Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) vs. Acute Care Nursing Assistant: Understanding the Differences

 Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a rewarding career choice that allows you to provide essential care and support to patients in various healthcare settings. While the role of a CNA is well-known, some might wonder about the term "Acute Care Nursing Assistant" and how it differs from a traditional CNA. In this blog, we'll explore the distinctions between these two roles.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):

A Certified Nursing Assistant, commonly referred to as a CNA, is a healthcare professional who assists nurses and other healthcare providers in delivering basic patient care. CNAs typically work in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and sometimes in hospitals. Their primary responsibilities include:

Assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.

Monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse.

Providing emotional support to patients.

Turning and repositioning patients to prevent bedsores.

Assisting with transferring patients in and out of bed or wheelchairs.

2. Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

An Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA) is a specialized CNA who works in acute care settings like hospitals. While the fundamental duties of an ACNA align with those of a Certified Nursing Assistant, they have additional responsibilities due to the higher acuity level of patients in a hospital. These include:

Collaborating closely with registered nurses and medical staff in providing patient care.

Administering more complex treatments and procedures, such as wound care and catheterization.

Operating and maintaining specialized medical equipment.

Assisting with patient admissions, discharges, and transfers within the hospital.

Providing patient education on post-discharge care and medications.

3. Key Differences:

The main difference between a CNA and an ACNA lies in the healthcare settings where they work and the scope of their duties. CNAs typically provide care in long-term care facilities and assist with activities of daily living. On the other hand, ACNAs work in acute care settings like hospitals, where they handle more complex medical procedures and treatments.

Both roles require certification through state-approved training programs and passing a competency exam. However, ACNAs may undergo additional training to prepare them for the specialized demands of acute care.

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While both CNAs and ACNAs play vital roles in patient care, ACNAs work in acute care settings like hospitals and have a broader scope of responsibilities. Choosing between the two paths depends on your career goals and the type of healthcare environment in which you wish to work.