Are you considering a travel career as a nursing assistant but confused about the titles STNA and CNA? To get you started, the main difference is that a STNA is essentially a CNA who works specifically in Ohio. In this article, we will dive deeper into the roles, training requirements, and career prospects for both, helping you understand the differences between STNA vs CNA.

Understanding STNA and CNA Roles

At first glance, the roles of State Tested Nurse Aides (STNA) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) may appear identical, and for good reason. Both titles refer to professionals who provide direct patient care, assisting with essential activities of daily living (ADLs) eating, hygiene, toileting, ambulating, checking vital signs and reporting critical results to the primary registered nurse. They also check daily weights, that are important for medication dosing, monitor sensitive populations such as NICU or cardiac patients, and some are even able to perform tests like blood sugar checks.

Understanding the nuances of each role can help you better navigate your career path and meet state-specific requirements. Here’s a closer look at what defines an STNA and a CNA.

What is a State Tested Nurse Aide?

In Ohio, the term State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) is used for what other states call a CNA. An STNA performs the same functions as a CNA, such as assisting healthcare staff in providing care, monitoring patients’ health, and helping with daily activities. STNAs are often the first ones on-scene for cardiac arrest and notify the team. Utilizing their BLS skills to perform chest compressions, obtain the crash cart, or act as a runner.

The distinction of being an STNA signifies that the individual has met Ohio’s specific regulatory and training requirements. Becoming an STNA requires completing approved STNA classes and obtaining a certification, ensuring they are well-prepared to assist nurses and physicians.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

A CNA is a title used for a certified nurse aide primarily outside of Ohio. CNAs assist patients with daily activities, monitor patient health, and work under the supervision of a registered nurse. They are expected to know how to use different pieces of equipment from bed alarms, call lights, tele boxes, vital sign machines, computers, foley catheters, ostomies, chair/bed lifts, wheelchairs, and many others.

CNAs are also referred to as nurse assistants in some states or facilities. Additionally, they may be called licensed nursing assistants (LNA) or nurse aides. Regardless of the title, CNAs play a crucial part in various healthcare settings, providing essential care and support to nurses. They are true heroes of the healthcare team, often spending the most time with the patients and their families.

STNA and CNA Certifications

When embarking on a career in healthcare, understanding the certifications required for different roles is crucial. For those interested in becoming a nursing assistant, two primary certifications come into play: State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Both STNA and CNA certifications require candidates to complete state-approved training programs and pass certification exams. These certifications validate that nursing assistants possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively. While the terms STNA and CNA are often used interchangeably, they are specific to different states.

Training and Certification Requirements

Training and certification are critical components for becoming either an STNA or a CNA. To enroll in STNA or CNA training programs, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED. After possessing a GED each role requires the completion of a state-approved training program and certification exam. The training programs typically include a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared to handle their job responsibilities.

While there are minor differences in licensing requirements between the two roles, the overall goal is to ensure that all certified nursing assistants possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care.

STNA Training and Certification

Becoming an STNA in Ohio requires completing a STNA program consisting of at least 76 hours split between theoretical classes and hands-on clinical practice.1

The certification exam for STNAs includes a written segment and a practical skills evaluation. Candidates might also need to complete a background check and have a social security number to begin working. This rigorous process ensures that only qualified individuals become certified to provide care in Ohio hospitals or living facilities.

CNA Training and Certification

CNA training programs also require a combination of classroom and clinical instruction, typically totaling around 150 hours, including 100 hours of clinical instruction and 50 hours of classroom engagement covering essential topics like basic nursing skills, interpersonal skills, and safety protocols.2

After completing their training, CNAs must pass a state competency exam that includes both written and practical skills tests. Successful completion of this CNA certification exam is necessary to obtain a CNA license and begin working in different healthcare settings as a perm or travel CNA.

Key Skills and Competencies

Both STNAs and CNAs are essential in healthcare, providing basic patient care and support under the guidance of registered nurses. As we have discussed the training and certifications are fairly similar, the main difference being the state in which a CNA or STNA complete their certification process, the necessary skill to succeeded in these roles are nearly identical. Improving upon these skills can help aspiring STNAs and CNAs excel in their careers.

Essential Skills

Effective communication skills are crucial for a STNA and CNA, as they build relationships with both patients and internal healthcare teams. Understanding medical terminology allows for the ability to accurately convey patient information and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Attention to detail is vital for executing patient care and ensuring patient safety. STNAs and CNAs will need to demonstrate this ability as they perform basic nursing skills such as taking vital signs and assisting with personal hygiene. These skills are fundamental to their role in providing direct patient care and supporting the nursing staff.

Extraordinary Skills

As mentioned before all STNAs and CNAs must be able to take vital signs, communicate with the on staff registered nurse, and provided essential care. Beyond the essential skills, there are way for CNAs to stand out among their peers as a nurse assistant. One way it to show their emotional intelligence. The ability to recognize and respond to patients’ behavioral changes, improving the quality of care provided is a skill that can make a licensed nursing assistant stand out among other healthcare team members.

Clinical knowledge is also another way to stand out among healthcare professionals. This includes understanding medical procedures, infection control, and the use of medical equipment, beyond your basic training. Having this vast knowledge will make you an ideal candidate as you begin your travel or local job search.

Salary and Job Outlook

The salary and job outlook for a STNA vs CNA can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and healthcare setting. It is important to understand your job options as a CNA, as travel nursing may be a opportunity for those who are looking to increase their pay and experience a variety of healthcare setting or cities.

The job growth rate for nursing assistants is expected to increase by 4% from 2023 to 2033, driven by an aging population requiring specialized care.3 This positive job outlook indicates a steady demand for both STNAs and CNAs, making these roles attractive options for those pursuing a career in healthcare.

STNA Salary Insights

As of November 2023, the average hourly wage for State Tested Nurse Aides (STNAs) in Ohio is approximately $17 per hour. The wage range can vary significantly, with some perm staffed STNAs earning as low as $9.37 per hour and others making up to $23.31 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific healthcare facility they work in.4 State tested nursing assistants are eligible to work in states outside of Ohio, but will need to obtain a state license in their future healthcare facilities state.

CNA Salary Insights

The average annual salary for a CNA as of May 2023 is about $38,200, with the wage range nationwide varying from $10.82 to $29.33 per hour.5 This variation is influenced by factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility.

If you are looking to maximize your pay as a STNA or CNA, Host Healthcare offers travel contracts to both roles across all 50 states. The average salary for a travel CNA is around $1,100 a week, which equates to a possible earning of $57,000 a year.6 You can find Host Healthcare’s CNA Travel Jobs directly on our website and start your travel job search today.

Steps to Become a Travel CNA

Understanding how to become a travel CNA involves several key steps, from meeting educational requirements to completing training programs and passing certification exams through community colleges or credentialed programs. Following these steps can help aspiring STNAs or CNAs navigate the process and achieve their career goals.

Your Future as a Travel STNA or CNA with Host Healthcare

To review, the terms STNA vs CNA differ by state, as Ohio prefers to title their nursing assistants as STNAs, while the other 49 states use the title CNA. While their roles, responsibilities, and importance in the healthcare field are essentially the same. Both STNAs and CNAs provide critical patient care and support the healthcare team in various settings.

While you may be just starting your CNA schooling or beginning your job search, Host Healthcare offers the #1 rated recruiters, with jobs in all 50 states. So no matter if you are looking to explore multiple cities or stay in your home town on a local contract. Host Healthcare has the jobs, benefits, and support that you have been looking for. Start your journey today by signing up and speaking with one of our recruiters!

 

Sources:

  1. “Nurse Aide Certificate (STNA)”. Columbus State Community College, https://www.cscc.edu/academics/departments/nursing/nurse-aide-stna.shtml. Accessed 10/8/2024
  2. “California CNA Requirements”. Long Term Care Community Coalition, 2/1/2023. https://nursinghome411.org/cna-reqs/reqs-ca/
  3. “Nursing Assistants and Orderlies”. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 29, 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.
  4. “STNA vs CNA: What’s the difference”. Nurse.org, August 22, 2024. https://nurse.org/education/stna-vs-cna/
  5. “Certified Nursing Assistant Salary: How Much Does a CNA Make?”. All Nursing Schools. https://www.allnursingschools.com/certified-nursing-assistant/salary/. Accessed 10/8/2024
  6. “Travel Certified Nursing Assistant Salary Guide”. Vivian. https://www.vivian.com/cna/travel/salary/#pay. Accessed 10/8/2024