Profession Overview
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides essential support to patients and nursing staff. CNAs typically work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Care: Nursing assistants provide basic care to patients, including helping with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding.
Vital Signs: They monitor and record patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rates.
Mobility Assistance: Nursing assistants help patients with mobility, including assisting with walking, transferring from bed to wheelchair, and repositioning bedridden patients to prevent bedsores.
Personal Hygiene: They assist patients with personal hygiene tasks, such as toileting, brushing teeth, and maintaining cleanliness.
Monitoring Health: They observe patients for any changes in condition and report any concerns to nurses or physicians.
Typical Tasks During the Workday
Morning: CNAs usually start by helping patients with morning routines, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding breakfast. They also assist with mobilizing patients and monitoring their vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse).
Midday: CNAs assist with lunch and help patients with toileting and other hygiene needs. They may also assist nurses in delivering medications, changing bedding, and ensuring that patients are comfortable.
Afternoon: The afternoon may include helping patients with physical therapy exercises, preparing them for dinner, and assisting with other needs such as moving patients in and out of bed or chairs.
Evening/Night: CNAs typically help patients with evening hygiene routines, assist with dinner, and prepare them for bed. They also monitor patients during the night, answering call lights and making sure patients are comfortable.
Typical Work Week
Work Hours:
- Full-time CNAs typically work 40 hours per week, though this can vary depending on the facility and the scheduling needs.
- Part-time CNAs may work fewer hours, such as 20-30 hours per week.
Shift Length:
- 12-hour shifts are common, particularly in hospitals and long-term care facilities, where CNAs may work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (day shift) or 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. (night shift). This allows them to have several consecutive days off (e.g., three days off after working four 12-hour shifts).
- 8-hour shifts are also common, especially in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, with typical hours such as 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (day shift), 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. (evening shift), or 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. (night shift).
Workdays
- Many CNAs work on weekends, as healthcare facilities often need coverage 24/7. This means working on both weekdays and weekends is common, especially for full-time employees.
- Some facilities may offer shift rotations that allow CNAs to work weekends one week and have weekends off the next, depending on staffing needs.
Overtime:
- Some CNAs may work overtime, especially during busy periods or if their facility is short-staffed. Overtime can include working additional hours during a shift or working extra shifts (e.g., picking up an extra 4-8 hours or an extra shift during a busy week).
Education Requirements
- Education: Nursing assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Training: To become a CNA, candidates must complete a state-approved training program, which usually lasts a few weeks to a few months. Training involves both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
- Certification: In most states, nursing assistants must pass a competency exam to become certified and be listed on the state’s nurse aide registry. Certification requirements vary by state.
- Continuing Education: Some states require nursing assistants to complete continuing education courses and renew their certification periodically.
List of programs in Louisiana- Click Here
Career outlook
The demand for CNAs is expected to grow at a rate that is faster than average for all occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.While the job market for CNAs is expected to grow, there are also opportunities for career advancement:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): CNAs can go on to pursue further education and training to become LPNs, which typically involves more responsibility and higher pay.
Registered Nurse (RN): Many CNAs continue their education and training to become RNs by completing nursing programs and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Specialization: CNAs may specialize in specific areas such as geriatrics, rehabilitation, or hospice care for further career growth.