As a student looking to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, it's important to understand the different vocational training options available to you. Two popular choices are becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) provider. While both roles involve providing care for patients, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between CNAs and PALS providers, including their job descriptions, education and training requirements, as well as career outlook and salary.

Introduction

The healthcare industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, and vocational training can be a great way to get started in this field. CNAs and PALS providers are two roles that involve direct patient care, but they have distinct focuses and responsibilities.

What is a CNA and PALS?

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):

• CNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and provide basic patient care.
• They assist patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• CNAs also take vital signs, collect patient information, and assist with medical procedures.
• They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) provider:

• PALS providers are healthcare professionals who specialize in emergency pediatric care.
• They are trained to assess and manage critically ill or injured children.
• PALS providers must be able to recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies in children.
• They work in hospitals, pediatric clinics, and other healthcare facilities that provide care to children.

Difference between a CNA and PALS

While both CNAs and PALS providers work in the healthcare industry and provide care for patients, there are some key differences between the two roles:

Focus:

• CNAs focus on providing basic care for patients of all ages.
• PALS providers specialize in emergency care for children.

Age Group:

• CNAs provide care for patients across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly.
• PALS providers primarily work with pediatric patients, from newborns to teenagers.

Responsibilities:

• CNAs assist with activities of daily living and provide support to patients.
• PALS providers are trained to manage life-threatening emergencies in children, including cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and severe trauma.

Training:

• CNAs complete a state-approved training program, which typically takes a few weeks to a few months to complete.
• PALS providers undergo specialized training in pediatric emergency care, which includes advanced life support techniques specific to children.

Certification:

• CNAs must pass a state certification exam to become certified.
• PALS providers must complete a PALS course and pass an exam to receive certification.

CNA vs PALS: Job Description

CNA Job Description:

• Assist patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Take vital signs, collect patient information, and assist with medical procedures.
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families.
• Work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and report any changes in patient condition.
• Collaborate with healthcare team members to ensure patient comfort and safety.

PALS Job Description:

• Assess and manage critically ill or injured children.
• Recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies in children, including cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, and trauma.
• Perform advanced life support techniques specific to pediatric patients.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide optimal care for pediatric patients.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in pediatric emergency care.

CNA vs PALS: Education and Training

CNA Education and Training:

• Complete a state-approved CNA training program.
• Training programs typically include classroom instruction as well as hands-on clinical experience.
• Topics covered may include basic nursing skills, infection control, and patient safety.
• After completing the training program, CNAs must pass a state certification exam to become certified.

PALS Education and Training:

• PALS providers are typically healthcare professionals, such as nurses or physicians, who undergo specialized training in pediatric emergency care.
• The training program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
• PALS providers learn advanced life support techniques specific to pediatric patients.
• After completing the training program, PALS providers must pass an exam to receive certification.

CNA vs PALS: Career Outlook and Salary

CNA Career Outlook:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of CNAs is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
• The demand for CNAs is driven by the aging population and the need for long-term care services.
• CNAs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare.
• The median annual wage for CNAs was $30,830 in May 2020.

PALS Career Outlook:

• PALS providers are typically healthcare professionals who specialize in pediatric emergency care.
• The demand for PALS providers is influenced by factors such as population growth and the prevalence of pediatric emergencies.
• PALS providers can work in hospitals, pediatric clinics, and other healthcare facilities that provide care to children.
• The salary of PALS providers can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right vocational training program is an important decision when pursuing a career in the healthcare industry. Both CNAs and PALS providers play crucial roles in providing care for patients, but they have distinct focuses and responsibilities. Consider your interests and career goals when deciding between becoming a CNA or a PALS provider.

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

• CNA in Massachusetts
• PALS in Massachusetts
• CNA classes near you
• PALS classes near you