What is a CNA?
The need for Certified Nursing Assistants is continuing to grow and great opportunities are opening up for those who are in the field. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for nursing and psychiatric assistants is suggested to grow 28% between 2006 and 2016. This increase is due to the fact that the elderly population is growing and the need for care is going to be in demand.
The job outlook for Certified Nursing Assistants is a positive one but it also means more competition. With CNA Certification Training, you can start preparing for the upcoming job opportunities that will be available to you.
Nature of the Job of a CNA
Certified Nursing Assistants, also known as nurse aides, work with nursing and medical staffs in nursing care facilities, hospitals, clinics and private facilities. They provide hands-on care and perform various tasks under supervision. Nursing assistants are closely involved with patients and the tasks generally include the following:
- Helping patients eat, dress, get in or out of bed, and bathe.
- Answering emergency calls, delivering messages, and other communication needs.
- Serving meals for patients, making beds and cleaning rooms.
- Taking patients’ temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate and respiration rate.
- Setting up medical equipment, storing supplies and assisting with certain medical procedures.
- Observing physical, mental and emotional state of patient and reporting results.
Work Environment for a CNA
Certified Nursing Assistants take on many physical tasks and must be trained to accurately perform these procedures. Generally, the work environment in a medical facility has its ups and downs. CNAs enjoy caring for those in need and get a lot of satisfaction from providing care. However, the work environment can be a challenging and unpleasant one at times. Aside from the physical demands,CNAs must also be emotionally prepared when dealing with difficult patients.
Nursing assistants work with different patients including children, elderly and the very sick. Some patients are disoriented and uncooperative while others can be a joy to work with. Nursing assistants can work full-time or part-time shifts. Patients generally need 24 hour care which may result in long hours forCNAs. Shifts can include mornings, evening, nights, weekends and holidays.
Training and Qualifications
To become a certified nursing assistant, you will need a high school diploma or the equivalent. You must also obtain certification through a program. There are specific qualifications for every state and facility.
CNA training is offered at vocational schools, nursing care centers and certain community colleges. Once you obtain certification, you will be placed on the State registry of nurse aides. Some facilities may require experience before you work as aCNA. You can do internships to gain experience in personal care skills and more hands-on skills.
CNAs must pass State-regulated health tests including tuberculosis as well as criminal backgrounds checks. Other qualifying attributes for a certified nursing assistant include:
Patience, emotional stability, reliability, dependable, good communication skills, team work skills, attention to detail and a caring attitude.
Anyone who wants to become a certified nursing assistant is looking for a gratifying job that allows you to help others in need. Once you enter the job field as a CNA, you will have opportunities for advancement and career-development.