Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) vs. Nurse Practitioner (NP): Understanding The Differences

Which Level Of Nursing Fits Better In Your Medical Center

Certified nurse assistants (CNAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) work in the nursing industry, but their roles and responsibilities are different. 

A CNA may perform primary medical care for patients under nurse supervision. NPS does not receive any on-the-job training. The education requirements to become a certified nurse assistant or a registered nurse are also different.

But what are the other differences between CNAs and NPS? An Arizona medical recruiting agency will explain below so you can choose the right one for your medical center.

What Is A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

Certified nursing assistants play a crucial role in the hospital staff. A CNA position is considered an entry-level position in the healthcare field. 

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is on the front lines of care in a healthcare setting, assisting patients with their daily needs.

They are frequently an excellent way for people to determine whether they enjoy working in a hospital setting before devoting too much time or money to their education. 

The average salary varies greatly depending on location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNAs earn about $26,590 per year in the U.S. 

What Are Their Responsibilities?

CNAs assist with daily tasks such as bathing, eating, basic guidance, walking, and other activities. They take vital signs from patients and record them in the electronic medical record. CNAs will examine their patients to identify any conditions or behavior patterns that should be reported to nurses and physicians. 

These responsibilities ensure that a patient’s needs are met at all times and that all suppliers are kept up to date.

Organizational Diagram

In the unit, only registered nurses (RNs) can oversee CNAs. 

You can hire a reliable CNA through a Chandler medical staffing agency at any time, but remember that they do not do the same as RNs or NPs. 

CNA Qualifications

All CNAs must pass a proficiency test specific to the state in which they wish to practice. This exam’s requirements vary by state, but they usually include a high school diploma, a certain number of CNA training hours, and the culmination of an accredited CNA training program. Before taking the exam, CNAs must also submit the state with TB testing results, a background check, and immunization records. CNA school typically takes 4-12 weeks to finish.

What Is A Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse practitioners have the greatest autonomy, education, and responsibility of any type of nurse. They can work independently and may even have their medical practice. This requires them to be highly organized and have excellent interpersonal skills. 

Nurse practitioners (NPs) work independently or in non-hospital settings to promote wellness and manage disease and injury. Sometimes they are known as advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for an NP is $103,880.

Due to their autonomy, it’s not difficult to hire NPs. However, it’s highly recommended to do it with a trusted Gilbert medical staffing agency to find the right candidate for your healthcare facility.

What Are Their Responsibilities?

NP’s responsibilities vary a lot depending on their work specialization and environment. 

They have the authority to diagnose patients, prescribe medications, and devise treatment plans. 

Other responsibilities include:

• Checking the patient’s medical history.
• Managing chronic illnesses.
• Helping their patients to have a healthy lifestyle. 

Organizational Diagram

While NPs collaborate closely with their supervising physician, they work independently to care for patients, referring them as required to a higher level of care. NPs may report to a physician, a clinic administrator, or another health care leader directly.

NP Qualifications

NPs must have a Master of Science in Nursing at the very least (MSN). In addition, they must be enlisted with the Board of Nursing in the state in which they practice and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Pursuing a specialty may require additional training, education, or licensure.

Some nurse practitioners (NPs) decide to enroll in a doctoral program, or DNP, which enables them to write prescriptions. Becoming an NP can take up to 6 years.

Are There Other Nursing Levels?

CNAs and NPs aren’t the only nursing levels in the healthcare industry. Nonetheless, you can always ask a Queen Creek medical staffing agency for more information if you’re looking for a specific kind of nurse for your healthcare organization. 

Another important nursing level is Licensed practical nurse or LPN. LPNs have similar duties to those of a CNA, but they have more training and offer more interventions, so they can give medications.

LPNs can also participate in tests and other procedures conducted by registered nurses or even doctors. This level of nursing is crucial to help in patient care when appropriate. Moreover, they are often hired by families that need home care.

Let Us Help You Find The Right Medical Staff

At One Stop Recruiting, we pride ourselves on being a top-rated medical staffing company in Mesa. We offer numerous opportunities for nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and more! We also help healthcare facilities find the right employee, whether they’re looking for an NP or a CNA. Contact us now for more information.