Certified Nursing Assistant

The job coverage of a Certified Nursing Assistant or CNA depends on the basic requirements of patients. A CNA is a licensed expert in medical field who directly deals with patients when it comes to daily needs. It is a job that usually acts as assistant to registered nurses. Included in this job as well are different types of tasks that are important in healthcare facilities and hospitals. Let us learn more of the job as we go along this article.

Being a CNA is one of the most tiresome jobs in the medical industry. Apart from the fact that the job requires plenty of physical tasks, its tasks are often on regular and continual basis. Since the job demands direct contact with patients, certified nursing assistants often make emotional bonds with their patients. In some cases, the nurses also get too involved or attached as well. The pay scale of CNAs is not that high, however the job can be considered emotionally satisfying and rewarding.

CNAs are responsible in carrying out different responsibilities such as recording and handling of medical reports and records of patients, and aiding patients to do their daily routines like resting, eating, toileting, bathing, and countless others. They may also be required to dispense basic medicines to patients but with close supervision from a registered nurse. Keeping a minute on the vital stats of patients is also the responsibility of CNAs, as they need to inform the registered nurses about the current condition of their patients.

Recording the patient’s blood pressure, respiration & pulse details, blood sugar levels, body temperature, and other observations is part of the job coverage of CNAs. It is also their responsibility to aid patients in moving and transferring from one treatment area to another one. Also included in their responsibility is helping the patients in carrying out their routine activities such as liquid-feeding with tubes, cutting nails, shaving, grooming, changing clothes, doing physical exercises and workouts, and many other daily activities. CNAs are also required to give emotional and social support to patients who are very bedridden.

Apart from aiding the patients on their everyday needs and routine activities, CNAs are also responsible in keeping the room of patients clean by tidying the entire room and changing the bed sheets. The tools being used by patients should be immediately sterilized after use and the sterilizing job is also acquired by the CNAs. The reason for this is that there are certain stringent cleanliness regimes that should be followed when cleaning and sterilizing the tools to avoid possible infections or transfer of disease. A detailed record of the nutritional routines followed by patients should be maintained by CNAs as well.

Readying the patients prior to surgery or treatment procedures is also an important responsibility of CNAs. They must ensure the safety of the patients and should report to appropriate authorities for any conditions that are unsafe. As part of their responsibility, they can also mentor and train freshly hired CNAs on how to carry out obligations for the job. CNAs also have the opportunity to advance their medical career by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). They achieve this career advancement by undergoing required certifications and trainings.