Advance Your Life: Become A CNA
Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs for short, work directly under a RN or an LPN. In order to become a CNA, you must take a CNA course accredited by the state you will work in.
The job description of a CNA is slightly different in each facility, but there are a few duties that remain the same. A CNA will help patients with their grooming and hygiene needs, such as bathing, brushing and flossing teeth, cleaning dentures, shaving, and dressing. Before feeding patients, you will check each tray o make certain they are getting the proper food. Then, you will deliver the tray, give them water, and assist them with eating when necessary.
What does a CNA do?
CNAs also help patients with their bedpans, urinary deposits, and colostomy treatments. Sometimes, you will be asked to pick up any mess in a patient’s room, clean medical equipment, and use isolation and O2 safety measures.
You will also document and inspect vital signs, measure how much liquid a patient is taking in and excreting, collect specimens, and measure their height and their weight. If your patient is immobile, you will shift their position in bed to prevent injury, help them exercise, and move them to their wheelchair.
Responsibilities of a CNA
A CNA is responsible for the comfort of patients. You will be there to listen to their concerns, complaints, and problems in a confidential and nonjudgmental manner. You are their first point of contact in the medical facility, and they will need to feel secure talking to you about any worry on their minds.
When new patient are checked-in, a CNA will get them oriented and comfortable in their new setting. This includes back massages and making sure their call button is always within reach.
Certified Nursing Assistants make beds, transport patients, assist patients and supervisors, and run errands. As you can see, the duties of a CNA are many, but in return you will be rewarded with priceless experiences.
