If you have the natural ability to empathize with people and want a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, the role of a certified nursing assistant may suit you. Before you decide on any career path, it is absolutely critical to do some groundwork on the various aspects. What’s the role of a certified nursing assistant? What kind of roles they are expected to take? How good is the demand? In this post, we are discussing some of the basics.
CNA job description
A certified nursing assistant is mainly responsible for caring for a patient, and they are critical to the overall medical team. CNAs do a wide range of tasks, such as assisting doctors and nurses with selected medical procedures, cleaning wounds, dressing wounds, handling patient queries, keeping a check on patient’s comfort and health, documenting details of day-to-day progress of the patient, feeding patients, taking care of elderly patients, and maintenance of rooms.
How to become a CNA?
There are numerous schools that offer nationally accredited healthcare program for aspiring CNAs. The career path is pretty straightforward, compared to getting a doctor or nursing degree. Once you have completed formal training, you will learn a lot of things on the job.
Where do CNAs work?
Depending on their requirements and role, certified nursing assistants may work in residential care facilities for the elderly, daycare centers, and even rehabilitation centers. Many CNAs also work in hospitals, or at a physician’s office. Note that the role of a certified nursing assistant is not the same as a medical assistant. The roles may seem similar, as both CNAs and CMAs have similar background and profiles. However, there are stark differences too. CMAs are involved in assisting doctors and evaluating patients, while CNAs are involved in direct care for patients.
Should you consider becoming a certified nursing assistant?
A certified nursing assistant, owing to the nature of their job, are expected to be empathetic, must have good listening skills, and should be patient. They also must have great communication skills, and in times of emergency, they should be able to offer some comfort and help, before doctors and experts arrive. Being a part of a medical team is also important. Many certified nursing assistants work under experienced nurses, so you have to take orders at times.
As far as pay and growth is concerned, you can be assured that the demand for CNAs is only going to increase in years to come.
