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Importance of Certified Nurse Assistants in Healthcare

Mar 18, 2024

Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) play a crucial role in healthcare settings, serving as essential members of the healthcare team. Their responsibilities are diverse and impactful, contributing significantly to patient care and overall healthcare outcomes.

Skills and Competencies Taught in Certified Nurse Assistant Training

CNAs undergo training that prepares them with a diverse set of skills in order to provide care to patients.

  • CNAs are trained to accurately measure and record vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. They learn how to use various medical devices such as thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, and pulse oximeters to monitor these vitals signs.
  • Certified Nurse Assistants are taught proper techniques for assisting patients with person hygiene tasks such as bathing, grooming, oral assistants and using the restroom. Learning how to respect patients' privacy and dignity while providing assistant with these tasks is high important.
  • Learning how to assist patients with activities of daily living, including daily diving, including dressing, feeding, mobility and transferring. They are trained to use assistive devices safely, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and mechanical lifts, to support patients with mobility impairments/
  • CNAs receive training in infection control measures to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. They learn about proper hand hygiene techniques, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and cleaning and disinfection procedures for patient care areas.
  • CNAs receive training in techniques to ensure patient safety and prevent falls and other accidents. They learn to assess patients' risk of falls, implement fall prevention strategies, and provide assistance with safe ambulation and transfer techniques.
  • CNAs are trained to respond effectively to emergency situations that may arise in healthcare settings. They learn basic first aid techniques, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and how to activate emergency response systems.

Certification Process for Nurse Assistants

Becoming a certified nurse assistant (CNA) involves several steps, including completing a state-approved training program, passing a certification exam, and meeting renewal requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide on how individuals can become CNAs:

  1. Research State Requirements
  2. Complete a State-Approved Training Program
  3. Attend Classroom Instruction
  4. Participate in Certified Nursing Assistant Training
  5. Complete Clinical Experience
  6. Prepare for the Certification Exam
  7. Take the Certification Exam
  8. Apply for Certification
  9. Renew Certification
  10. Continue Professional Development

Career Opportunities for Certified Nurse Assistants

Hospitals employ a significant number of CNAs to assist with patient care on medical-surgical units, intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and other specialized areas. In hospitals, CNAs work alongside registered nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care, monitor vital signs, assist with activities of daily living, and support patients during medical procedures.

Nursing homes, assisted living facilities and long-term care facilities are among the largest employers of CNAs. In these settings, CNAs provide care to elderly residents who may require assistance with daily activities, medication management, mobility, and personal hygiene. CNAs play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and ensuring their safety and well-being

We have travel position all over the United States to kick start your travel career opportunities as a Certified Nurse Assistant.

Certified Nursing Assistant Training Near Me

While we don't know where you are currently living, we would love to help you find some nursing assistant training courses. That way, you can become a CNA in know time by attending a nurse assistant training program.

We provided a resource that allows your to look up Certified Nurse Training online by zip code, that way you can get your CNA license.