthcare team. CNAs, on the other hand, focus on providing basic care and assisting with activities of daily living.
• Autonomy: Registered Nurses have more autonomy in their practice compared to Acute Care Nursing Assistants. They have the authority to make independent decisions about patient care and can work without direct supervision. CNAs, on the other hand, always work under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Registered Nurse: Job Description

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Taking and recording vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
• Turning and repositioning patients to prevent pressure ulcers.
• Assisting with patient transfers and ambulation.
• Providing emotional support and companionship to patients.
• Cleaning and maintaining patient rooms.

Registered Nurse:

• Assessing patients' health status and developing care plans.
• Administering medications and treatments.
• Monitoring patients' conditions and responding to changes in health.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care.
• Educating patients and their families about healthcare and self-care.
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families.
• Supervising and delegating tasks to other healthcare team members.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Registered Nurse: Education and Training

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• To become an Acute Care Nursing Assistant, individuals typically need to complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program.
• These programs are often offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities.
• The training program typically includes classroom instruction as well as hands-on clinical experience.
• After completing the program, individuals must pass a competency exam to become certified.
• The requirements for becoming a CNA may vary by state.

Registered Nurse:

• To become a Registered Nurse, individuals need to complete a nursing program, which can be a diploma program, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
• Nursing programs include coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory.
• Students also gain hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings.
• After completing a nursing program, individuals must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their nursing license.
• Some RNs may choose to pursue additional certifications or advanced degrees to specialize in a particular area of nursing.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs Registered Nurse: Career Outlook and Salary

Career Outlook:

• The demand for healthcare professionals, including Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Registered Nurses, is expected to continue growing in the coming years due to an aging population and increased healthcare needs.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants can find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.
• Registered Nurses have a wide range of career opportunities, including working in hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and educational institutions.
• RNs with specialized certifications or advanced degrees may have even more career options available to them.

Salary:

• The salary for Acute Care Nursing Assistants can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare setting.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $30,850 as of May 2020.
• Registered Nurses generally earn higher salaries compared to Acute Care Nursing Assistants.
• The median annual wage for RNs was $75,330 as of May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• However, RNs with advanced degrees or specialized certifications may earn even higher salaries.

Final Thoughts

Both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Registered Nurses play important roles in the healthcare industry. While CNAs provide direct patient care and support, RNs have a broader scope of practice and more responsibility. The choice between becoming an Acute Care Nursing Assistant or a Registered Nurse depends on factors such as individual interests, career goals, and the level of education and training one is willing to pursue. Regardless of the path chosen, both roles offer rewarding opportunities to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Dreambound's programs are accessible in different locations. For additional details on these two vocations, please visit:

• Acute Care Nursing Assistant in New York
• Registered Nurse in New York
• Acute Care Nursing Assistant classes near you
• Registered Nurse classes near you