A Typical Work Day for a CNA
December 11, 2010
So you want to work as a CNA (certified nursing assistant). Caring for those who are in need is a noble and worthwhile career that can also bring immense personal satisfaction. Before enrolling in CNA classes, it is helpful to understand what a typical day in the life of a health care aid consists of and the traits that are necessary to perform the job.
Those that are looking to work in this field should posses patience, understanding, attention to detail as well as a superior work ethic. Due to a shortage of workers who have attained their CNA certification, daily caseloads can at times seem overwhelming. In order to perform at peak efficiency while maintaining the best quality care, the CNA must be able to prioritize his/her daily activities and remain focused on the job at hand. Although one’s duties will depend on the facility, all nursing assistants provide clients with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding and basic hygiene needs. These basic routines involve bathing either in a shower or with bed bath, hair care, brushing teeth or cleaning dentures, applying make-up, shaving, etc.
In addition to these tasks, Certified Nursing Assistants can also be responsible for such things as:
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Preparing patients to be taken to the dining area of a facility
- Change bedding if necessary
- Documenting the behavior of patients
- Reporting any changes in behavior to appropriate staff
- Provide emotional support to both patients and their families
Listening to each patient as well as to their loved ones is also an important part of the job and family members may have special requests for someone who is in care such as keeping their fingernails cut or tying up their hair each day, etc.
In all of this, nursing assistants have a duty to ensure that the dignity and confidentiality of each of their patients is of the highest priority. Accredited CNA programs will give students the skills necessary to perform the duties that are required of them. When looking for online CNA certification programs, it is vital that they provide placements for practical hands on training in addition to their theoretical classes.