What does an advanced nursing assistant do that different from a cna?

Advanced Nursing Assistants (ANAs), also known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in some states, have additional training and responsibilities beyond those of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). While CNAs provide basic care tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN), ANAs can perform more complex nursing tasks and have greater autonomy.

Here are some of the key differences between ANAs and CNAs:

* Education and Training: ANAs typically complete a one-year practical nursing program at a community college or vocational school, while CNAs complete a shorter training program that lasts several weeks. ANA programs include coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, nursing skills, and clinical experience.

* Scope of Practice: ANAs have a broader scope of practice than CNAs and can perform more advanced nursing tasks, such as:

* Administering medications

* Starting intravenous (IV) lines

* Drawing blood

* Changing wound dressings

* Providing patient education

* Monitoring vital signs

* Performing catheterizations

* Autonomy: ANAs have more autonomy than CNAs and can work more independently under the supervision of an RN. They may be responsible for managing a patient's care plan and making decisions about the patient's care.

* Credentialing: ANAs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed. CNAs are not required to pass a national licensing exam, but some states may require them to complete a state-approved training program.

* Salary: ANAs typically earn higher salaries than CNAs due to their additional training and responsibilities.

Overall, ANAs play a vital role in the healthcare team by providing skilled nursing care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and private homes.