DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CERTIFIED NURSING ASSITANTS

Each year, there are increasing number of students who enrol in Certified Nursing Assistant Program in different school and colleges. The occupation seems to be very demanding these years as more health care team members are needed in different health care settings. This is to cater the needs of each patient especially those in nursing homes. A CNA must be patient, sympathetic and is willing to adapt to different situations. However, their job description may vary depending on the employer, type of health care setting and different CNA training accomplished by the individual. The more additional CNA training he acquires, the more extensive his duties is, and the higher salary he gets.

Certified Nursing Assistant works with the nurse in securing the needs of the patients. They provide security to patients as they will help them in accomplishing their daily activities, and assist them in their hygiene practices. Because nurses’ tasks focus more on carrying the doctor’s order and performing medical procedures, nursing assistants are trained in taking and recording the patient’s vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate). With proper CNA training, certified nursing assistants may also deal patients with bladder and bowel problems through performing catheterization. They may even take and monitor blood sugar levels of patient. They may also ask to monitor the Intake and Output (I&O) of the patients. This is by asking the patient how much he eats, how many times he urinates and other necessary measurements. On the other hand, Certified Nursing Assistants are also involved in janitorial tasks. He or she ensures that the place surrounding the patient is clean. Moreover, CNAs may do tedious activities such as transporting patients and changing empty oxygen tanks. They may also assist patients in exercises and reposition them in their beds. Some CNAs accompany patients in their therapy sessions and doctor’s appointments.