HeartCert CPR recently began offering an American Red Cross Certified Nursing Assistant training course. The certified nursing assistant, or CNA, position is one of the most versatile in health care, which means that it is also a bit misunderstood. To help clear the confusion, we’re going to offer a brief overview of the common duties and responsibilities of a CNA.
Certified nursing assistants work in a variety of different settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities and private residences. Regardless of the facility in which a CNA works, their responsibilities are similar. CNAs are supervised by nursing staff members, such as registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.
Here are a few of the most common duties of certified nursing assistants:
Perform Daily Care
The most common and essential care that CNAs provide is providing assistance with everyday living tasks, such as cleaning and bathing, hygiene and toileting, transporting to and from activities, serving food and transferring between furniture and wheelchairs.
Measure Vital Signs
CNAs take vital signs such as temperature and blood pressure, which helps nursing staff monitor patient health.
Light Cleaning
As CNAs help patients with daily care, they will also straighten up the living space. Depending on the type of facility, CNAs may also be tasked with deeper cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens.
Provide Medical Care
Patients under the care of a certified nursing assistant will likely have a variety of health issues. CNAs will provide care as appropriate, and will also work to ensure that the patient’s physical limitations don’t create new issues, i.e. bed sores.
Listen to Patients
This is perhaps the most important task of a certified nursing assistant. CNAs tend to spend quite a bit of time with patients, and will get to know them well. By establishing this relationship, CNAs can identify potential issues and help patients get the care they need.
Certified nursing assistants are one of the most vital and versatile members of a care team, and they are also in high demand. Get your CNA career started with HeartCert CPR’s certified nursing assistant training course.
HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.
Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.
