A Registered Nurse (RN) is a licensed professional who works with doctors and physicians to provide care to patients. RN’s are usually in-charge of overseeing the work of licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and home health aides. On the other hand, a certified nursing assistant is responsible for providing basic healthcare services to patients under the supervision or a registered nurse. To become a CNA, students need to complete an accredited practical nursing course along with a training program. This is followed by passing the state exam for nurse aids. To become an RN, students need to earn a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.