What type of nursing assistant can be counted on to come to work every day?
So, what does a CNA do exactly? Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, play an integral role in the healthcare system and have many responsibilities. If you are considering this profession, or want to hone your skills in a CNA position you already hold, you are in the right place. Show
In this article, we will outline everything you need to know about Certified Nursing Assistants. From CNA responsibilities to the differences between a CNA and a nurse, to salary information and ways to become a CNA, we have it all here. As you may know, the foundational role of a certified nurse assistant is to provide basic care for patients. But, there is so much more than that included in the job description. Let’s dig into the specifics of this important role below. What Does a CNA Do?CNAs often serve as a patient’s main caregiver. This is especially true in long-term care as a home health aide or in nursing home facilities. In hospitals, they tend to work hand-in-hand with LPNs and report directly to the nursing staff. You may be wondering then, what is the difference between a CNA and a Nurse? First, let’s review the hierarchy of nursing positions:
Below, we will break down the difference between CNAs and Nurses (LPNs or higher): CNA vs Nurse
What are the Responsibilities of a CNA?The duties of a CNA are wide-ranging. You will find CNAs in a variety of medical facilities such as hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, to name a few. Before we dive into the medical responsibilities, it is important that you know just how big a role communication skills play in the role of CNA. Because CNAs spend so much time working directly with patients, being able to communicate effectively with them, their loved ones and their treatment team is crucial. The best tips we can give current and aspiring CNAs is to hone your communication skills regularly. How can you accomplish improving your communication skills? Here are five ways: 1. Learn to read body languageBody language in a patient can help you see when they are in pain for example. Non-verbal cues are especially important when you help patients who have a hard time or are unable to speak. Understanding the body language of your superiors on the treatment team will come in handy in more ways than we can count. 2. Listen with intentOftentimes during a conversation, we are waiting for our turn to speak and planning what we are going to say. This is not true dialogue and almost always ends up in miscommunication and confusion. From now on, listen intently to the person with whom you are speaking instead of preparing your next statement. Not only will this tip help you at work, but also in life! 3. Over-communicate while remaining conciseThis may seem like an oxymoron but it isn’t. When you need to make an important point, make it in a concise manner. Because of tip #2, you know that most people aren’t truly listening and absorbing your words. This means you need to use as few words as possible, whenever possible. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t also drill the point home. For example, if you’re updating a patient chart with something important, consider bold or italics as a way of “over communicating” the importance. If you are sending an email, put the important piece in both the subject line and the body copy. You get it! 4. Write things downThis one is essential for CNAs. With endless moving parts, your day is already jam-packed with vital information. Taking notes not only gives the impression that you are carefully listening to people, but the notes are an invaluable resource when you have multiple patients. 5. Consider your audienceThe way you speak with your manager is different than the way you speak with a patient. The way you speak with one patient is different than the way you speak with another, depending on their age, gender, ailments, and more. Put simply, learning how to speak effectively to multiple different audiences – and knowing who your audience is at any given moment – is a valuable skill. For more information about improving your communication skills, check out this great article by entrepreneur.com. Now, let’s review the medical-related CNA responsibilities. They include:
What Does a CNA Do in a Hospital?CNAs who work in hospital settings wear many hats and handle the following tasks:
As you can see, the position requires that you for the well being of others. It is rewarding to work so closely with patients who truly need you. CNAs are “boots on the ground”; the position requires commitment as it is both physically and emotionally demanding. SEE ALSO: 5 Awesome Tips for Beating the Physical Demands of Nursing In short, the best CNAs thrive in their position because they are both excellent communicators and passionate caregivers. How to Become a Certified Nursing AssistantIf all of this sounds up your alley, you may be wondering how to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. We have you covered! Let’s review some frequently asked questions: How long does it take to become a CNA?CNAs complete anywhere from four to 12 weeks of schooling in a CNA training program. During this time, CNAs in training will learn basic nursing principles and practice hands-on supervised clinical work. They are also required to pass a state exam before they can begin working. While CNA education requirements vary from state to state, they generally include the need for a high school diploma or GED, completion of around 85 CNA training hours and passing an accredited nursing assistant program/state exam to receive their CNA certification. How much does a CNA make?According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2017, CNAs earn an average of $27,510 a year or $13.23 per hour. Where can I find a CNA job?CNA positions can be found in a number of places. Most notably, CNAs work in a long-term care facility like a nursing home or assisted living facility. It’s important to note that the nature of the job is demanding and like many medical professions, requires 12 hours shifts that sometimes fall on nights and weekends. In these positions, CNAs spend a lot of time with the same patients, further proving why a caring nature and good communication skills are important. You can also obtain a CNA position in a hospital if you are more interested in the medical side of things. For example, CNAs who hold hospital positions are often exposed to multiple units including the ER. You will still be responsible for basic patient care, however, you’ll spend less time with the same patients providing direct patient care in a hospital vs. a nursing facility or long-term care facility, meaning your days will be faster-paced and less routine. What are three tasks that nursing assistants are not allowed to perform quizlet?What are three tasks that nursing assistants do not usually perform? Inserting and removing tubes, give tube feedings, and changing sterile dressings.
What are three ways that nursing assistants can keep the noise level low in facilities quizlet?What are three ways that nursing assistants can keep the noise level low in facilities? By not banging equipment or meal trays, keeping her voice low, promptly answering ringing telephones and call lights, closing doors when residents ask, and turning off televisions when they are not in use.
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