What Does a CNA Do?

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are healthcare professionals who provide support to nurses and licensed practical nurses as they care for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical settings. They provide direct care to patients, including taking vital signs, bathing patients, and helping with basic hygiene and stretching exercises. They also monitor patient conditions and report changes to the nursing staff.

Role of a CNA in Healthcare

CNAs play an important role in healthcare. In addition to the direct care they provide, they also serve as advocates for their patients. They help to ensure the patient’s rights are respected, work closely with family members to keep them informed, and keep the nursing staff up to date on the patient’s progress.

CNAs also provide emotional support and compassion to patients during times of illness or injury. They offer emotional comfort and encouragement to struggling patients and ensure that their needs are met in a timely and respectful manner.

Duties of a CNA

The primary duties of a CNA include providing direct patient care and assisting with daily living activities. This includes helping patients with activities such as taking vital signs, making beds, bathing, dressing and grooming, transferring patients, and ambulating. CNAs may also measure and record a patient’s intake and output, help with baths, feedings, and range-of-motion exercises, as well as providing emotional support.

In addition to direct patient care, CNAs are also responsible for monitoring patient conditions and providing reports to the nurse or physician. They also help to maintain patient charts and monitor the accuracy of the information entered into the records.

Conclusion

CNAs play an important role in healthcare. They provide direct support to patients, help nurses and physicians by taking vital signs and recording patient information, and serve as advocates for their patients. The duties of a CNA can greatly vary, but no matter the task, CNAs ensure quality care and compassion is provided to their patients.