What Are The Main Tasks of an CNA
Posted on November, 30, 2011 by admin
A State Tested Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a career of immense responsibility. Thus, the reason for the State mandated testing and certification. CNAs perform many tasks in addition to basic nursing care, such as bringing liveliness, patience, wisdom and a general attitude of compassion to the lives of the frail, the elderly, or chronically challenged individuals in nursing homes, medical care facilities, and home health care.
CNAs are the key players in the lives of those assigned to their care. One of the essential duties of a CNA is personal care, i.e. bathing, dressing, grooming and personal hygiene. This is all dependent on the patient’s medical condition and health status. Some patients will be more amble than others and will not require as much assistance getting to and from the restroom or with bathing and grooming. However, CNAs are expected to be physically able to move, transport, assist their patient-client from bed to chair, in wheelchair, walker, or other medically prescribed device or equipment.
In addition, CNAs may be expected to perform housekeeping duties, such as the cleaning and changing of bedding and bath linens. General housekeeping duties include preparing meals and in some cases feeding patients who are not able to feed themselves. Taking care of the patient-client’s nourishment must be followed according to the doctor’s advice.
Along the same line, providing attentive medical care is the core essence of CNAs. The patient-client’s life is essentially in your hands. CNAs deliver and dispense prescribed medications, take and monitor vital signs, and record same. It doesn’t stop there. CNA’s must have the knowledge and understanding of various situations and conditions that can be taking place in a patient’s health based on the readings. You have to be on your toes and be able to alert the appropriate physician or facility when and if the readings suggest the patient’s health is taking a turn for the worse.
Last, but certainly not least, the most essential duty of a CNA is to communicate well and openly with the patient-client, as well as provide companionship and emotional support. Though the career as a CNA can be challenging it certainly is rewarding knowing you are improving the quality of lives for those who are dependent upon your care.
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