Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are found in post-acute facilities, among other care settings. They are responsible for attending to patients’ direct health care needs and are often under the supervision of a registered nurse. CNAs are also referred to as nurse aides or nursing assistants. In most instances, they are responsible for the demanding physical tasks of patient care.
What are the Typical Responsibilities of a CNA?
Some of the CNA’s responsibilities depend on their practice setting. However, there are typical responsibilities of a CNA irrespective of where they work. The typical responsibilities of a nursing assistant include:
- Administration of nursing care to patients in different settings under the supervision of a registered nurse or other qualified medical professionals.
- Ensuring patients’ quality healthcare, safety, and comfort by helping out with activities like feeding, bathing, and dressing.
- Provision of basic medical care for patients, including medication administration, collection of specimens, changing bandages, etc.
- Keeping tabs on patients’ vital signs and general conditions and reporting to the medical supervisor.
- Ensuring timely reports and appropriate documentation of the patient’s condition.
Where do CNAs Typically Work?
Certified Nursing Assistants fit into several healthcare settings. Some of these settings include:
- Long-Term Care Facilities,
- Skilled Nursing Facilities,
- Nursing homes,
- Rehabilitation centers,
- Adult daycare centers,
- Home Health,
- Hospitals, etc.
However, they are more often found in rehabilitation centers, specialized nursing facilities, and home health centers.
What are the Requirements to Become a CNA?
There are specialized training and certifications required to become certified nursing assistants. The basic requirement is a high school diploma and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification from an approved CNA educational program. Some institutions might further require at least six months of experience in post-acute care or relevant in-patient care. A prospective CNA may also be subject to a background check depending on the state of practice.
What are the Benefits of Working as a CNA?
Due to the realities of an aging population, the need for quality care is increasing. Certified Nursing Assistants are currently among the most qualified professionals to cater to this need. This places nursing assistants in high demand. Apart from this, there is also a vast array of opportunities for CNAs across several healthcare settings, including working per-diem. Some of these per-diem opportunities also allow CNAs to design their work schedules based on their preferences.
Without a doubt, working as a nursing assistant is very rewarding, especially if you are passionate about helping people and giving care to others. As a nursing assistant, you get to work closely with patients, delivering care at the frontline.
So whether you’re looking at taking up a CNA role temporarily or as a long-term career, you can rest assured that it’s worthwhile. If you are looking to get training and certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse, a temporary per-diem role as a CNA might be the perfect role for you.
What is the Average Pay for a CNA?
Overall, a nursing assistant’s pay depends on several factors: education, extra skills, certifications, and experience, for example. However, the average hourly pay for CNAs is around $13.72. Some other important factors that affect the pay are the number of hours you work weekly and your location.
With IntelyCare, CNAs are hired as W2 employees who earn weekly pay that’s 25% higher than average with great benefits. See how much you could earn as a CNA working for IntelyCare here.
Looking to Become a CNA?
Being a CNA is not always an easy ride. The job can get quite physically and emotionally demanding. However, it is also gratifying. It also allows you to experience the fulfillment of putting a smile on somebody’s face and helping them heal both physically and emotionally. You get to offer patients comfort, kindness, and sometimes just friendly company. It’s also a great first step into the healthcare industry if you have further goals to become an LPN or RN, for example. If you are looking to take up a role as a CNA, you can fulfill entry into the caregiving profession.
Are you considering pursuing the fast-paced and rewarding work of a certified nursing assistant? Don’t wait! Join the IntelyCare team today, and get an opportunity to give care where and when you want!