Nurse aide vs CNA

A CNA is an important position in any hospital setting. CNAs have many responsibilities that make them an integral part of the patient process in healthcare. It is considered an entry-level position in the hospital environment.

Both nurse aides and CNAs perform these duties:

• Turning or moving patients

• Gathering medical supplies

• Bathing patients

• Grooming patients by brushing their hair, teeth, shaving them, etc.

• Feeding patients and documenting their food and liquid intake

• Checking vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate

• Answering patient calls

• Documenting information

• Cleaning rooms and bed linens

• Stocking supplies

• Safety procedures

• Transporting patients

• Taking care of wounds

The key differences between a nurse aide and a CNA are:

• Nurse aides may have training, but do not have to be a certified nurse's aide

• CNAs are certified nurse's aides

• Nurse aides mostly provide care at patient's homes, they are not allowed to work in most hospitals and other medical facility settings

• CNAs primarily work in hospitals and other medical environments, such as nursing homes

• CNAs can assist doctors and nurses in certain medical procedures

• Nurse aides can not legally assist doctors and nurses in medical procedures

• CNAs on average have a higher salary than nurse's aides