If you are interested in working in healthcare, one thing that’s hard to get used to is all the acronyms! CNA, LPN, RN – so many letters! CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant, and it’s a vital job for patient care in hospitals and home health care facilities. Patients rely on CNAs for various tasks. Those who take the time to complete the education program to become certified often find it challenging but rewarding work.
The Role of a Nursing Assistant
Whether CNAs work in nursing homes or hospitals, their primary role is to support a nurse in the care of a patient or resident. They perform a wide range of services within the scope of their job description. Medical duties include lifting and moving patients, fulfilling patient requests, and taking and recording vital signs such as temperature and blood pressure at regular intervals.
CNAs are also responsible for the personal care of their patients. They often assist in daily tasks such as bathing patients to keep them clean and comfortable, serving meals, and helping them eat and drink. They also ensure their rooms are kept clean and sanitary, and help them change positions or get in and out of bed.
An CNA must be observant and have good communication skills. As they usually spend a lot of time with their patients and often get to know them very well. Because of this, they are the first ones to notice a change in health or clinical status and must communicate that to the nurses right away.
How Are CNAs Different From other Nursing Assistants?
If you think the role of an CNA sounds a lot like a STNA or LNA, you aren’t wrong. They are very similar, but there are a couple of small differences. All nursing assistants go through a similar education and certification process and work at the same types of facilities. However, certification for a CNA typically takes about 120 hours to complete. It’s comprised of 80 hours of classroom work and 40 hours of clinical training.
We have Certified Nursing Assistants here are Mary T!
Working as an State Tested Nursing Assistant in Assisted Living
If you are interested in pursuing a position as an CNA, you may want to consider working in an assisted living facility. Nurses’ aides and nursing assistants of all levels can make a real difference in the lives of residents that live in these facilities. Medical needs are obviously important. But personal day-to-day comfort is arguably more valuable to those residing in nursing homes and other care facilities. CNAs spend most of their time assisting their patients in whatever they need. No two days are alike. You may spend one day using your skills to take vital signs. And you might spend another day providing emotional support to the family of someone who has passed on. It’s challenging work to perform. But you’re never bored!
Come Work For Mary T
CNAs are highly empathetic people. They seek out this profession because they want to make a difference in the lives of others. We expect the need for care workers to increase on a national level due to the aging population in the country. If you are a compassionate person who loves to work with people, becoming an CNA may be the perfect career for you.
Mary T is always looking for kind individuals who have chosen to make the care of others the focus of their careers. Visit our website to see our open positions and join our team!
