What is a CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a professional healthcare worker who provides basic care to patients in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and other health care facilities. CNAs are responsible for providing basic care including bathing, grooming, and feeding patients, as well as taking vital signs and answering call lights. They also play an important role in communication between nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
What Does CNA Stand For?
CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. It is a professional designation for a healthcare worker who has been certified to provide basic care to patients in a healthcare setting. Certified Nursing Assistants are often called CNAs for short.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant
Becoming a CNA has many benefits, including:
- Job Security: CNAs are in high demand, so there is a good chance of finding steady employment with good benefits.
- Flexible Hours: CNAs often work part-time or on a flexible schedule, allowing them to balance work and home life.
- Advancement Opportunities: With additional training and experience, CNAs can advance to higher-level positions, such as Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.
- Competitive Pay: CNAs typically make more than the minimum wage and can earn up to $15 an hour depending on the job and location.
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
Becoming a CNA requires a few steps.
- Find a CNA Program: The first step is to find a CNA program in your state. You can find a list of approved CNA programs on the websites of your state’s nursing board.
- Complete Training: Once you have chosen a program, you must complete the required training. This typically includes a combination of classroom and clinical instruction.
- Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the CNA competency exam. This exam tests your knowledge and skills in areas such as patient care, infection control, and safety.
- Apply for Certification: Once you have passed the competency exam, you must apply for certification with your state’s nursing board. This typically involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and providing proof of your training and competency exam results.
Types of Care Provided by CNAs
CNAs provide a variety of care to patients. This includes:
- Bathing: CNAs help patients with bathing, including providing assistance with getting in and out of the bathtub and helping with cleaning and drying.
- Grooming: CNAs help with grooming tasks such as brushing teeth, combing hair, and shaving.
- Feeding: CNAs help patients with eating and drinking, including preparing meals, serving meals, and assisting with feeding if necessary.
- Transferring and Positioning: CNAs help patients move from one position to another, such as from bed to wheelchair, or from wheelchair to commode.
Skills and Qualities of a CNA
In order to be successful as a CNA, there are certain skills and qualities that are essential. These include:
- Good Communication Skills: CNAs must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
- Physical Strength: CNAs must be able to lift and move patients, as well as assist with other physical tasks.
- Patience and Compassion: CNAs must be patient and understanding when dealing with patients, as well as their families.
- Attention to Detail: CNAs must pay close attention to detail when providing care, including taking vital signs and answering call lights.
CNA Job Duties
The job duties of a CNA may vary depending on the facility and the patient’s needs. Generally, CNAs are responsible for providing basic care to patients, including:
- Bathing: CNAs help patients with bathing, including providing assistance with getting in and out of the bathtub and helping with cleaning and drying.
- Grooming: CNAs help with grooming tasks such as brushing teeth, combing hair, and shaving.
- Feeding: CNAs help patients with eating and drinking, including preparing meals, serving meals, and assisting with feeding if necessary.
- Transferring and Positioning: CNAs help patients move from one position to another, such as from bed to wheelchair, or from wheelchair to commode.
- Vital Signs: CNAs take and document vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, and pulse.
- Answering Call Lights: CNAs answer call lights promptly and assist patients with requests.
CNA Salary
The salary of a CNA will vary depending on the state, the facility, and the individual’s experience. Generally, CNAs can expect to make around $12-$15 an hour.
CNA Job Outlook
The job outlook for CNAs is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of CNAs is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
Conclusion
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a great way to enter the healthcare field. CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant and is a professional designation for healthcare workers who provide basic care to patients in a healthcare setting. Becoming a CNA has many benefits, including job security, flexible hours, advancement opportunities, and competitive pay. In order to become a CNA, you must find a CNA program, complete the required training, pass the competency exam, and apply for certification. CNAs provide a variety of care to patients, including bathing, grooming, feeding, and transferring and positioning. CNAs also need certain skills and qualities to be successful, including good communication skills, physical strength, patience and compassion, and attention to detail. The job duties of a CNA may vary depending on the facility and the patient’s needs, but generally involve providing basic care to patients. The salary of a CNA can range from $12-$15 an hour, and the job outlook is positive, with an expected growth of 8% from 2019 to 2029.