What is a CNA?
You must have come across the acronym “CNA”. But do you know what a CNA in healthcare is, and how this profession differs from nursing? Let us briefly tell you about CNA.
CNA stands for “certified nursing assistant,” an entry-level role that provides vital support to both clients and nurses. From transporting, bathing, and feeding hospital clients to stocking medical supplies and logging client information, CNAs are on the ground working to enhance client outcomes. While a CNA is not classified as a nurse, this position is a fantastic entry point for dozens of different nursing careers.
What Does a CNA Do?
As a CNA, you’ll provide basic care and support for clients under the supervision of a licensed nurse or other medical professional, which covers a wide range of responsibilities. Here are a few of the job tasks and duties that you may be responsible for in your role as a certified nursing assistant:
- Answering calls from clients and making sure they’re as comfortable as possible
- Checking and monitoring clients’ vital signs
- Cleaning medical supplies and equipment
- Communicating clients’ questions and concerns to nurses
- Assist in dressing, bathing, and grooming clients
- Ensuring that safety protocols and procedures are carried out properly
- Following client privacy rules and applying professional ethics
- Gathering and stocking various medical supplies
- Helping to ensure that clients’ nutritional and hydration needs are met
- Keeping clients clean and attending to client hygiene
- Moving and transporting clients, such as helping clients get in and out of beds or wheelchairs
What Qualities Should a CNA Possess?
Being a CNA is a physically and sometimes emotionally demanding job that can place you into high-pressure situations, requiring a level-headed demeanor and the ability to maintain your professionalism even when the environment around you feels chaotic. You’ll also need the ability to help a diverse population of clients feel more at ease with procedures and environments that, for many people, can be stressful or intimidating.
These types of tasks call for a caring individual who possesses a high degree of empathy, exceptional communication skills, and great interpersonal skills. Here are some of the other skills and characteristics that a CNA should have in order to optimize their success in this career field:
- Being a team player
- Careful attention to detail
- Dependability and accountability
- Patience and compassion
- Physical fitness
- Willingness to engage in tasks like bathing and lifting clients
- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge of medical terminology