A certified nursing assistant is a health medical professional working in different health care environments such as the hospitals, retirement communities, nursing homes, and offices of the physicians.
Generally, they work under the supervision of the registered nurse as they perform direct patient care tasks. Among the responsibilities of the nursing assistants include the following:
– Taking vital signs such as the blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate
– Assisting with the activities of daily living like eating, bathing, and mobility
– Administering medications
– Attending to the needs of the patients.
The nursing assistants relay whatever changes on the condition of the patients to the registered nurse for further assessment to be done. In order to succeed as a CNA, there are a lot of qualities needed. The nursing assistant must have the organization, efficiency, and is able to do multi-tasking. The career being a CNA is a good choice for career stability and it is perfect for those who have the dedication in helping others.
It is essential that the certified nursing assistants know that they cannot practice on their own. Rather, they work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. The most common places that a CNA can work are the following:
Skilled Nursing Facilities – it requires a lot of work which makes it stressful. There are a few patients to care for so there would be several CNA’s needed to handle the needs of every patient. The best means of getting hired at this area is to do well and cultivate relationships during the clinical hours. This will get the attention of the employers. Be certain to inform the facility your eagerness in working for them and that you will submit your application once you obtain your CNA certificate.
Home Health Aide Agency – this facility will let a CNA handle one patient instead of 8 to 12. It is less stressful compared to working in a skilled nursing facility. Frequently, a 24-hour shift is available.
Local Hospitals – it is the best place for CNA jobs. Chances of getting hired may be little unless you volunteer at the hospital because you will be able to show your personality, skills and work ethics. Hospitals usually offer incredible benefits (Medical and Dental) as well.
Assisted Living Facilities – this employment will need the CNA to assist the clients with their daily routines. The patients at this facility are not as acute or time-consuming compared to the patients in the skilled nursing facility.
Pediatric Care – it is a sector that requires a training course of approximately three to four weeks to be able to handle pediatric patients.
Medical Transcription – a medical transcriptionist is responsible to convert the medical reports which are given by the physicians into official formats and documents that will be used by the medical professionals as they review the patient details. It is a vital tool to prepare the medical file of a patient and it needs the skill and knowledge of the nursing assistant in editing the documents along with the abbreviations of medical terms.
Traveling CNA – the certified nursing assistant performs duties by travelling to various destinations depending on the needs of the patients. The nursing assistant will not have a schedule and will only need to report to the places of the clients as soon as the medical team will call.