States regulate the education and training for certification as a certified nursing assistant, a position some states refer to as a nursing aide or attendant. A restorative nursing assistant position expands the role of a CNA and is one of the specializations for which a CNA can train. Advancement to an RNA nurse position requires building on the skills and knowledge provided by CNA training and education.
CNA vs RNA Job Description
A CNA uses basic nursing principles to provide patient care in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living and rehabilitation facilities. She is often the primary caregiver in such a facility. A CNA provides basic patient care and assists residents with daily activities, including bathing, dressing, movement, meals and recording health information. An RNA job requires using special knowledge and skills to perform rehabilitative and therapeutic techniques ordered and supervised by licensed medical staff. Duties might include guiding the patient in joint mobility exercises or helping to prepare the patient for procedures.
Regulation and Certification
State boards of health or nursing regulate requirements for certification and employment as a CNA. These include completion of an approved education and training program, passing a competency exam, and inclusion on the state registry. Other requirements, depending on the state, include criminal background checks, continuing education, and registry listing and renewal. States do not regulate education and certification for the RNA position. Some education providers offer certificates for completion of RNA programs. Employment as a RNA requires maintaining CNA certification.
Education and Training
CNA and RNA education and training programs are offered by medical facilities; high schools; and vocational, community and technical schools. Students in CNA and RNA programs, which vary in length from two days to one year, complete classroom studies and supervised clinical work taught by registered and licensed nursing professionals. A high school diploma or GED certificate is required for admission to many CNA programs, although some programs help students complete high school requirements. Admission to RNA programs requires completion of the CNA program, work experience as a CNA and usually completion of high school.
Salary and Demand
As of 2017, the median annual wage for CNAs was $27,520, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their wages ranged from $20,680 for the lowest 10 percent to $38,630 for the top 10 percent. On average, they earned more working for general and surgical hospitals, $30,640, than they did working for nursing care facilities, $27,470. Due to the additional experience required, an RNA salary may be higher than a CNA salary.
The BLS predicts a higher than average growth of about 11 percent in the demand for all nursing assistants between 2016 and 2026. RNAs and CNAs will particularly be needed in nursing homes as more people age and need long-term care; however, cuts to government funding can affect new jobs in these facilities. Turnover is high for nursing assistant jobs, and this makes it easier for new CNAs and RNAs to enter the occupation.
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: Restorative Nurse Assistant (RNA)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Nursing Aides, Orderlies and Attendants Do
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pay
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Job Outlook
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Nursing Aide, Orderly, or Attendant
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: 31-1014 Nursing Assistants
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