So what is a CNA?

By Matt Chalifoux


A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA as they're referred to, completes general medical patient treatment processes with the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). While mandated by law to perform general duties, Nursing Assistants also enjoy the opportunity to interact directly with patients. Hence, CNA certification is needed to make sure patients receive quality health care from highly-trained nursing staff.

Otherwise known as a home health aide or patient care assistant, a CNA is qualified to perform in a variety of environments which includes clinics and nursing homes to assisted living facilities and private establishments. Gratifying yet demanding, the function of a Certified Nursing Assistant is considered a springboard to greater, more enhanced health careers.

CNA and the Nursing Sector

CNA education continues to be increasingly available as the need for qualified health assistants continues to remain strong. Indeed, present market trends predict a 26% demand growth for Certified Nursing Assistants and 49% for home health aides by 2016. Consequently, the CNA designation has become an ideal starting point for many individuals hoping for a lucrative career in the health care industry.

A number of hospitals have elevated CNA turnover levels. As a result the need for newly trained nursing assistants is almost ongoing. Certified Nursing Assistants quite often leave the profession to move themselves along the professional ladder. It should be mentioned that Registered Nurses and nursing assistants both face similar stresses. This is why, prospective nursing assistants have to learn to develop effective work integrity at the beginning of the CNA training period.

Duties and Resonsibilities

A nursing assistant is delegated by LPNs or RNs to complete basic bedside care. CNA-to-patient interaction may be a sensitive process, and for that reason courses and accreditations are required for legal reasons.

On the subject of role, CNA training is different from orderlies and medical aides. Orderlies are responsible for handling equipment upkeep and wheelchair issuance in addition to other routine procedures. Medical aides work immediately underneath the physician however, in contrast to nursing assistants, they don't have the need for any official certifications.

Some of the responsibilities of a CNA include the following:

- Patient turning and repositioning: To prevent pressure ulcers among the post-operative and bed-ridden patients, nursing assistants are assigned to reposition the patient every couple hours. Protection of both patient and CNA is a major concern. As a result, basic principles in the right body positioning ought to be practiced.

- Hygiene: To make sure of the patient's quality of life, CNAs also help in looking after cleanliness constantly. Ranging from shampooing to basic oral care, nursing assistants are responsible for making sure to keep the patients clean and at ease.

- Vital signs: Vital sign taking and monitoring are basic processes which are crucial for a comprehensive patient analysis. Vital signs include the body temperature, breathing rate, pulse rate and blood pressure level.

Certification and Education

Dependent on your location, a State Licensing Board most of the time calls for a prospective CNA to pass a certification exam. This certification is only awarded after one effectively completes the CNA training required by law. Having said that, the education time frame only lasts between 6 to 12 weeks so transition to employment is simpler as opposed to a lot of healthcare jobs.

CNA classes on the internet are also offered for people who presently hold a full-time job but are aspiring to pursue the CNA. For those who are serious, CNA courses are typically provided by technical or vocational schools at a minimum of 75 hours.




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