Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are healthcare workers who typically work under supervision of a physician, a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN), and they provide patients with assistance in daily tasks such as bathing, toileting, dressing, oral care or eating. Additional tasks that CNAs do include recording patients’ weight, height and vital signs.
You can typically enroll in a CNA training and certification program either via the Red Cross, a community college or a hospital. The duration of CNA certification programs is typically 12 weeks. The program will usually include instruction in topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, infection control, nutrition, documentation skills and hands-on CNA-related clinical activities.
CNAs can work as CNAs permanently, or CNAs can continue their education in order to become registered nurses (RNs). In addition, keep in mind that CNAs are able to work in various types of medical settings. For example, CNAs often work in hospitals, hospices, doctor’s offices, medical clinics or urgent care centers. Other places CNAs might potentially work include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care agencies or day care centers.
Other Aspects That Are Relevant
In addition to meeting the education requirements, CNAs must have a deep sense of concern for others. CNAs work with everyone; they care for babies, children and adults of all ages. They care for those who are ill or dying. They even care for patients postmortem.