The Responsibilities and Duties of a CNA
The position and duties of a CNA is a very responsible one and one that is full of opportunities with attractive salaries and a job that gives complete satisfaction as well. In fact even the education needed is very less with a minimum tuition fee. A career in CNA is today the most growing one and has a bright future. It is expected to have a steady growth in job opportunities in the coming years.
The Duties of a CNA
Yes although the job sound interesting and attractive, it is one of greater responsibilities as it deals with the health of people. CNA’s have to be extremely hard working professionals and should dedicate their lives to serve the people. They are trained to deal with patients who are suffering from various illnesses and emotional problems. The CNA’s work directly under the supervision of nurses and doctors and the job requires long hours of work.
Let us take a closer look at the kind of responsibilities and duties of a CNA they carry.
Personal Hygiene
This is the most important duty of the CNA. As we see in many hospitals and private clinics, they are always engaged in keeping the patient clean and tidy. They take care of the basic needs of the patients. This includes bathing them, dressing and also feeding the patients. They have to handle all kinds of patients like the elderly, handicapped patients, injured people, elderly residents of the old age home, stroke patients, patients recovering from severe illnesses like accidents, cancer, etc.
Taking Vital Signs
They have to note down the blood pressure from time to time. Write down the vital signs so that the doctor can regulate the treatment based on the readings of the vital signs. They also have to give medications that include tablets, liquid medication or injections too. They have to administer the changes in the patient and note down the development or the present condition of the patient.
Making Bed and Cleaning Room
CNA get to have a one-on-one contact with their patients as they are constantly in touch with the patient as long as they are in the hospital. They have to clean the room and bathrooms with disinfectant. They have to also change the bed sheets every day and keep the bed clean.
Providing Bedpans and Keeping it Clean
Providing bed pans is a must while on a CNA job. They should be available for the patient whenever they need one. They also have to keep it clean.
Record Keeping and Clerical job
CNA’s are required to keep a record of the activities and changes of the patients. They also take up phone calls and contact doctors when necessary. They have to record the food intake, bowel movements and even the medications as well.
Different types of health centers require varied CNA duties. There are various departments in a heath care setting like emergency care department, trauma unit, mental health care unit, pediatric center, cardiology department, ICU, psychiatric ward, neonatal center and many others. These departments need CNA’s to perform different duties according to the needs of the patient.
What is a CNA? Understanding what the duties of a CNA are can help you decide if this is really the job for you.