Want to be a nurse but do not know where to start. Need help in understanding duties of a RN, LPN, and CNA?
Asked by shamonwhi1
I am a 30year old female and I am thinking about going into the nursing career being that it's one of the top jobs to survive a recession, plus I like helping and taking care of people. What kind of degree would I have to major in? Also, can anyone tell me the duties of a RN, LPN, and a CNA?

Best Answer:
CNA= empties bedpans, wipes butts, fills water pitchers, walk patients for excersize, feeds patients, bed baths, linen and gown changes, answers call lights, repositions bed-ridden people, and general go-fer. Requires a certification after a 6-8 month class. Typically makes 8-10 bucks an hour. LPN= all the same duties as a CNA with the exception of administering oral drugs, hanging IV fluids, and performing full assessments once per shift. Also has to do a lot of documentation. Some hospitals will still allow an LPN to start IV's and push some drugs into the IV's. You have the CNA's for physical help (sometimes--they always seem too busy) and the RN's for a back-up resource if you encounter a problem you cant handle or if your patient begins to crash. Most hospitals are phasing LPN's out of the specialty units (ER, ICU...) because they prefer all nurses there be able to function on the same level and not have to supervise one another. Requires a one-year, full time course with a state boards test at the end. If you pass, you get a license. Typically makes about 12-14 bucks an hour. RN=on a med/surg floor, her duties are very similar to an LPN except that she can push all IV medications, including ones in an emergency situation. RN's are often in a supervisory position and need to be reliable as a resource for all working under her. RN's have a ton more flexibility about where in the hospital they can work, and can make the best money in specialty units. Med/surg RN's typically make 16-20 bucks an hour, and specialty RN's make even more. Requires at least a 2 year full time course, or you can take the first year (prerequisites) one at a time at your pace. The last year is primarily internship in a hospital and is full-time. State boards at the end, and a license if you pass. Hope this helps. Had to type it twice as my stupid dog stepped on the keyboard and my first (longer) answer got erased.

CNA is lowest, then LPN, then RN. If you need to work while going to school look into getting your CNA, getting a job at a hospital, then working there while working your way up to RN. Some hospitals will even pay for at least part of your RN school if you agree to work there for a set amount of time after getting your RN.
Answered by HEATHER