Many people are unfamiliar with the position of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). What does a CNA do?
We will be taking a look at the duties a CNA performs as well as taking a deep dive into what a CNA actually is.
Summary: Learn about the CNA position and what they do. If you want to prepare for your exam, use our free CNA practice tests.
What is a CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, is a healthcare professional that assists their patients with their healthcare needs or daily activities under the supervision of either RNs (registered nurses) or LPNs/LVNs (licensed practical nurses).
CNAs may also be referred to as patient care assistants (PCAs), nurse’s aides, or nursing assistants.
Many CNAs use this position to increase their medical and healthcare knowledge as they proceed into an RN or LPN career. Many RN or LPN programs require that students become CNAs as a condition of their program requirements.
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What Does a CNA Do?
CNA duties can vary wildly depending on the area of practice and the needs of patients at the time.
General responsibilities for CNAs may include:
- bathing patients
- answering calls or bells from patients
- gathering supplies for nurses or doctors
- turning or repositioning patients
- checking vital signs
- documenting provided information from the patient
- combing or shaving hair and performing other grooming necessities
- providing oral care
- cleaning rooms and bed linens
- preparing rooms for new patient admissions
- assisting with medical procedures
- dressing wounds
CNA scope of practice is determined by each state and based upon the exams required for certification. CNAs in a particular state may not be able to practice the exact same duties as CNAs in another state, although the two positions will likely be more similar than not.
CNAs can commonly be found in inpatient hospital settings, but can also be found in assisted living, rehabilitation centers, and long-term residential facilities.
How Are CNAs Different from Nurses?
While there are commonalities across the nursing profession, licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants are two different careers that work together.
Similarities
CNAs assist nurses and other healthcare professionals with clinical procedures. While nurses and CNAs both provide direct patient care, nurses perform assessments, patient evaluations, interpret labs, orders and patient data.
CNAs do not perform assessments, but provide skilled care such as vital signs, and patient hygiene, for example.
Differences
Licensed nurses earn their credentialing after college level programs and passing state licensure exams. CNAs, on the other hand, need a special certificate to practice.
This difference in level of education and skill level differentiates scope of practice. For example, a nurse may insert a peripheral intravenous catheter, which is beyond the scope of practice of a CNA.
How Many People Are CNAs?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 1.5 million CNAs currently employed in the United States. The position is expected to grow by about 5% over the next 10 years, which is on pace with other jobs in the United States.
This will result in an additional 137,800 jobs in medical centers across the country in the next decade.
As a result, those looking to become CNAs will experience plenty of employment opportunities once they achieve their certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CNA stand for?
What are some common CNA duties?
- bathing patients
- answering calls or bells from patients
- gathering supplies for nurses or doctors
- turning or repositioning patients
- checking vital signs
- documenting provided information from the patient
- combing or shaving hair and performing other grooming necessities
- providing oral care
- cleaning rooms and bed linens
- preparing rooms for new patient admissions
- assisting with medical procedures
- dressing wounds
Conclusion
Overall, becoming a CNA might be a great career choice for your future. CNAs fill a valuable role in the hospital and medical center scene, arguably spending more time with patients than other health care providers.
Without CNAs, hospitals would be far less effective and valuable to society. If you want to prepare for your exam, take our CNA practice test.
