January 21, 2022
If you’re interested in having a successful career in the medical field, perhaps becoming a CNA is the right role for you. But what is a CNA? Often reporting to a registered nurse (RN) at a hospital or other healthcare facility, a CNA is an entry-level nursing assistant who is tasked with helping medical staff monitor and care for patients. As a CNA, your job is to perform important functions that help individuals improve their health and overcome moderate-to-severe conditions that may be hindering their overall well-being. Want to know more about being a CNA? Keep reading to learn about the CNA job description in greater detail, or skip ahead to the section you want to read by clicking on the subject links directly below.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA?
What Does CNA Stand For?
In short, CNA is an acronym that stands for “certified nursing assistant,” also known as a “certified nurse’s aide.” The main takeaway here is the word “certified,” which by CNA definition, means to officially be hired by a company in this specialized role, you are required to first complete coursework and pass an exam(s) in order to be considered eligible.
Now that you’ve been made aware of the CNA meaning and what it stands for, it’s also pivotal that you understand exactly what’s expected of you as an employee with this job title.
What Are the Core CNA Duties?
There’s a long list of CNA responsibilities that you could handle on a daily basis, but that depends on the following criteria: where you work, how many years of experience you have, and even the amount of trust your supervisor has in you. As is the case for most jobs, there are a lot of factors that must be considered when it comes to understanding your exact role and the expectations that are placed upon you within it.
For the purpose of this guide, we’ll focus primarily on the most common CNA duties to give you a better idea of what will certainly be requested of you from day one.
Performing Activities of Daily Living: Regarded in the medical world as ADLs – yes, yet another acronym you should know – activities of daily living are the routine tasks that every individual needs to do to take care of themselves, and even survive every day. Because many patients under your watch will struggle to perform such tasks, one of the main CNA responsibilities is helping patients bathe, eat, go to the bathroom, groom, and even move from one spot to another.
Checking Vital Signs: Especially if you’re working at a hospital and caring for patients in critical condition, checking blood pressure levels and heart rates is a must. Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff members will rely on your regular documentation of this data to help them better identify medical issues and facilitate the proper care.
Maintaining Cleanliness and Organization: Whether you’re asked to stock supplies or freshen up rooms and bed linens, the CNA job description is highlighted by keeping things clean, organized, and safe for your patients and co-workers. Embarking on a medical career isn’t meant for the faint of heart, as you might even have to assist with taking care of patient wounds and medical procedures.
Communicating with Family Members: Whatever type of healthcare facility you work in, being a CNA is always about helping people first. Some patients may benefit from good conversation while others may need more physical care, but all of them require good communication and transparency. In this role, it’s pivotal that you keep everyone on the same page with all the latest information, from patients to family members to your fellow medical team.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA?
If you’re considering becoming a full-time CNA right out of high school or college, or if you’re contemplating a career switch sooner than later, it’s good to know what you need to do before you begin submitting job applications. So, how long does it take to become a CNA? Well, it truly depends on your situation and where you live, but anywhere from four weeks to 12 weeks is a safe answer.
While you don’t need a college degree to become a CNA, you are required to participate in and complete a state-accredited training program to get certified. In addition to coursework, you’ll also have to complete a set amount of hands-on clinical work at a hospital or similar healthcare facility. And last but certainly not least, you’re required to pass a final competency exam that tests the skills you’ve learned along the way.
Read More: 20 Things to Know Before Pursuing a Nursing Career
Sources
- All Nursing Schools. "What You’ll Do as a Certified Nursing Assistant" https://www.allnursingschools.com/. 3 February 2021.
- WGU North Carolina. "What is a CNA? Job description and career guide." https://www.wgu.edu/. 3 February 2021.
- Bos Medical. "How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA?" https://www.bosmedicalstaffing.com/. 3 February 2021.
