A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an integral part of any patient’s care team. CNAs famously “do and see it all” when it comes to caring for patients. But what does a real CNA job description include?
A CNA job seeker will scroll through many job posts throughout the course of their job search. It’s important to know what job requirements a CNA job post lists so you can prepare and develop your skills.
To help you better understand the job requirements of a certified nursing assistant, we’ve compiled five real-life examples of CNA job descriptions.
Example 1
A CNA is responsible for assisting with the daily life activities of patients. This includes serving means and feeding patients. It can also include ambulating, turning, and positioning patients. CNAs also provide water and snacks.
As a CNA, you will also provide adjunct care. This can include administering enemas, douches, and non-sterile dressings. It can also include surgical preparations and applying ice and heat treatments.
Bathing patients and applying restraints when required are also part of a CNA’s job description.
CNAs maintain the stability of patients. They check vital signs, test urine, and record patients’ intake and output. They’ll also record observations and report them to their supervisor.
A CNA provides companionship and support for patients. They can offer resources and materials, answer questions, and respond to patient requests.
There is a lot of documentation involved in the work of a CNA. They are tasked with completing forms, writing reports, logging information, and filing patient records.
Keeping that in mind, patient confidentiality is an important responsibility of a CNA. A CNA must always follow the policies and procedures at their hospital, clinic, or center. They must also follow professional standards.
CNAs participate in continuing education, read professional studies, and maintain their professional licensure to keep their knowledge current.
Overall, a CNA contributes to improving their nursing department by providing excellent patient care and documentation.
Example 2
A certified nursing assistant aids with the direct health care needs of patients. They usually operate under the supervision of a nurse. A CNA may also go by nursing assistant, nurse’s aide, or patient care assistant.
CNAs work directly with patients and nurses. They transport patients and help to move and turn patients as needed. They are also responsible for patient bathing and grooming.
Feeding patients and keeping track of their intake and output is another aspect of a CNA’s duties. CNAs check vitals, take blood pressure and check heart rates.
CNAs respond to patient requests, document patient information, and assist with medical procedures such as caring for wounds. In addition, CNAs are responsible for cleaning rooms, stocking supplies, and follow safety protocols.
Every hospital or clinic will have its own specific responsibilities for CNAs. But all CNAs perform important jobs that ensure quality and safe care for patients. The role of a CNA can vary from state to state.
Example 3
Certified nursing assistants assist nurses and patients with several important activities. They often work in hospitals, nursing homes, and medical clinics. CNAs operate under the direction of the nurse in charge.
Some of the typical daily activities of a nursing assistant include bathing, toileting, dressing, administering medication, and maintaining the comfort and safety of their patients.
The duties of a CNA also include assisting medical staff. In addition to providing direct care to patients, a CNA will be responsible for documenting patient information related to their vitals, food intake, food output, and medical care.
CNAs must follow their institution’s policies, procedures, and safety protocols. They represent their medical facility, so they must act with integrity and adhere to the core values and mission of the practice.
Example 4
A certified nursing assistant, or certified nursing aide, supports medical staff in administering care to patients with a variety of illnesses, injuries, and abilities.
The duties of a CNA include bathing patients, monitoring their hygiene, feeding patients, and administering medications. It’s also the job of the CNA to monitor patient vitals and report any changes to the nurse in charge.
CNAs are responsible for providing comprehensive, personalized care to patients, including the following tasks:
- Preparing and cleaning patient rooms
- Preparing and stocking medical equipment
- Ensuring patients get regular meals and take their medication
- Monitoring patient vitals and behavior
- Assisting with patient mobility needs
- Helping patients get exercise
Most CNAs either work for hospitals assisted living facilities, medical clinics, or home aide services. CNAs work very closely with doctors and registered nurses.
The overall goal for CNAs is to make sure patients get the care they need and feel as comfortable as possible. They also provide companionship to patients to make their daily life more enjoyable.
Example 5
A CNA’s main role is to provide the basic care patients need and assist them with daily activities they would otherwise struggle to accomplish on their own. This can include bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medication.
To be a CNA, you need to have the physical strength and endurance to lift, move, and turn patients who require mobility assistance. CNAs also need patience and kindness to care for patients and be emotionally supportive.
A CNA will also need to work with medical technology. They are involved in record-keeping, billing, and charting.
CNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Excellent communication skills are a necessity for CNAs because they have to report patient information to supervisors.
The primary role of a CNA is to meet patient needs. They also have many other duties that depend on their work environment and their authorization.
Some of the possible duties of CNAs include:
- Serving meals
- Helping patients eat
- Checking vitals
- Cleaning and sanitizing patient rooms
- Facilitating patient care
- Communicating with patients’ medical providers and family members
- Being a companion and friend
The type of patients a CNA might work with span a wide range of ages and abilities. It depends on where a CNA is employed. They may work in a hospital, a nursing home, or even a private residence.
Why Become a CNA?
Are you a person who cares about other people and wants to make a difference in the daily lives of others? Are you kind, gentle, but also competent and dedicated?
Are you looking for an enriching professional career that adds value to the world but doesn’t require earning a degree? Then you might make an excellent candidate for a position as a certified nursing assistant.
See here if you’re considering applying to a Certified Nursing Program.
CNA Job Description Takeaways
Certified nursing assistants provide essential care to patients with a wide range of needs. They assist with the medical side of patient care and provide companionship as well.
If you’re thinking of becoming a certified nursing assistant, it is helpful to look at a CNA job description to understand what the job entails.
