If you are wondering “What is a CNA?” A simple answer would be that a CNA, also known as a certified nursing assistant is a person that provides one-on-one non-medical care for the sick, elderly and those rehabilitating from illness or injury. But there is much more to the what is a CNA than this simple answer depicts.
If you have ever been in the hospital or visited someone who has, you have probably met a certified nursing assistant. But what is a CNA? A CNA performs duties are to help make patients feel as comfortable as possible. They also serve as the liaison between the patient and the staff. A common thought is that the CNA serves as the “eyes and ears” for the nurses and doctors since the CNA spends more time with the patients.
While part of what is a CNA duty is to make the patient more comfortable. They also serve as the liaison between the patient and other health care professionals and they do perform a number of duties that can be summed up as basic care. Some of these duties include:
Serving meals and helping the patient eat if needed
Checking and recording vital signs
Assisting the patient to stand up, move or walk
Ensuring that the patient’s room and beds are clean
Helping the patient change clothes, brush their teeth and comb their hair
Record and report any changes
Bathing and cleaning of the patients
Interact with the patient by talking to them and their family
Assist in physical exercise and therapy, as needed
Making sure the patient is comfortable
Checking and re-positioning the patient to prevent bed sores
Taking patients on daily strolls or pushing their wheel chairs
Helping with any toileting needs including bedpans and urinals
Answering all calls by the patients in a timely fashion
Having an awareness of potentially dangerous situations
Documentation of all care provided to patients
According to data compiled by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median CNA salary in the United States is $24,400.
This places the Certified Nursing Assistant profession among the best-paying jobs in the healthcare field for individuals who have not completed at least two years of school, and ranks it ahead of the national median for all positions.
With that said, the actual salary one can expect to earn can vary considerably according to a wide range of factors.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Test negative for hepatitis and tuberculosis.
