The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that demand for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) will rise at an annual rate of 17 percent through 2024. As the population in the United States ages, demand for personal care nurses will increase radically.
Nursing assistants are vitally important to the lives of people in their care. More than 4.5 million caregivers provide hands-on care to senior or chronically ill citizens on a daily basis. Many of these people work in long-term care facilities.
Job Description for Nursing Assistants
Taking vital signs
You will learn to take a patient’s temperature and blood pressure, listen to his/her heartbeat, and measure other vital signs as needed.
Tending to bed-ridden patients
Nursing assistants will learn to turn and reposition patients in their beds to prevent decubitus ulcers, more commonly known as bedsores. Changing bedsheets and cleaning the room will be part of your job as well.
Feeding patients
CNAs assist with feeding patients, which includes measuring intake and output.
Hygiene
As a CNA, you will also help patients with personal hygiene, bathing, toileting and elimination.
Working with nurses
Part of the role of CNAs is to work closely with nurses. You will learn how to document your interactions with your patients and report to more senior nursing staff.
A nursing assistant position can be a good introduction to the growing healthcare field. If you have a generous and caring nature, an interest in patient care, and are compassionate and dependable, becoming a CNA may be a good career choice for you.
Pocket Nurse offers diagnostic tools and patient care solutions for certification and educational programs. Pocket Nurse products are for education only, not for clinical or diagnostic use.
Sources:
Information about CNA duties
Information about National Nursing Assistants Week
For more information about careers in allied healthcare and how it relates to simulation, see our blog post, and download the white paper available there.
