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What is a CNA?

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CNA: Everything you need to know about the job

CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is an entry-level healthcare position, sometimes referred to as a nursing assistant, nurse’s aide, or patient care assistant.

CNAs are trained to assist patients with the most basic of needs, such as bathing and dressing, but they work under the supervision of a licensed nurse and provide assistance for both patients and registered nurses. This may involve assisting patients with everyday living functions, offering emotional support, and recording patients’ vital statistics.

What Does a CNA Do?

CNAs assist both patients and medical staff. They ensure that patients get the best possible care in their day-to-day responsibilities:

  • Collecting patient information (weight, height, medical histories, etc.)
  • Taking the patient’s vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.)
  • Assisting patients with daily living activities (eating, bathing, dressing, etc.)
  • Turning or repositioning patients who are confined to a bed
  • Answering patient phone calls
  • Providing emotional support to patients and their families
  • Monitoring the patient’s condition and reporting to the nursing staff
  • Helping with patient transfers to different parts of the facility
  • Cleaning the room and maintaining patient hygiene/cleanliness
  • Performing basic medical tasks, including wound care and catheter care

There are also additional tasks that a CNA performs depending on the specific healthcare facility they work in.

  • Assist with rehabilitation appointments
  • Build patient’s healthy habits
  • Support families and keep the patient’s environment peaceful during palliative care

The responsibilities of CNAs vary based on the state in which the work takes place, but it all boils down to consistently giving the best care possible.

Where Can CNAs Work?

Hospitals and nursing homes aren’t the only places one can work as a CNA. Someone can apply to different facilities depending on the pace, setting, and location based on preference. These are the common facilities where one can find CNAs:

  • Clinics
  • Long-term residential facilities
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Hospices
  • Private practices
  • Rehabilitation facilities
  • Adult daycare centers
  • Home healthcare
  • Mental health facilities

What are the types of CNAs and their specialities? 

Home Health Aide 

They live in the patient’s home, handling both medical needs and basic household chores (like light cooking and cleaning), and live with family members to keep things running.

An individual may be in the middle of sensitive family situations at times and work unpredictable hours, but caring for a patient where they’re most comfortable is rewarding work.

Is this for you? Let’s find out. Ask yourself:

  • Am I good with families?
  • Can I adapt to new situations fast?
  • Will I be comfortable with one-on-one patient care?

Hospital-Based CNA

They can work in emergency, surgery, or intensive care units. One of the advantages of working in a hospital includes the opportunity to work with patients that have varied medical conditions, allowing for experience to be gained.

Two of the most common challenges for hospital-based CNAs are working long/irregular hours as well as exposure to infectious diseases.

Is this for you? Let’s find out. Ask yourself:

  • Do I handle pressure well?
  • Do I want to use this experience to become a registered nurse?

Long-Term Care CNA

Long-term care CNAs work in nursing homes or assisted living facilities to provide everyday support for elderly or disabled patients. They do so much more than feeding, bathing, and dressing patients – they bring comfort and companionship to every patient.

Common challenges one may face as a long-term care CNA include dealing with uncooperative patients and managing the physical toll of lifting and moving them.

Is this for you? Let’s find out. Ask yourself:

  • Do I enjoy building relationships?
  • Do I have the patience to handle repetitive routines?
  • Can I stay positive when caring for patients with long-term illness?

Travel CNA

Travel CNAs are temporary staff in different healthcare facilities. They take assignments (often through staffing agencies) to fill short-term staffing needs or to fill in for those who are on leave. Individuals will be assigned to a specific facility for around 8-13 weeks. This is where they’ll get exposed to diverse healthcare settings and can gain intense hands-on medical experience.

Is this for you? Let’s find out. Ask yourself:

  • Do I enjoy traveling?
  • Can I adapt quickly to different people and places?
  • Can I handle the pressure of interacting with a wide variety of people?

How to become a CNA? 

When planning on becoming a CNA, at least a high school diploma or GED is necessary. It is also necessary to complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass the exam. Many employers also require CNAs to pass a criminal background check and become CPR certified.

Training programs and certifications for being a certified CNA vary by state, but they typically cover the same topics – patient care, infection control, healthcare ethics, and medical terminology. The program may last 4-8 weeks and in many states, and the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam is required. This assesses for theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Once an individual passes the exam, they will be added to the state nurse aide registry, and they can begin working.

How much can you earn from being a CNA?

It varies depending on the state the individual is working in. The following sources can be used to get a realistic idea of what one can earn as a CNA.

Being a CNA is a good way to start if you’re looking for a genuinely rewarding career that changes lives every day. Whether you have questions about the job market or you’re ready to see what’s open near you, drop a line to the team at De Vore Recruiting. We’ll help you find a rewarding career and a workplace where you can truly thrive.