A CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant works closely with patients and provides them with basic, immediate care. The role of a CNA is not one to be taken lightly as they are usually the ones who spend the most time with the patients, apart from the nurses themselves. Working as a CNA in a hospital requires a certain fondness for people and a willingness to help those in need. Typically, CNAs should be compassionate, caring, and empathetic people who are capable of building true emotional connections with their patients.
Here are some roles and duties of a CNA at a hospital setting:
- Taking vital signs. These include checking temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. CNAs will need to document these numbers and alert the nurse or doctor if something seems amiss.
- Physically attend to patients, which includes turning them on their sides in bed, helping them get up and walk to the lavatory, bathing and dressing them, and generally helping them to move around. The CNA will also help patients shave, trim their nails, and brush their teeth if they are physically incapable to do so themselves.
- Keeping patients’ rooms clean and orderly. CNAs will regularly be in charge of changing linens and keeping their surroundings tidy. Unlike hotel staff, CNAs provide more than your regular turndown service. Cleaning patients’ rooms also allow them to ask patients about how they are doing and observe them for any unusual behaviors. Some people may be hesitant to complain to their doctor, hence having a friendly face to chat with might help them voice out their concerns more easily.
- Bringing patients their meals. Some patients might need to have their food and drink intakes monitored. It is usually the CNA’s job to take note of how much or how little their patient takes in. Consequently, it’s also the CNA’s duty to monitor the patient’s urine or fecal output, if needed.
- Answering patients’ calls. Sometimes, a patient will just need help sitting up or opening their pack of pudding. A CNA will provide these small conveniences for them. Technical expertise and skills are critical to being a CNA, but a warm human touch is sometimes all that a patient needs.
- Assist with certain medical procedures. CNAs can also be trained to help doctors and nurses with physical tasks that are tricky to perform alone. These tasks can include setting up medical equipment or preparing the patient for a diagnostic exam.
- Dressing patients’ wounds. As part of their grooming, CNAs also change patients’ dressings and make sure that their wounds are clean every day.
Due to the nature of their work, CNAs usually end up forming a bond with their patients. They will come to know their usual behaviors and moods. Thus, they might be the first ones to notice any deviations before the patient even complains about any symptoms. Having competent, professional CNAs within the healthcare team helps all team members do their duties more efficiently. But most importantly, a compassionate CNA will help to boost the patients’ trust in the system.
For further information about becoming a CNA, reach us at:
CNA TRAINING INSTITUTE,INC
140 Eldridge Road # G, Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone: (346) 812 - 0147
Phone: (281) 201 - 2678
https://cnatraininginstitute.org/
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