ºÚÁÏ´«ËÍÃÅ

RESPONSIBILITIES

What Does a CNA Do?

A CNA’s common day-to-day tasks include:

• Assisting with daily living activities: CNAs help patients with their daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and more. This is often one of the most rewarding aspects of the job, as it allows CNAs to develop close relationships with the people they care for.
• Monitoring vital signs: One of the key responsibilities of a CNA is to monitor and record patients' vital signs. This includes measuring blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration rates. Accurate monitoring is critical for detecting any health issues early.
• Providing basic patient care: CNAs ensure that patients are comfortable by providing basic care. This can include changing bed linens, repositioning bedridden patients to prevent bedsores, and assisting with feeding.
• Supporting nurses and doctors: CNAs work under the supervision of RNs and doctors, providing them with critical support. This can involve preparing patients for medical procedures, assisting during examinations, and relaying patient information.
• Maintaining patient cleanliness: Maintaining a clean environment is essential for patient health and safety. CNAs are responsible for keeping patient rooms tidy, ensuring clean linens, and maintaining hygiene standards.
• Documenting patient information: Accurate documentation is crucial in healthcare. CNAs are responsible for recording patients' health information, including changes in their condition and any treatments administered.
• Assisting with mobility: Helping patients move is another important duty of a CNA. This can include transferring patients from beds to wheelchairs, assisting with walking, and seeing that they follow prescribed mobility exercises.
• Providing emotional support: Providing emotional support is a significant part of a CNA's job. Patients often feel anxious or lonely, and a CNA's compassionate presence can make a big difference in their emotional well-being.
• Administering basic treatments: CNAs are trained to administer certain basic treatments such as applying dressings, performing range-of-motion exercises, and assisting with respiratory therapy.
• Ensuring patient safety: Ensuring patient safety is paramount. CNAs must be vigilant in monitoring for potential hazards, preventing falls, and ensuring that all safety protocols are followed.

Where Does a CNA Work?

CNAs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals: Providing care to patients with acute illnesses or injuries.
• Nursing homes: Assisting elderly residents with daily activities and medical care.
• Home healthcare: Offering in-home assistance to patients who prefer to receive care in their own homes.
• Rehabilitation centers: Supporting patients recovering from surgeries or injuries.
• Assisted living facilities: Helping residents with personal care and daily activities in a community living environment.