The list below looks at specific CNA roles at each workplace. These CNAs assist residential patients with bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around. They may also monitor patients' vital signs, help them participate in social activities, and walk or wheel them outside for fresh air. Nursing home CNAs also provide residents with companionship and support. Specialty CNAs can earn higher wages in intensive care, surgery, and emergency departments.
Generally, residents in assisted living facilities and retirement communities do not need hour medical care. Instead, they receive assistance tailored to their needs. Some residents need help with basic activities such as bathing, eating, and mobility. Others can live independently but need monitoring for health conditions. In these settings, CNAs may also perform light housekeeping duties like tidying up a room and making beds.
They also help patients visit common areas and dining rooms. Like home health nurses , these CNAs visit patients at their homes. Becoming a CNA involves both formal training and passing a certification exam. You'll need to enroll in nursing assistant education, which can be completed in as little as two months depending on the pace of the individual student.
Unlike training for medical office positions, which may be completed online, nursing assistant programs involve both classroom learning and hands-on practice to prepare you for face-to-face patient interactions.
Federal requirements mandate a minimum of 75 hours of training for nursing assistants; however, those requirements can vary by state —some states require hours or more. Most states also specify a minimum number of clinical hours, which can be gained through a clinical externship. This hands-on experience allows students to practice basic nursing assistant skills such as:.
In addition to completing nursing assistant coursework and clinical experience, many states require students to pass a certification exam and background check before working with patients. For example, to achieve the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant credential, graduates of a state-approved training program must also complete a background screening and fingerprinting and pass an examination.
Nursing assistants who successfully complete the background screening and both sections of the exam will earn the CNA designation. Work as a CNA involves carrying out a variety of basic nursing assistant duties. These responsibilities can include:. These are just some of the duties you may be expected to perform as a CNA.
The job description and responsibilities will vary depending on your exact job, the patients you're working with, and where you're working. You'll also need to be comfortable working closely with patients.
You'll be interacting with them face-to-face and helping them function as normally as possible, even if they're bedridden. You may also be helping them with quite intimate tasks, such as bathing them or helping them use the toilet; so you need to be comfortable and discreet in doing this. Now that you have an idea of what the work entails, you may be wondering where exactly you might end up working. In This Article. The opportunity to develop personal relationships with patients and make an impact on their daily lives can make this an emotionally rewarding career.
CNAs also work with medical technology, like billing software, health information software, and medical record charting software. Your responsibilities may also include administering medications to patients or performing other specialized tasks, depending on your level of training, experience, and state regulations.
The personal care and interaction, however, is part of the role across the board. CNAs work with patients of all ages and abilities. Certified nursing assistants often work with elderly or disabled patients in nursing homes or private residences.
In hospitals, certified nursing assistants are more likely to help a diverse patient population with a wide range of needs. Their patients could be young or old, and likely recovering from illness or surgery. CNAs are primarily responsible for helping patients with ADLs, such as bathing, grooming, toileting, eating, and moving. Ensuring that patients receive appropriate nutrition can include shopping for groceries, preparing meals, and, depending on the circumstances, assisting with eating.
Certified Nursing Assistants typically work for hospitals, assisted living facilities, medical clinics and home aide services to assist patients in daily tasks.
They also help their patients by changing bandages and helping them sit up or move around. They may be responsible for acting as companions to patients and accompanying them on walks or other activities they enjoy. Certified Nursing Assistants use many soft skills and patient care best practices to provide a safe, comfortable and healing environment for all patients. Common required skills and qualifications include:. Certified Nursing Assistants must enroll and pass a state-approved education and training program before working.
A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is often a requirement to enter this program. Students train during the program, often working in a hospital or nursing home setting to learn necessary role-specific skills, practice patient care techniques and develop medical knowledge as necessary. After the program, students must successfully pass their state exam for certification.
Entry-level CNAs likely have gained directly relevant experience from their certification program. Others may have previous experience working in customer service roles or in a different role within a medical or patient care setting. For roles that work with patients with certain needs or have specific conditions, previous experience caring for these types of patients may be beneficial.
Both Certified Nursing Assistants and Registered Nurses work to make sure their patients remain healthy and comfortable, but they differ in their education requirements, seniority and job responsibilities.
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