Caring for a loved one can take an enormous toll on family caregivers. Fortunately, health professionals like a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can help family caregivers provide the practical and medical care their loved one needs. Some family caregivers may even choose to become Certified Nursing Assistants. So what are the primary CNA duties, and what types of CNA classes are required for certification?
As the population ages, the need for qualified in-home caregivers grows. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) gives direct care to adults with disabilities or severe illnesses and seniors. CNAs play an essential role in patient care, from helping with daily activities such as grooming and bathing to keeping records and communicating with other healthcare professionals. CNA duties also include monitoring vital signs and managing prescriptions. Learn more about CNA duties, skills, CNA classes, and qualifications of this essential medical profession.
Many family caregivers look to professionals to help care for their loved ones. For seniors who value staying in their homes, having an in-home health professional help with daily tasks and medical care gives them much-needed independence. Seniors in skilled nursing facilities and assisted living also benefit from the support of qualified CNAs.
Certified Nursing Assistants provide primary clinical care to patients in various settings. They may work in a hospital, in the home, at a skilled nursing facility, or in another healthcare setting. Besides medical care, a CNA may complete other tasks like food preparation or providing companionship. The primary job of a CNA is to ensure the safety and well-being of the care recipient. Everyday CNA duties include several essential tasks, including the following:
CNAs must work flexibly and be attentive to the needs of their patients. It is a rewarding position that requires compassion, empathy, and patience. Good communication helps build camaraderie between the care recipient and the CNA. Family caregivers may work with the CNA to coordinate their loved one's overall medical care. A CNA can be invaluable to a family.
Becoming a CNA involves several steps. Complete CNA classes and a training program and pass an examination before earning certification. Usually, the requirements include at least 75 hours of instruction. Afterward, complete Continuing Education Units for licensure renewal. Most states require background checks and fingerprinting before the start of employment. Take CNA classes and certification at:
On certification, start working as a CNA in the healthcare industry. To become a successful CNA, skills like compassion, physical strength, excellent communication skills, and problem-solving are necessary. CNAs must handle difficult situations without experiencing too much stress or mental strain. Consistently demonstrate respect for clients' privacy and dignity throughout their job duties.
CNAs work in several different settings. Some popular places to start include advocacy groups, skilled nursing facilities, and healthcare agencies. The field has competitive pay, and many states desperately demand qualified healthcare professionals. With the pandemic, many nurses and doctors retired or left the field. Meanwhile, an aging population and the growth in disabilities nationwide mean that job openings exist in nearly every city.
For many reasons, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can be rewarding. Here are some of the benefits of becoming a CNA:
There is a high demand in the healthcare industry, with job growth expected to be faster than average in the coming years, meaning that many job opportunities are available for those who become CNAs.
The training period for becoming a CNA is relatively short compared to other healthcare professions. Depending on the state and program, it can take as little as a few weeks to complete the training.
CNAs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare agencies, allowing for a lot of flexibility in terms of where and how you work.
Becoming a CNA can be a stepping stone to a career in nursing or other healthcare professions. Many CNAs pursue further education and training to become registered nurses or other healthcare professionals.
CNAs provide essential care and support to patients, which can be a rewarding and meaningful job for those who enjoy helping others.
The average hourly wage for CNAs is above minimum wage, and many employers offer benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
A qualified certified nursing assistant (CNA) can be a valuable resource for an unpaid family caregiver in a number of ways. Here are some examples:
One of the most important ways a CNA can help an unpaid family caregiver is by providing respite care. This means taking over the caregiving duties for a short period, giving the family caregiver a break. This can be especially important for caregivers feeling overwhelmed or burned out.
CNAs are trained to help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. By assisting with these tasks, CNAs can help reduce the caregiver's workload and ensure that the recipient receives proper care.
CNAs are trained to monitor vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, and to recognize signs of distress or illness. By tracking the care recipient's health, CNAs can alert the family caregiver to potential health problems, allowing them to take action before the situation becomes more serious.
Caregiving can be emotionally taxing, and CNAs are trained to provide emotional support to their patients. By providing emotional support to the care recipient, CNAs can help reduce the burden on the family caregiver.
CNAs are trained to provide advice and education on various caregiving topics, including proper nutrition, medication management, and wound care. By offering advice and instruction, CNAs can help family caregivers feel more confident in their caregiving abilities.
Overall, a qualified CNA can be a valuable asset to an unpaid family caregiver, providing practical assistance, emotional support, and peace of mind.
Becoming a CNA requires some training but less than other healthcare professionals. Finding a good position in a nursing facility, advocacy agency, or as an in-home healthcare CNA provides much-needed care for seniors and extra help for family caregivers.
