Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistant
A CNA or certified nursing assistant is an important position in any
hospital setting. CNAs have many responsibilities that make them an
integral part of the patient process in healthcare. While being a CNA is
often considered an entry-level position, it is a great stepping stone to
other healthcare professions. Being a CNA can help prepare you for
nursing or healthcare management work in many ways, and is a fantastic
place to start your career.
There are many duties for nursing assistants. A certified nursing assistant
helps patients with direct health care needs, often under the supervision
of a nurse. Certified nursing assistants may also be called a nursing
assistant, a nurse’s aid, or a patient care assistant. CNAs work directly with
patients and nurses, helping with the many physical and complex tasks
for patient care.
Some of their responsibilities include:
- Turning or moving patients
- Bathing patients
- Grooming patients by brushing their hair, teeth, shaving them, etc.
- Feeding patients and documenting their food and liquid intake
- Checking vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate
Different hospitals and facilities will have unique requirements and responsibilities for their CNAs. But in essence, certified nursing assistants help perform critical tasks that ensure patients are well-cared for and safe during their hospital stay. Checking vital signs, keeping patients clean, and other duties like this are extremely important for patient care and satisfaction.
CNAs can be found in all kinds of healthcare settings including:
- Hospitals
- Long-term residential facilities
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation centers
- Adult daycare centers
While becoming a CNA is a great job opportunity in and of itself, for many a CNA role is a stepping stone toward a career in nursing or other healthcare areas. Those interested in a healthcare career may start out as a CNA to make sure they enjoy patient care, and to start learning how to interact with patients. For those who start out as a CNA and really enjoy working with patients, their work as a CNA will help them gain practical skills and experience, preparing them to become a nurse. Work as a CNA will help professionals gain experience working with patients and performing some medical procedures.
Our Faculty
Certification Exam:
Graduates from the CNA Training Program will receive a certificate of completion. The certificate qualifies the graduate to take the Certification Exam through the National Healthcare Careers Association (NHA)