June 18, 2025
What is a certified nurse assistant (CNA)? How do their skills differ from those of a nurse? “Nurse” isn’t a one-size-fits-all profession. There’s a wide spectrum of nursing roles—each with its own training, responsibilities, and specialties. Here’s a guide to nursing care, plus info about the nurses who work here at Wellspring.
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Think of them as the front line of patient care.
What they do: CNAs help patients with daily living tasks—like bathing, eating, walking, and taking vital signs. In Illinois, they work under the supervision of registered nurses.
Education:
- Short training program (4–12 weeks) at a community college or vocational school
- Pass a state-approved competency exam
Certifications & requirements:
- Must be certified by the state; requirements vary slightly (some states require continuing education or background checks)
- Title and scope of practice can vary—some are called nurse aides or patient care technicians
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Hands-on care with more medical responsibilities than a CNA.
What they do: LPNs/LVNs check vital signs, administer medications, dress wounds, and assist with medical procedures. They typically work under the direction of an RN or physician.
Education:
- 12- to 18-month diploma program
- Must pass the NCLEX-PN exam
Certifications & requirements:
- Licensed at the state level; some states allow LPNs to start IVs or administer certain meds, others do not
- Called “LVNs” in California and Texas, “LPNs” everywhere else
Registered Nurse (RN)
The backbone of clinical care.
What they do: RNs assess patient needs, develop care plans, administer treatments and medications, coordinate with doctors, and supervise CNAs/LPNs.
Education:
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN) – approximately 2 years, or
- Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) – approximately 4 years
- Must pass the NCLEX-RN exam
Certifications & requirements:
- State licensure required
- BSN-prepared nurses are often preferred for hospital roles and are required for management or public health roles in many states
- Continuing education required to maintain license (requirements vary by state)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
A nurse with advanced training who can often act as a primary care provider.
What they do: Diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, order tests, and manage overall patient care. Many NPs specialize (e.g., family, pediatrics, psychiatric).
Education:
- Master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
- Must first be a licensed RN
- National certification in specialty area (e.g., AANP, ANCC)
Certifications & requirements:
- State laws vary significantly
- Full practice: In about 25 states, NPs can practice independently
- Reduced/restricted practice: In others, they need physician oversight for prescribing or certain decisions
- Must complete clinical hours and pass a national certification exam
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Experts in complex patient care, system improvement, and staff training.
What they do: Often work behind the scenes in hospitals, shaping clinical practices and leading training. Some provide direct patient care, particularly in specialties like oncology or critical care.
Education:
- MSN or DNP, plus certification in a clinical specialty
- Must be an RN first
Certifications & requirements:
- Fewer CNS programs than NP programs
- State recognition varies; some states don’t license CNSs separately from RNs
Who’s taking care of you?
Depending on the services our clients need, Wellspring’s caregiving team may include:
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Certified nurse assistants
- Home services workers
Our clinical management team includes three experts:
- Licensed clinical social worker (Founder Sheila McMackin, MSW, LCSW)
- Registered nurse supervisor (Director of Clinical Services Edwin Nunez)
- Physician (Medical Director Dr. Steven C. Fox)
The clinical management team makes regular in-home visits to check in on clients and caregivers and to ensure that care plans are being followed.
Please contact us for more information about our caregiving team and our services.