The primary tasks of a certified nursing assistant are to assist and work with registered nurses and doctors. They usually take care of the elderly, infirm or disabled patients and assist them in their routine daily tasks, as well as hygiene and nutritional set-up’s. The good news is that the training and formal education to become a CNA can be completed in a matter of weeks.
Specific Certified Nursing Assistant Job Description
Technically, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is the go-to guy (or gal!) for hands-on and routine care for patients. A CNA mostly works in elderly care facilities, medical and psychiatric hospitals. They are also known to be very effective as home help aides, providing home care services. They offer assistance for the day-to-day tasks of patients such as:
- Bathing and Dressing.
- Preparing Meals.
- Assisting at Meal Times.
- Taking Vital Signs such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate.
- Assisting Registered Nurses and Doctors with medical equipment and procedures.
Generally speaking, a nursing assistant is the main caregiver. This is also a great stepping-stone for people who are planning to advance their healthcare careers, or for those that are looking to become medical assistants, or registered nurses later on.
Certified Nursing Assistant Educational Requirements
The requirements for a certified nursing assistant career are not extensive. They also differ from one State to another. So before pursuing a course, you need to have a high school diploma and make sure to know the specific requirements in the State you want to start your CNA career.
Certified nursing assistant training programs are offered at healthcare trade schools and vocational or tech schools. The training will usually take a minimum of 75 hours, or range from 6-12 weeks, and covering subjects from mechanics and nutrition to theoretical knowledge and procedural skills.
Some employers provide formal training for their nursing aids. Specialized nursing assistant fields like home care services and psychiatric hospitals require their CNAs to have additional training and certification.
Certified Nursing Assistant Employment Outlook
With the elderly and home-based care sectors projected to go up 20% from 2012 to 2018, the demand for nursing aids and the CNA trade sector in general is one of the strongest industries to get involved with, with plenty of promotional and career growth potential. One top reason for this is the aging population in the U.S.. The certified nursing assistant salary rate is between $20,000 and $30,000 per year, minimum. Certified Nursing Assistants also enjoy a minimum of a week of vacation leave annually.