Certified Nursing Assistants Provide Comfort and Essential Help
CNAs help patients with direct health care needs, often under the supervision of a nurse. Certified nursing assistants may also be called a nursing assistant, a nurse’s aid, or a patient care assistant. CNAs work directly with patients and nurses, helping with the many physical and complex tasks for patient care.
- Turning or moving patients
- Gathering medical supplies
- Bathing patients
- Grooming patients by brushing their hair, teeth, shaving them, etc.
- Feeding patients and documenting their food and liquid intake
- Checking vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate
- Answering patient calls
- Documenting information
- Cleaning rooms and bed linens
- Stocking supplies
- Assisting with some medical procedures
- Safety procedures
- Transporting patients
- Taking care of some wounds
Different hospitals and facilities will have unique requirements and responsibilities for their CNAs. But in essence, certified nursing assistants help perform critical tasks that ensure patients are well-cared for and safe during their hospital stay. Checking vital signs, keeping patients clean, and other duties like this are extremely important for patient care and satisfaction.
Each state will have specific responsibilities that CNAs are eligible to perform, so the exact job roles may vary depending on where you live.