Hierarchy of Medical Care
Caregiver. Any individual who provides personal, emotional, financial, or supportive care for another person. A caregiver can be a paid professional or a volunteer.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). A CNA is a certified nurses aide. These people work in the health care industry, often in nursing homes or hospice. They take care of patients. You can become a CNA by taking a class at your local college or medical school.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). An LVN (licensed vocational nurse), also called LPN (licensed practical nurse), is a nurse who works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). Typically LVN’s have a year of training. They can work in hospitals, doctor’s offices and nursing homes.
Registered nurse (RN). An RN is a nurse that has completed a course of study and passed the proper examinations to become licensed and registered.
The cost of each varies depending upon experience, affiliation with an agency and requirements of the patient.
