Nurse vs. Nursing Assistant: Key Differences & Roles

An aid nurse, or healthcare assistant, and a nurse are both healthcare professionals, but they have different roles and responsibilities.

Nurse:

- Has a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) or a diploma from an accredited nursing program.

- Is licensed by the state board of nursing.

- Can provide a wide range of nursing care, including:

- Assessing patients' health status

- Administering medications

- Developing and implementing nursing care plans

- Educating patients about their health conditions

- Providing emotional support to patients and their families

- May specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, or critical care.

Aid nurse:

- Has a high school diploma or equivalent and has completed a state-approved training program.

- Is not licensed by the state board of nursing.

- Can provide basic nursing care, such as:

- Taking vital signs

- Bathing and dressing patients

- Assisting with meals

- Transporting patients

- Providing companionship and emotional support to patients

- May work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home health agencies.

In general, aid nurses are supervised by nurses. However, the specific scope of practice for aid nurses can vary from state to state.