Difference between LPN, Nurses assistant, RN?

Certified Nursing Assistant(CNA): Generally receives on the job training on care of the patient that includes non-invasive types of treatments (except bandages and wound dressings) and do not give medications (EVER). They take vital signs, give baths, clean up incontinent patients, make beds, pass out meal trays, feed those who need it and things of the like. They are CPR certified and are a vital member of the healthcare team. They generally report to the nurse or charge nurse. Hospitals have an analog position, however, this does not require certification (at least not in PA) and they do a variety of duties that nursing home aides do not (draw blood, splinting, prep for sutures) depending on the institution. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN): many of these people are older and are very knowledgable. I say older as most hospitals are using LPNs less and less. In fact, in settings outside of nursing homes, their roles are quickly diminishing into that of an over-paid aid. As a fledgling nurse, you will find these folks a valuable resource. Anyway, they have attended either a vocational program at a vo-tech type school and go just the minimum training (by today's standards) to become nurses. In fact, most of their training was hands on more so than book work. What they do depends on the institution (some allow them to give IV meds, some do not allow them to take telephone orders....). Finally, within the RN spectrum, you will find 3 different types of RN education: Diploma, Associates, and Bachelors trained nurses. All lead to the same license, however, they vary in their formal educational level and preparedness for advanced practice. Diploma: these nurses attended hospital run schools of nursing. They took courses at the school and trained at that hospital (unless that hospital did not offer that speciality). Associates (ASN): Taken at a community college. All nursing courses with clinicals, except community health. Can progress into a BSN with transfer to 4-year school. Generally , this does not require repeating any nursing experiences. Bachelors (BSN): 4 year degree with nursing courses/clinicals. This program includes a research component and a community health class/clinical. Ultimate preparation for advanced practice as one can move right into an MSN program seamlessly.

Well I gonna tell like it is!! Home Health Aide(HHA) is the same as a nursing assistant but didn't take a state test. Nursing assistant(STNA) spends more one on one care to the patient as far as ADL's and really leaning the personality of the patient. And Yes they are paid at a low scale but some jobs have paid my up $14.00 dollars an hour LPN Gets paid alittle bit better but not that great. And they really just sign the med books and pass meds. They go to the STNA's if they need to know anything about the patient because alot of the times they dont know. RN is the next step from a Doc. And they do mostly the same thing as a LPN, but you can get an administrative job as a RN

depends on where you work. If you work in a dialysis center LPN job duties are no different than that of an RN. The only difference is the pay.

In rank of order - lowest to highest Nurses Assistant-same as Medical asst. Performs minor operational procedures. Usually can get certification thru tech school LPN - 4 year degree - lower end of Nursing program (but still good) RN - qualifies for First Assist in operations, often "runs" clinic. RN's often go to next level to Physicians Assistant (which can substitute some Dr's. in areas