Tuesday, March 12, 2013

What exactly is a CNA?

By Matt Chalifoux


A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA as they're referred to, perform general patient treatment processes under the administration of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Although they are primarily required to complete general functions, nursing assistants also have an opportunity to directly deal with patients. Therefore, CNA accreditation is important to ensure that patients get good health care primarily from highly-trained nursing aides.

Otherwise known as a home health aide or patient care assistant, a CNA is qualified to perform in a variety of environments which includes clinics and nursing homes to assisted living facilities and private establishments. Gratifying yet demanding, the function of a Certified Nursing Assistant is considered a springboard to greater, more enhanced health careers.

CNA and the Nursing Sector

CNA education continues to be increasingly available as the need for qualified health assistants continues to remain strong. Indeed, present market trends predict a 26% demand growth for Certified Nursing Assistants and 49% for home health aides by 2016. Consequently, the CNA designation has become an ideal starting point for many individuals hoping for a lucrative career in the health care industry.

A number of clinics have elevated CNA turn over rates. For that reason, the demand for newly trained nursing assistants is practically endless. This turnover is generally due to Certified Nursing Assistants leaving the discipline to advance themselves on the professional ladder. It's important to note that Registered nurses and Nursing Aides are both exposed to the same stressors. Due to this fact, prospective nursing aides must learn to develop highly effective work integrity at the outset of the CNA training period.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

A nursing assistant is assigned by LPNs or RNs to do basic bedside care. CNA-to-patient interaction and communication can be a sensitive process, which is the reason courses and accreditations are required by law.

On the subject of role, CNA training is different from orderlies and medical aides. Orderlies are responsible for handling equipment upkeep and wheelchair issuance in addition to other routine procedures. Medical aides work immediately underneath the physician however, in contrast to nursing assistants, they don't have the need for any official certifications.

Some of the responsibilities of a CNA include the following:

- Patient turning and repositioning: To prevent pressure ulcers among the post-operative and bed-ridden patients, nursing assistants are assigned to reposition the patient every couple hours. Protection of both patient and CNA is a major concern. As a result, basic principles in the right body positioning ought to be practiced.

- Hygiene: To make sure of the patient's well-being, nursing aides also help with sustaining cleanliness at all times. Ranging from shampooing to basic oral care, nursing aides are responsible for trying to keep patients clean and restful.

- Vital signs - Vital sign taking and monitoring are basic processes which are crucial for a comprehensive patient analysis. Vital signs include the body temperature, breathing rate, pulse rate and blood pressure level.

Education and Certification

Dependent on your location, a State Licensing Board most of the time calls for a prospective CNA to pass a certification exam. This certification is only awarded after one effectively completes the CNA training required by law. Having said that, the education time frame only lasts between 6 to 12 weeks so transition to employment is simpler as opposed to a lot of healthcare jobs.

CNA classes on the internet are also offered for people who presently hold a full-time job but are aspiring to pursue the CNA. For those who are serious, CNA courses are typically provided by technical or vocational schools at a minimum of 75 hours.




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