6 Basic Responsibilities Of A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Becoming a CNA is an intriguing career option for many people looking to work in the health care industry. A person does not necessarily have to attend years of college to get the certification. The job pays well and every health care facility hires nursing assistants so there is always a demand for health care professionals. All these aspects make this job a safe option.
If you have ever wondered about the basic responsibilities of a CNA, you are not alone. Either you are considering this as your career option or just interested in their role, here are 6 basic responsibilities of a certified nursing assistant in Baltimore MD.
1. Assistance In Basic Living Activities
Being a CNA includes wearing many hats. The most important responsibility of a certified nursing assistant is to assist patients in a day to day life activities they cannot currently do. You will be helping them with changing clothes, shifting sides, walking to the toilet, and bathing.
The duties depend on the condition of the patients. If you are dealing with a bedridden patient, you will be handling the bedpans. They also take care of combing hair, shaving caring for nails, and brushing teeth.
In some cases, they assist in food preparation and feeding the patient. They also take care of dietary restrictions and allergies during food preparation.
2. Listening To Health Concerns Of Patients
A certified nursing assistant not only helps in the daily activities of the patients but also listen to their concerns. Consider them as a companion in the health care facility that can directly be contacted. They are ones who answer the patient's calls.
A CNA works under the supervision of a registered nurse so it is the duty to convey the health concerns to them. Talk to the patient while performing daily activities so they can be at comfort with you and communicate the issues they are facing.
If a patient is unable to speak for themselves, the CNA must note the signs and symptoms and inform the attending nurses.
3. Measuring Vital Signs
Measuring vital signs is essential to keep tabs on patient health. A certified nursing assistant is supposed to record blood pressure, pulse, weight, and body temperature during the day. The parameters can vary for different patients as recommended by the doctors or nurses. The training courses provide you the basic knowledge about accurately measuring these vital signs.
4. Housekeeping
A major part of your job is to take care of the housekeeping needs. A lot of people never think of it but CNAs spend a lot of time keeping the patient's environment clean. They are responsible to keep the room and bed clean. That includes changing the sheets and pillow covers.
When a nursing assistant is working in-home care, they also need to keep the kitchen and living area clean. Transporting the patient and biological materials from one place to another is also included in your job.
5. Maintaining A Link Between Nurses And Patients
A certified nursing assistant is a link between nurses and patients. You must have excellent communication skills to convey the issues and concerns. Observing any changes in symptoms and reporting them accurately to your senior is a vital part of your job.
6. Keeping The Medical Records
As technology is evolving the medical setups are changing constantly. CNAs also work with medical technology in healthcare facilities. This may include billing software, health information software, and medical record charting software.
In some hospitals or care centers, a CNA will also administer medication to patients without the supervision of nurses. This usually depends on the CNAs level of training and experience, as well as state regulations.
In A Nutshell
Most of the responsibilities of a CNA are directly associates with the patients. You need excellent people skills, patience, and endurance to become a certified nursing assistant. You are the working bridge between the nurses and patients. Communication is pivotal to your success.
Make sure you attend the best training courses available so that you have better chances of excelling in your career. It is an excellent way to advance in the health care profession.
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