What Does A Certified Nursing Assistant Do?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) performs a wide range of duties. In addition to bathing and dressing patients, certified nursing assistant monitor vital signs.

This involves taking patients’ blood pressure and temperature. They also keep patient rooms clean and may assist with medical procedures.

CNAs work under the supervision of a nurse to assist patients. To become certified as a nursing assistant, you must complete a comprehensive nurse aide training program and pass a certification exam.  

Job Titles For A Certified Nursing Assistant?

“Certified Nurse Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, State Registered Nurse Aides: They go by different titles in different states, but they share a critical role…Nursing assistants have a huge impact on a vulnerable population.” – NursingLicensure.org

CNA is a title used for “Certified Nurse Aides” as well as “Certified Nursing Assistants”. A similar but lesser-known title is “State Registered Nurse Aide” or SRNA. In general, the title used will depend on the state where you work. 

To earn one of these job titles, you must complete certain educational and training requirements. This process begins with the completion of your high school diploma or GED.

It also includes your completion of state-approved CNA training requirements. While the exact number of required training hours will vary, you should expect to complete between 75 and 120 hours of training.

Once you complete these hours, you will be eligible for CNA certification. Then you will officially become a CNA upon the successful completion of your certification exam. 

Where Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Work?

CNAs work in a variety of public and private settings. Many work as full-time employees while others work part-time or on an “As Needed” PRN basis. Some even choose to work in a volunteer role. The majority of CNAs work in one of the following settings:

• Nursing Homes: Approximately 42% of CNAs work in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Many provide basic care to senior citizens.
• Hospitals: Many CNAs work under the direct supervision of registered nurses in public or private hospitals. 
• Home Health Settings: CNAs are trained to provide basic care to patients recovering from surgery and those with long term care needs.
• Surgery Centers: Some CNAs work in smaller ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) or work as part of a mobile treatment team.
• Staffing Agencies: Nursing assistants who welcome the chance to work in a variety of job settings may go to work for a staffing agency.

A growing number of CNAs also work with medical missions and non-profit organizations to provide care to patients in global health clinics. This type of work often involves travel overseas and provides CNAs with the opportunity to learn about different cultures.

What Does CNA Do In Hospitals?

Most CNAs in hospitals work as part of a treatment team that includes doctors, registered nurses, and therapists. General job duties include the following:

• Ensure that patients are kept clean and clothed
• Respond to patient requests 
• Turning or re-positioning patients to make them more comfortable and prevent bedsores
• Listen to patient health concerns and report any changes in condition 
• Move patients from one location to another within the hospital

If you welcome a structured, fast-paced environment, then working in a hospital setting is a good fit. Be sure to check the CNA job description and physical requirements before applying, as some positions require CNAs to be able to help lift patients or medical devices.

What Is a Nurse Aide Training Program?

A Nurse Aide Training Program is a collection of educational courses and training that prepares a student to be a nursing assistant. Top CNA programs in Texas provide students with the hands-on clinical experience they need to obtain Certified Nursing Assistant certification or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification.

While no two training programs are exactly alike, they share a core group of learning activities that help students complete their nursing assistant requirements. When you enroll in a nurse aide training program, you can expect the following:

• Lectures by educators and CNAs with field experience
• Review of written course materials
• Audio and video training
• Simulated classroom activities to enable you to practice your skills
• Role-playing activities to help students develop their communication skills
• Guidance preparing for your certification exam

How To Receive Your CNA Training 

As outlined above, nursing assistants play a vital role in the health care industry. As a CNA, you will be working directly with patients who are often unable to care for themselves. Therefore, it is important that you are able to perform well in this role. And in order to perform well, you need to have the knowledge and training to confidently handle basic patient care needs.

The best way to receive your CNA training is to enroll in a nurse aide training program. Ideally, the program you choose will be offered by an accredited training institution with decades of experience. Most importantly, you should seek a program that will help you command the certified nursing assistant salary you are seeking.

Southern Careers Institute (SCI) offers a nurse aide training program that will prepare you for a career as a nursing assistant. Whether you would like to work in a nursing home, hospital, or a home healthcare setting, you will gain the skills needed to position yourself as a marketable job candidate.

To learn more about SCI’s nurse aide program, contact us to request additional information. Our team looks forward to helping you receive the CNA training that you need to thrive as a nursing assistant.

Sources
https://www.cnalicense.org/blog/7-common-work-environments-for-cnas.html
https://www.nursinglicensure.org/cna/nursing-assistant.html
https://www.internationalmedicalrelief.org/nurses-4/

Blog Disclaimer: Information stated in this blog is for general information purposes only. SCITexas.edu does not assume or guarantee income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Southern Careers Institute. Career and program information stated in this blog does not guarantee that programs and specifics are offered at Southern Careers Institute.