Many students who are new to nursing feel that there is little difference between the nature of work of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Certified Nursing Aides (CNA). Unfortunately there isn't much literature comparing the two online either. However, there is a difference, that is more than the pay, educational requirements, and titles of the two jobs.
The nature of work of CNAs tends to relate to helping patients eat, bathe, move, and dress. CNAs are usually the ones that will first arrive when you call for help at a hospital. They tidy up beds, serve meals, and take care of other basic needs of patients. Sometimes CNAs will also be involved in taking temperature and measuring other vital signs. CNAs may also help other staff setup medical equipment or manage medical supplies.
LPNs may also help patients bathe, dress, and move around. They may assist patients who need help in eating as well. They measure and record vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, height, weight, pulse, and respiration. They are also involved in taking samples for testing, performing laboratory tests, and recording the condition of the patients. LPNs are also responsible for teaching family members how to care for a relative and to teach patients about their health.
The basic difference between a CNA and an LPN is that the latter has more patient contact. Overall, LPNs are expected to be in direct contact with patients in the clinical sense whereas CNAs are not. This is also why you can become a CNA after a 6 week course and it takes one year of training to become an LPN. Furthermore, the pay scale of LPNs is significantly higher than that of CNAs.
For more information about CNAs and LPNs take a look at our other articles and for more detailed information about education take a look at the schools.
