The job of a CNA or certified nursing assistant is an important and vital role within healthcare systems. These individuals are responsible for providing help to medical staff such as nurses and doctors, but also assisting with the care of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. Being a CNA requires an individual to have both physical stamina, strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle detailed tasks while remaining compassionate and caring towards patients.
Becoming a CNA requires you to complete specific requirements depending on your jurisdiction; these may include completing pre-approved training courses as well as passing a written examination. However, even if it is entry-level work in many ways becoming a CNA can serve as a launchpad into higher positions such as nurse practitioner, or health care management career paths. Through gaining experience in caring for patients one-on-one you can develop proficiency of related tasks like demonstrating equipment use, administering medications or treatments according to doctor’s orders and keeping proper documentation of patient information.
Source: wgu.edu
What does a CNA do?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) plays a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing patient-centered care at hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities. They assist in meeting the basic needs of patients by helping them with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, transferring, and ambulating. They also offer emotional support to patients who may feel isolated or overwhelmed. In addition to providing direct patient care, CNAs are responsible for many clerical duties such as inputting information into electronic health records (EHRs), answering phones and responding to emails. They must also be up to date on protocols for infection control and safety measures due to new viruses or bacteria that can affect patients’ health.
CNAs serve an important role within the healthcare team by helping nurses and doctors carry out their treatments more efficiently. Their physical presence can help make a patient more comfortable during a challenging time in their life. They must possess strong communication skills when it comes to interacting with both patients and other healthcare professionals; this is essential for reducing risks associated with mistaken patient care plans or depression among elderly patients who might have difficulty communicating their needs effectively. CNAs must also be compassionate and understanding when it comes to treating those with special needs.
Ultimately, becoming a nursing assistant is a great way to kick-start your career in nursing. The job can be both rewarding and challenging, as you provide much-needed care for patients and help keep healthcare facilities running smoothly. Nursing assistants are also able to develop their skillset and knowledge base through ongoing education and training opportunities. With excellent job prospects and the potential for career advancement, becoming a nursing assistant is a great career choice.
Source: wgu.edu
Instructions for Becoming a Nursing Assistant or Orderly
Becoming a nursing assistant or orderly necessitates training, education, and certifications. To be qualified, most states demand taking a state-accredited program, which may entail completing classes like anatomy and physiology or medical terminology, earning hands-on clinical experience, and learning how to carry out necessary nursing functions with patients. Additionally, an exam demonstrating understanding of safety protocols, proper techniques and patient care principles must be passed.
Orderlies typically need to have at least a high school diploma upon entering the field. Since orderlies are usually responsible for transporting patients and managing bedside care activities it is important that they understand basic healthcare concepts such as CPR certification and first aid knowledge. Upon being hired, employers often train orderlies on the job as they learn how to use medical equipment like wheelchairs or transfer boards so they can safely manage patient transfers. There may be additional instruction provided if orderlies are taking care of special needs patients. Ultimately, whether for nursing assistants or orderlies, prospective employees will need a combination of educational prerequisites coupled with practical training before entering this field of work.
Source: (bls.gov)
Nursing Assistant Jobs Annual Salary
Nursing assistants and orderlies are essential players in the U.S. healthcare system. They provide crucial support to nursed patients daily and work long hours to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. According to the most recent data from May 2021, the median annual wage for nursing assistants was $30,310 while the median annual wage for orderlies was $29,990.
These wages are among some of the lowest paid positions in the country, yet they represent a tremendous amount of responsibility and hard work. Nursing assistants and orderlies perform routine tasks under close supervision of nurses or doctors such as providing basic bedside care to patients, including bathing, dressing, monitoring vital signs, reporting changes in patient health status, and assisting with medical procedures. Additionally, they transport patients within a healthcare facility via stretchers or wheelchairs and cleaning equipment after use on each patient. The commitment of these professionals is so essential for facilitating efficient healthcare operations and providing quality patient care that it should be deeply appreciated by all.
Key roles for Nursing Assistants
Patient Care Unit Assistants
Patient Care Unit Assistants provide essential support to nursing staff by performing a diverse set of tasks that are vital in providing patient care. Their role includes a wide range of clerical duties such as data entry, document filing, and patient records management. In addition to these responsibilities, they often provide direct patient care activities including vital sign monitoring, helping patients move and change positions, bathing and feeding needs, taking blood samples and specimen collections, and observing changes in the health status of patients.
PCUAs understand how important it is to continually strive for excellence in their work as they ensure that patients receive quality service and care. They must be organized, attentive to detail as well as possess strong communication skills to interact professionally with medical personnel, supervisors, and other departments within the hospital setting. Because of the many tasks that need to be completed daily, PCUAs must have excellent organizational skills so they can manage workloads effectively. Furthermore, because the work is physically demanding at times – due to leading patients from beds and wheelchairs – PCUAs must be able maintain physical stamina throughout shift hours. In return for their diligence and hard work, PCUAs are rewarded with job satisfaction knowing that their efforts help improve the overall
Nursing Assistants and Surgical Technicians
Nursing Assistants and Surgical Technicians are highly sought-after positions within the healthcare industry. These roles involve assisting in providing basic bedside care, such as bathing and feeding patients, gathering relevant patient information (such as vital signs), aiding medical tests and procedures, collecting specimens for laboratory testing and disinfection of equipment, all under the supervision of registered nurses. In contrast to nursing assistants, surgical technicians are trained to assist surgeons in operating rooms by passing instruments, retracting tissue, and maintaining sterile conditions. As part of a surgery team, they may also help set up operating rooms prior to procedures.
These positions can provide valuable experience in the field of healthcare or even allow potential students to explore their interests without committing to a lengthy training period or degree program. Many employers offer on-the Job-training programs that help those interested learn on the job whilst getting paid at the same time. Due to their transferable skillsets many with these qualifications can move into other areas such as home health care aid or become licensed practical nurses if they choose too. These positions also pay a better than average salary depending on geographic area providing another incentive for those looking for employment.
Nursing Assistants without experience
Nursing Assistants without experience have an avenue to further their careers in healthcare with the Nursing Assistant Residency program. This two-week course is offered in collaboration with three local community colleges: Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, Harrisburg Area Community College, and Lackawanna College. Through this program, nursing assistants can benefit from practical hands-on training that teaches techniques such as changing bed linens, providing comfort measures for clients, and basic patient care. The curriculum also emphasizes teaching students about the emotional needs of patients as well as how to practice proper safety protocols to ensure quality care. Additionally, participants gain access to industry-recommended textbooks and continuing education courses so they can stay up to date with the latest changes in medical care standards.
Through the Nursing Assistant Residency program, prospective nursing assistants with no prior experience get a chance to jumpstart their career and gain valuable knowledge that will make them more competitive in the job market. By learning through hands-on training by experienced professionals in real world settings, these individuals learn valuable skills that will help them excel in this growing field. Furthermore, many of these courses are approved by state certification agencies allowing them to apply for licensure upon completion of the coursework.
Technicians
Technicians in the medical field can have some of the most rewarding careers that exist today. When people think of working in a medical setting, they often visualize a busy and stressful environment, but working as a technician can be just as demanding but also offers numerous opportunities for growth and learning. From surgical technicians to radiology technicians, these professionals are always on call to provide care and comfort to patients during medical procedures. Technicians must remain up to date on their skills and knowledge to maintain their certification and stay competitive in their specialized field.
In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for qualified technicians from all areas of medicine, including cardiology and radiology. With this increased demand comes new opportunities for technicians to become experts in their respective fields. Radiologists rely heavily on radiologic technologists for accurate readouts of readings from imaging technology used to diagnose disease. Additionally, surgical technicians must also stay abreast of new techniques and practices that help them provide high-level care for patients during surgeries. Becoming certified as a technician may involve additional training or homework such as taking continuing education courses or being involved in shadowing more experienced practitioners within their field.
Source: (jobs.geisinger.org)
