It’s confusing when you hear nurses claim that they are a Licensed Practical Nurse (lpn) or a Certified Nurse Assistant (cna). These two titles connote one thing, both help in the daily operations of the hospital. In fact, both are under the supervision of a doctor. You can find the two working in a clinic, a hospital, a medical facility, or in a home care. But the question is -lpn vs cna -Which is better?
CNA is said to be the stepping stone to LPN, once a nurse aide gathered some experience, and have decided to continue their studies then they can opt to enroll for an lpn program. On the other hand, lpn can advanced their career by continuing their studies and eventually become a Registered Nurse (RN), but it’s another thing.
In the workplace, you can find Licensed Practical Nurses directing and instructing Nurse Assistants. They are usually the right hand of the physicians. They are given more responsibilities which includes the administration of IV therapy (Intravenous Therapy), the preparation of rooms for a particular procedure that will take place. Also, they are fully trusted by the doctors that they are given the independence.
Conversely, Certified Nursing Assistants in the hospital focus mainly on the patients’ well-being. They are the health care staffs who help the patients all throughout their stay in the hospital. CNAs also support the patients in walking and moving back and forth their beds. When a patient asks for a favor, he/she should be able to help him readily. A cna also observes from time to time the condition of the patient, taking note of the patient’s schedule to take the medications. Last but not least, they are the ones who maintain the cleanliness of the room, making sure that the beddings are clean.
Apparently lpn and cna differs in two areas. LPN directly assists the Physician while CNA assists the patients. And in terms of salary, lpn’s salary is a bit higher than the compensation of a nurse assistant.
Which of the two jobs is better? The answer actually depends upon what you think you’ll enjoy more.
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