In the healthcare field, there are many types of professionals who keep this industry running. CNA is one these professionals. They are also known as Nurse Aide, Nurse Technician, Personal Care Aide, Patient Care Assistant, and Personal Care Technician.
Certified Nurse Assistant or CNA are the professionals who assist a registered nurse, physician, or other healthcare professionals. They also help patients with various tasks such as medication, feeding, dressing, bathing, grooming etc. In various medical examinations, they help physicians and certified nurses. They also take vital signs of patients like blood pressure, temperature etc. They make beds, do sterilization, collect specimen, helping wheelchair-bound patients and other personal care.
Sometimes they also help other healthcare professionals with administrative work. They help in arranging records, maintaining files, and billing. They directly interact with the patients. It is their responsibility to get everything ready for medical procedures whether it is equipment or patient.
Salary – Usually the annual wages of CNA starts from 18,000 dollars. People with more experience may get more salary. Some of them even get 35,000 dollars per year. These wages depend on the education and experience of the candidate.
Work Hours – They usually work for full time in weekdays. Sometimes they work overtime also. Some of them work in evening and weekends. CNAs who are appointed in patient’s homes also work in holidays.
For this profession, one must need high school diploma or GED certificate.
Anyone can become a CNA after completing training. This training includes classroom and clinical experience. In the classroom, students can learn about all the tasks through lectures. They will learn all about the various diseases, medical procedures, and terminology. After that, students will get the clinical experience of the various medical procedures. Usually in the clinical part, they are supervised by a registered nurse.
Certification is an important part of becoming a CNA. Without certification, they are not allowed to practice. Students also have to qualify state’s certifying exam. This exam is conducted by an independent testing organization, which is authorized by the State of New York. For working in any state, students have to qualify that state’s certification exam. After completing the training and certification, one can get a job at hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, private homes and old age homes. Training, certification, and experience are the key factors in recruitment.
These professionals are the helping hands of healthcare industry. They must have the qualities of care, passion, and patience. They must know how to handle patients. With these qualities, they can become a successful CNA.
The Manhattan Institute's School of Allied Medical and Nursing 