Have you been looking for ways to make a true impact on those around you? If the answer is yes, then you are not alone. There are tons of people who are beginning to feel the desire to make a difference in the world. And they are taking on the role of the helper in many ways, ranging from that of the philanthropist who donates money to causes that mean something to them, to those who get their hands in the dirt and build homes for Habitat for Humanity and other positive organizations. But if your desire to help others is reflected in a need to interact on a one-on-one basis then you might want to consider a career as a certified nursing assistant.
What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
The field of nursing is considered to be a “direct care giving” field. Whether you are a home health aide, personal care assistant, patient care technician, or certified nursing assistant (CNA), your specialty lies in your ability to care for a person on a one-on-one basis.
In a doctor’s office, the certified nursing assistant is typically the person who you first work with when called to the back. This is the person who will take your “vitals,” weigh you, then take you into the examination room where they will then question the symptoms of your condition, and essentially make you feel comfortable and settled until the nurse practitioner or doctor comes in to see you.
Certified nursing assistants work under the supervision of a nurse and usually are in charge of performing the general needs for the patient. Some of these tasks include, but are not limited to: dressing, bathing and feeding patients, assisting with bedpans and urinals, checking vital signs, assisting with catheter care, answering a call light when needed, helping the patient perform range of motion exercises as a supplement to physical therapy, assisting patients in wheelchairs, keeping living quarters neat for patients, and accurately documenting all care provided to patients as well as any mental or physical changes.
Opportunities for CNA’s are vast and can provide work in places such as nursing homes, adult health centers, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and sometimes with personal home care services. Other CNA’s have found work in areas of hospice care and comforting those who are dying. While this particular area can be very rewarding for some who find solace in ushering a person to the other side, some become overwhelmed by the concept of death, so deciding to participate in this aspect must be thought out carefully.
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
There are several ways to get your foot in the door as a CNA. One way is to enter a training program through the Red Cross. They offer a nursing assistant program designed to teach you the necessities of the field, including learning medical terminology, basic human anatomy, communication skills, basic math skills, and how to care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, they give you hands-on experience in a health care setting. Toward the end of the course, you learn how to launch your career as a CNA. They provide instruction on how to conduct a successful job search, create an effective r
