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Key Points:
Choosing a career in the healthcare field can be both rewarding and challenging. There are various paths to consider, and two popular options are becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or pursuing a graduate nursing degree. Both roles play crucial roles in patient care, but they differ in terms of responsibilities, education, and career outlook. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between a CNA and graduate nursing, and help you determine which path may be the best fit for you.
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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):
A Certified Nursing Assistant, commonly referred to as a CNA, is an entry-level healthcare professional who provides basic care and assistance to patients in various healthcare settings. CNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and provide direct patient care, such as bathing, feeding, and assisting with mobility. They also measure vital signs, record patient information, and assist with medical procedures.
Graduate Nursing:
Graduate nursing refers to advanced practice nursing roles, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). These advanced practice nurses have completed a graduate-level nursing program and have obtained a Master's or Doctoral degree in nursing. Graduates nurses have more autonomy and are qualified to provide a wider range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing patient care.
CNA vs Graduate Nursing:
CNAs provide basic patient care, assisting with daily activities. They typically complete short training programs and earn around $30,000 annually. Graduate Nurses are those who have completed a nursing degree and are preparing for or have recently passed their licensing exams to become Registered Nurses (RNs). They earn about $75,000 annually. Both roles are essential in healthcare, but CNAs focus on basic care, while Graduate Nurses provide advanced, holistic patient care.
While both CNAs and graduate nurses play important roles in the healthcare field, there are key differences between the two roles:
Scope of Practice:
Responsibilities:
Supervision:
Education and Training:
Licensure:
CNA:
Graduate Nursing:
CNA:
Graduate Nursing:
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CNA:
Graduate Nursing:
Choosing between a career as a CNA or pursuing graduate nursing depends on your interests, goals, and the level of responsibility you desire. CNAs play a vital role in providing direct patient care and are an essential part of the healthcare team. On the other hand, graduate nursing offers more autonomy and the opportunity to provide advanced care to patients. Consider your strengths, interests, and long-term career goals when making your decision. Both paths can lead to fulfilling careers in the healthcare field, so choose the one that aligns with your passion for patient care and professional growth.
Explore the reach of Dreambound's program in various locations. Dive into these blogs for an extensive look into the two vocations, including detailed information on their requirements and the process to join:
Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you: