What is a Certified Nursing Assistant
In a broad sense, the Certified Nursing Assistant (i.e., CNA) is someone who has studied and passed an exam which enables them to care for patients in various types of settings (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, in the home, medical clinics). Another common title used for CNAs are State Trained Nurse Aides and Patient Care Aides.
The responsibilities of these dedicated individuals can vary greatly. Often the CNA is caring for the elderly although within a hospital setting, clinic, or rehabilitation facility, it could be people of any age. Typically these health-care professionals are assisting a Registered Nurse (i.e., R.N.) with the implementation of a care plan that has been drawn up by the nurse but is based on the patient’s needs as ascertained and recommended by their physician.
The CNAs may check and chart vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, temperature, pulse). They can provide basic care of routine tasks (i.e., personal care, bathing, grooming). Sometimes CNAs are with patients to remind them of their daily routine (i.e., medication, morning wake up, bedtime, mealtime, change of clothing). They may check and clean patient’s medical equipment (i.e., catheters, hearing aids, oxygen tanks, glasses).
The CNA is the vital link and the eyes and ears for the nurse and the family. For example, the CNA may notice and clear a cluttered pathway before the patient trips and falls; they may inspect the refrigerator and cupboards for spoiled and outdated food. The CNA’s presence could literally mean the difference between life and death, or pain, discomfort and a safe environment.
Other tasks could include light housekeeping, meal preparation, and getting the patient’s mail or newspaper. The CNA may assist with writing a letter, addressing an envelope, or dialing a telephone number. The CNA might transport the patient to an appointment.
Companionship plays a central and important role because often the patient may live alone and have no family members nearby. It is important to keep them happy and safe and connected with the world. Sometimes just listening to them, watching television with them, or playing a card game can make the difference between a good day and a bad day.
Because the CNA may be assisting the elderly who are facing the decline of their faculties or people who are suffering from a painful injury, this vocation is often quite challenging. For example, the patient may resent assistance, become impatient, angry and perhaps even hostile towards the CNA.
It is the CNA’s responsibility to be patient and empathetic yet assertive in their role to assist the patient. Each new experience will implore the CNA to find many gifts and strengths within themselves that will enable them to meet each patient’s unique and special needs. It is then that the CNA, tired and weary at a long day’s end, will reap the benefits and rewards of their career.
They may have helped someone in a physical, psychological, or emotional way. They kept someone safe; they laughed and cried with someone. They quelled someone’s concerns and fears. But more than anything, they were there when they were most needed, and that is truly the greatest reward of all.
