Requirements to Nursing Assistants

A CNA provides hands-on care that involves bathing, dressing, grooming and assisting with personal needs. Usually employed in medical facilities, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes, they work under the supervision of either a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). Nursing assistants don’t have to be certified, but if not will not have the same tasks or responsibilities. To certify, they must take CNA training and pass CNA exams.

The work of a CNA can be physically and emotionally demanding, and the pay is low. The work also can be difficult, involving tasks such as emptying bedpans and caring for disoriented, techy, or disobliging patients. The work involves standing, walking, and lifting, so a nursing assistant needs to be fit and healthy , as well as being patient and good communication skills and be a team player
The exact tasks that a CNA may perform will vary between states. In general, they provide assistance with everyday duties and report on the patient’s condition to the nursing staff. In some states, CNAs can administer some drugs and perform simple medicaltasks , such as checking vital signs
Although most CNAs work in institutional settings, such as nursing homes or rehabilitation centers, some are also employed by agencies providing home health services.
Nursing Assistants often help patients to eat, dress, and bathe, but they may also perform light housekeeping tasks such as making beds.

nursing assistants who work for home health care agencies provide health related services to elderly, convalescent or disabled patients in their own homes. Home health Care CNAs broadly provide fewer personal care services,and more health related services, as personal care services may be provided by non-licensed personal care aids.
Certifed Nursing Assistants can do the following under Doctor or RN supervision:
Administering oral medications Checking patients’ vital signs. helping patients with easy prescribed exercises
helping with skin care   Changing non-sterile bandages Assisting with braces and artificial limbs  Operating medical equipment such as ventilators

Specific requirements vary by state. Some states require a high school diploma, others do not. Federal law requires all CNAs who work in a facility which accepts Medicare funds to receive 75 hours of training, and 16 hours of supervised clinical training. State regulations may be more extensive. teaching may cover subjects such as nutrition, infection control, communication skills, resident rights, and helping patients bathe , eat , and groom themselves.

employment prospects for CNAs are good, and teaching and certification can usually be completed within a month . If you decide that this is a career for you , you can quickly be on your way to a employment as a certified nursing assistant.