10 Things to Know About CNA or Certified Nursing Aide

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Being a nurse is one of the toughest jobs in the industry. Imagine facing patients with different health issues from different background. No matter how toxic their shifts are, they are always ready to give the best care services in the world. Deciding on becoming a nurse is just an initial step in this profession. There is still a lot to know.


Some people think that nurses are just a doctor’s assistant as portrayed in some TV shows and movies. However, in reality, being a doctor’s assistant is just a super minute task that they can perform in a hospital. One type of nurse that has been gaining a lot of population recently is being a certified nursing aide. What is a Certified Nursing Aide or CNA? Here are 10 things that you should know about and being a Certified Nursing Aide.

• CNAs work directly under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

• A CNA is responsible for a patient’s basic needs. This refers to their need of getting good grooming. CNAs help their patients take a bath and dress up. Further, when the patient needs assistance in eating, a CNA can do the feeding.

• Recording patient’s vital signs. In a medical team, a CNA should be able to provide physicians these records when they do their rounds of visit.

• When patient soils the bed, CNAs are expected to clean it up. Making beds and keeping the room clean are part of their responsibility. This personal care with their patients can somehow help the patient’s faster recovery.

• Preparation of medical equipment is under their tasks. It is also their responsibility to store this equipment. When they have proper training, some CNAs are allowed to help perform minor medical procedures.

• CNAs also play the role of a counselor. They are most of the time with their patients; hence, listening to their patients creates a strong bond between them. Their exposure to their patients makes it possible for the medical team to create a good plan for a particular patient’s full recovery.

• Being a CNA is a good training ground. The experiences one gather with their patients help them become better CNAs.

• The pay for CNAs is not that overwhelming. Most CNAs are paid on an hourly basis. Also, the rate differs depending on the state you are working.

• CNAs usually work for nursing homes, home health care agencies, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and day care centers.

• Being a CNA can challenge you physically. There are many tasks to be completed in a day. It could not be a pretty job as you have to do a lot of cleaning for the patient. The important thing to provide better care quality to the patient is to understand not only their case but also their personality and behavior.

To be a certified nurse assistant, one must be physically fit to match the demands of the job. The job becomes easier when one gets accustomed to the major responsibilities. Though the pay is not that attractive, the experience one can get is exceptional and helpful in one’s career.