What is a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA as they’re known, performs basic patient care procedures under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Although they are mandated by law to perform basic tasks, nursing assistants have the privilege to directly interact with the patients. Therefore, CNA certification is required to ensure that patients will receive quality care only from highly-trained nursing assistants.
Also known as a home health aide or patient care assistant, a CNA is trained to work within a wide variety of settings ranging from hospitals and nursing homes to assisted living facilities and personal homes. Fulfilling yet challenging, the role of a Certified Nursing Assistant is considered a ticket to higher, more advanced health careers.

CNA and the Nursing Industry

CNA training continues to expand as the need for competent health aides remains strong. In fact, recent trends predict a 26% job growth for Certified Nursing Assistants and 49% for home health aides to 2016. As a result, CNA remains an ideal entry point for professionals who want to establish a career in the health care industry.

Most hospitals have high CNA turnover rates so the demand for newly trained nursing aides is almost endless. Certified Nursing Assistants usually leave the profession to advance themselves in the professional ladder. Registered nurses and nursing assistants are both exposed to the same stressors. Therefore, aspiring nursing assistants must learn how to develop strong work ethics early in the CNA training phase.

Roles and Responsibilities

A nursing assistant is delegated by LPNs or RNs to perform basic bedside care. CNA-to-patient interaction is a delicate process, which is why trainings and certifications are required by law.
In terms of role, CNA training is different from orderlies and medical assistants. Orderlies are responsible for handling equipment maintenance, wheelchair issuance and other daily operations. Medical aides work directly under the physician but unlike nursing assistants, they don’t require any certification.
The basic responsibilities of a CNA are as follows:

• Patient turning and repositioning - To prevent bed sores among post-operative and bed-ridden patients, nursing assistants are tasked to reposition the patient every 2 hours. Safety of both the patient and CNA is a primary concern so basic principles in proper body alignment must always be observed.
• Vital signs - Vital signs taking and monitoring are basic procedures that are crucial for a comprehensive patientassessment. Vital signs include the body temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate and blood pressure.
• Hygiene -To ensure patient’s quality of life, nursing aides alsohelp in maintaining hygiene at all times. From shampooing to basic oral care, nursing aides are responsible for keeping the patients clean and comfortable.

Education and Certification

Depending on your location, a State Licensing Board usually requires an aspiring CNA to pass a certification exam. This certification only comes after one successfully completes the CNA training required by law. However, the training period only lasts between 6 and 12 weeks so transition to employment is easier compared to most other health care fields.
CNA online classes are also available for those who currently hold a full-time job but planning to work as CNA. For those who are interested, CNA classes are usually offered by technical or vocational schools for a minimum of 75 hours.