CNA Job Duties: 5 Things You Can Expect on The Job
A career as a CNA can be one of the most rewarding paths a person chooses to pursue. This is because the work that CNAs perform daily make a huge difference in the daily lives of their patients. You may be wondering though, what exactly does a CNA do and what are some of their common job duties? Well, we will help you answer that very question today. Our team is breaking down some of the common CNA job duties so you will have a better idea of what to expect once you’re on the job. After all, knowledge is power, and if you are in the early stages of your research on a CNA career, you will want to make sure you are comfortable with the CNA job duties you may be performing. Continue reading below to learn more!
CNAs Work Closely with Patients
One of the first things you should know about CNA careers is that these professionals work very closely with patients. In fact, CNAs may be thought of as the ‘first line of defense’ in terms of delivering safe and effective care to patients. We’ll talk more about this below as we elaborate more on CNA responsibilities. Many choose this career path because they genuinely enjoy helping and serving others. Some have even said they like talking with their patients and hearing their stories of their life experiences. If this sounds like you, a career as a CNA might be a good path to pursue.
CNAs Assist Patients with Daily Tasks and Activities
CNA job duties often include assisting patients with daily tasks and activities. This may include (but is not limited to) helping patients bathe and clean themselves, assist patients with using the toilet and getting dressed, serving meals to patients, and assisting them with eating (as needed), and helping turn, reposition, and move patients between their bed and a wheelchair. As you may have already guessed, the job duties of a CNA can be physically demanding. As a result, one should have good physical stamina, and be free of any restrictions such as lifting and bending. CNAs job duties also require one to be on their feet throughout the day, so you will want to be prepared for that as well (and have comfortable shoes)! While these CNA responsibilities may seem demanding, many take great pride in knowing that they are truly making a difference.
CNAs Often Serve as Principal Caregivers
Many choose to pursue a career as a CNA because they genuinely enjoy caring for others. For some, this could be because they previously cared for a loved one when they were sick or injured and it led them to realize that they had a passion for this type of work. CNAs serve as the primary caregivers of sorts for their patients. By this, we mean, that they are often the person that their patients will see most often. Sure, patients may see a nurse or a doctor during any given day, but when they have a need or an issue, the CNA will often be the first to answer the call. To fulfill the CNA job duties regarding patient care, one should be compassionate, patient, and have good communication skills. These soft skills are critically important for a CNA’s success on the job.
CNAs Monitor the Health Status of Patients
As we already stated, CNAs are often the first line of defense when it comes to caring for their patients. Because of this CNA job duties also include monitoring the health status of patients. This includes regularly measuring and reporting on the vital signs of patients. It may also mean assessing the general well-being of patients as well. CNA responsibilities when it comes to monitoring the health status of their patient includes not just measuring vitals and noting them in the chart, but also making the nurse or physician aware of any changes in a patient’s condition.
CNAs May Report to LPNs, RNs, or Physicians Directly
CNAs can be found working in a variety of settings including long-term care facilities, nursing care facilities, assisted living communities and even hospitals. In addition, depending upon where they work, CNAs may report to either an LPN, an RN, or perhaps even a physician (or any combination of these individuals). As we noted before good communication skills are essential for a CNA. This is a place where a CNA’s communication skills are also essential. A nurse or physician will need to be updated regarding any change in a patient’s condition so their plan of care can be adjusted (if needed). This may mean that the CNA’s quick action in noticing a change in a patient’s condition and reporting it accordingly can ensure that they get the care most relevant to their current condition or situation.
The Nurse Aide program at Training Direct
If you think you are ready to tackle CNA job duties and pursue a rewarding new career in healthcare, a good first step is to evaluate your options when it comes to training. The Nurse Aide program offered at Training Direct in Bridgeport, CT and Danbury, CT can help you prepare to pursue a career as a CNA. The Nurse Aide program provides students with both classroom instruction as well as opportunities for hands-on training and practices so they may develop the skills needed to provide safe and effective care as a CNA. The Nurse Aide program at Training Direct is designed to be completed in as little as 3-4 weeks, and day, evening, and weekend classes are available (although schedule availability will vary by location). If you are ready to pursue a career as a CNA, contact Training Direct today to learn more about the Nurse Aide program!
