What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, is a person who assists patients or clients with healthcare needs under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Also known as a Nursing Assistant (NA) a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) or a State Tested Nurse Aid (STNA), the individual who carries this title also carries a high level of experience and ability; however, issues of liability and legality prevent the CNA from performing certain procedures.

Role of the CNA

Your title as a nursing assistant will vary depending upon where you work or live. In addition to the number of titles, nursing assistants can work in a wide variety of settings. Nursing homes, hospitals, adult day care centers, personal homes and assisted living facilities all require nursing assistants to act as a helpful liaison between the RN or LPN and the patient. In many cases, the nursing assistant serves as the RN’s or LPN’s eyes and ears.

The nursing assistant provides basic needs for patients of any age, ethnicity or gender as they work under supervision. Since nursing assistants have daily contact with patients, they are key to providing vital information about the patients’ conditions to their supervisors. This job sometimes is difficult, because the workload can become intense and fast-paced. But, many CNAs profess that this job is rewarding. A desire to help people and compassion for patients helps the nursing assistant during difficult days.

Becoming a CNA

The successful CNA usually is engaged with patients and supervisors and feels essential to patients’ health conditions. Good interpersonal skills with an emphasis on being a team player are especially valuable traits for all health care workers, along with good training.

Most training for the CNA is accomplished through programs offered by the Red Cross, community colleges, online schools and through medical facilities. The latter option provides on-the-job training that is valuable for any nursing assistant. Many schools offer training within medical facilities as part of their course programs as well. All CNAs must take an examination before they become qualified nursing assistants.

CNAs and the Nursing Industry

Nursing shortages provide the nursing assistant many challenges, and turnover rates for this profession are high because of this shortage. On the other hand, this shortage provides more jobs for those who are intent on working in this job. The demand for CNAs is high, especially among those institutions that provide quality care to the elderly. Many health care facilities recognize the important role that a qualified and compassionate CNA can play in their quality of care offered. Additionally, a CNA can find support through organizations such as the National Association of Health Care Assistants.

The important thing to remember is that every state is different in regards to amount of time required for training and testing and the type of environment where you’d like to work. Before you begin your nursing assistant training, contact your State Nurse Aide Registry and/or State Licensing Board to learn about their requirements. You also might check the requirements for nursing assistants in any state where you’d like to work to make sure you meet those qualifications.

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