Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nursing Assistants, commonly referred to as CNAs, serve as essential support within the healthcare system, offering hands-on care to patients under the guidance of registered nurses or physicians. Their primary responsibilities encompass assisting patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating, monitoring and recording vital signs, ensuring patient comfort, and helping with basic procedures such as taking blood pressure or changing wound dressings. They are also frequently the primary point of contact for patients, offering emotional support, and promptly reporting any health concerns to the supervising nurse or doctor.

To be successful as a CNA, one must possess a keen sense of empathy, strong physical stamina, and a genuine desire to help those in need. Attention to detail is crucial, as they’re often tasked with monitoring patient changes, and effective communication skills are essential for conveying patient needs and concerns to other healthcare professionals.

Certified Nursing Assistants are found in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare. With their dedication to providing intimate, day-to-day care, CNAs play a foundational role in ensuring that patients of all ages and health conditions receive the attention and support they need throughout their healthcare journey.