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Yet another indispensable part of an efficient healthcare facility, Certified Nursing Assistants make everyone’s job and the patient’s life a little easier when they assist registered nurses and doctors in ensuring patients receive optimal care. Continue Reading
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What are the typical responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant?
A Certified Nursing Assistant would typically need to:
Certified Nursing Assistants work in a healthcare setting under the supervision of RNs or LPNs. The work environment may range from hospitals to physician’s offices to patients’ residences. The patient population may also vary by age and specific health conditions
Certified Nursing Assistants usually work 32-40 hours per week on rotating shifts that include evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays. It is possible to work full-time or part-time; overtime work is common.
The work setting will define the nature of the experience even if the number of work hours is similar. A CNA working nights and weekends in a nursing home has a different experience than one working three 12-hour shifts per week in a neonatal unit.
Research suggests that flexible hours appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.
Finding a new job might seem challenging. Certified Nursing Assistants can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Certified Nursing Assistants are generally employed by:
Healthcare associations, such as the Nursing Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCAC), provide unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. They offer all the certification courses members will need throughout their professional careers.
Affiliated Certified Nursing Assistants may attend conventions, seminars, and dinners frequented by peers, mentors, and other industry leaders. The events help them keep up with the latest breakthroughs and developments in the field, including plum jobs.
Although it is an entry-level role that does not require formal experience, some employers may prefer candidates with at least one year of experience, especially if their potential patients need special and extra care.
Typically, Certified Nursing Assistant training incorporates clinical hours when student nurses work under the supervision of an experienced CNA to hone their skills and acquire real-life experience in working with patients.
CNAs will benefit from tasks outside the classroom that align perfectly with lessons inside it. One may hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.
Every applicant to a nursing program needs work experience in their local hospital, doctor's surgery, nursing home, or mental health trust. It will help them understand some of the physical and emotional demands of a career in nursing, build useful contacts, and improve one’s prospects of getting a permanent job.
Some teaching hospitals also offer work experience in their nursing departments, specifically for secondary school students interested in a career as a CNA. It can be a helpful way to gain insight.
The experience may also help determine whether the public, private, or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable opportunities for voluntary work in diverse sectors.
Even in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organisation that is of interest, so you can have fun while learning about yourself and be directed toward a future career.
Read about the profession, perform community service, undertake relevant research, and interview or job shadow experienced CNAs to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.
It helps document such experiences on letters of recommendation submitted with nursing school applications.
Since it is an entry-level position, the educational requirements to qualify as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) are not as rigorous as more advanced nursing roles. They may vary by location but typically include a government-approved training programme.
Aspirants begin with a high school diploma or equivalent and pursue an accredited nursing assistant programme, including classroom and supervised clinical practice.
High schools, community colleges, vocational and technical schools, nursing homes, and hospitals also offer approved CNA courses. They teach students anatomy and physiology, infection control, nutrition, ethical care, patient care, and elder care, and how to assist patients with daily activities.
The duration of the programme may vary from a few weeks to a few months, based on the location.
Recommended high school courses include maths, science, health education, introduction to health care, medical office, psychology, and nursing. English and speech classes will help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.
Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.
Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.
In general, aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants who have completed an accredited training programme must pass written and oral competency exams conducted by an authorised body to acquire due certification and licensure and be listed on the local CNA registry.
CNAs must also receive accredited certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), basic first aid and the use of AED (automated external defibrillator).
A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ across regions. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.
Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, increase your chances of advancement, and become an independent consultant.
Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires passing an examination after meeting eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, and training.
CNAs may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.
Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Certified Nursing Assistants who may become LPNs (licensed practical nurses) or RNs (registered nurses).
CNAs working with the elderly may take on supervisory and managerial duties as Nursing Home Administrators. Competent CNAs can aim to be promoted to the position of Nursing Director eventually.
It is also possible to become a Nursing Educator and teach in nursing schools, hospitals, public health agencies, and other professional education associations. Opening your own home care business and managing a staff of CNAs is a viable alternative.
Some CNAs seek a career in related fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or medical technology. Others seek positions in CNA scheduling or administration.
The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.
Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills.
Candidates with accredited first aid and CPR certifications and adequate work experience have the best job prospects.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for public well-being and career progression in the healthcare sector. It embraces several new learning objectives, educational methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT.
Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, and professional publications educate, influence, support, and foster lifelong enlightenment in all career-grade Certified Nursing Assistants.
All CNAs undergo on-the-job training immediately after their recruitment. It may range over several days or a few months and involve classroom or practical training by experienced nurses about the employer’s policies and procedures.
By the time the orientation process ends, the CNAs can perform their duties with little supervision. As they gain experience, their skill levels and confidence will improve exponentially.
Workshops, conferences, and in-service training provide further opportunities to learn and stay updated to maintain a competitive advantage. Additional geriatrics or emergency care certification will help you find work in diverse settings.
Learn from your co-workers, who may be invaluable sources of information and ask them pertinent questions to gain knowledge. Volunteer for extra work; it may allow you to experience new situations and gain transferable skills.
Aspiring LPNs must complete a one- to two-year programme, while potential RNs must pursue a two-year associate or four-year degree programme in nursing.
Bridge CNA-to-LPN or CNA-to-RN programmes, if available in your location, may award some credit for your CNA work experience, thus reducing the time required to acquire your chosen credential.
CPD also allows the regular renewal of desirable certifications, licences, and registrations.
Certified Nursing Assistant vs Medical Assistant
They perform quite a few similar tasks. Both assist doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers in providing patient care.
However, a CNA works closely with patients, usually long-term, and helps them with daily activities and primary healthcare.
On the other hand, a medical assistant who focuses on patient assessment and evaluation spends a relatively short time with the patient during their appointment or stay at the facility.
Certified Nursing Assistant vs Registered Nurse (RN)
Primarily, CNAs work under the supervision of an RN to assist with healthcare-related tasks and liaise between patients and RNs. Certification requirements and pay rates are other areas of difference between the two careers.
Certified Nursing Assistant vs Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
CNAs need only a certification to practice. LPNs, like RNs, must pass government-mandated exams demonstrating their knowledge of healthcare and the human body to acquire a license to practice.
In addition, LPNs can perform tasks, such as inserting intravenous catheters, that CNAs are not authorised to take up.
Certified Nursing Assistant vs Home Health Aide
Although they may work in clients’ homes, CNAs are usually employed by hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and the like.
They may work with multiple patients with diverse needs during the workday. In addition, they carry out medically-oriented tasks that their accredited certification and licence permit them to perform.
Without any clinical training (although some employers may require a certified medication aide certification), an HHA is limited to helping patients with primary home and living activities, such as mobility support, meal preparation, and housekeeping. Upward job mobility is also dependent on acquiring additional qualifications.
Although they cannot perform medical tasks for their patient, an HHA can offer medication reminders as part of their job. The significant time they spend with their patient creates a healthy bond.
Dress Code:
A white uniform skirt with nursing caps and hoses was the standard dress code for nurses in the past, but today most CNAs wear scrubs and shoes different from RNs and LPNs.
Employers prefer candidates who do not sport nail extensions, body piercings, and tattoos.
When employer and government guidelines allow CNAs to perform catheterisations, collect urine samples, insert suppositories, or administer enemas, they must use gloves, protective eyewear, masks, caps, and gowns to protect themselves from contact with potentially contaminated bodily fluids.
Current Scenario,
A sizeable ageing population with health issues that require medical care and a rising baby boomer population which seeks to continue working later in life with help at home or in retirement communities are driving the demand for CNAs worldwide.
Most CNAs use the position as a stepping stone toward a career in nursing and related healthcare fields. The experience gained through working with patients and performing authorised medical procedures allows CNAs to apply for and work toward an RN or LPN credential.
Those who realise that direct patient care is not their cup of tea can aim for alternate healthcare professions, such as health information management or health services coordination.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment
Freelancing CNAs have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, a full-time CNA has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best.
Florence Nightingale rightly remarked that “apprehension, uncertainty, waiting, expectation, fear of surprise, do a patient more harm than any exertion.” CNAs face the brunt of others’ pain, suffering, and confusion in their unrelenting endeavours to offer unstinting support and care to their patients.
Form vital, emotional connections with your patients and their families while building a thick skin and strong stomach to deal with anger and frustration usually triggered by a sense of loss, helplessness, and hopelessness.
A 2014 study revealed that 59% of patients preferred solid-coloured scrubs, while 95% voted navy blue the most professional colour for nurses.
What do Certified Nursing Assistants do?
A Certified Nursing Assistant would typically need to:
Accredited
