What's involved in being a CNA?

I'm looking into becoming a certified nursing assistant after high school, but I'm curious about the daily responsibilities. What is it like on a typical day, and what are the key skills needed?

Being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) comes with many responsibilities that revolve around patient care. On a typical day, a CNA might assist a patient with daily tasks like bathing, feeding, and dressing. They collect information from patients to relay to doctors and nurses, and they assist medical professionals during patient evaluations.

Administrative duties are part of the role too. These typically include updating patient records and coordinating with other healthcare professionals on treatment plans. It's also common for CNAs to perform basic medical procedures such as checking blood pressure and heart rate, dressing wounds, and removing catheters.

There are several key skills most CNAs need:

1. Physical strength: The role often requires lifting patients and being on your feet most of the day.

2. Communication: The ability to communicate with patients, doctors, and nurses is vital to the role.

3. Empathy: Providing patient care requires a high degree of empathy to make patients feel comfortable.

4. Attention to detail: CNAs must be able to make detailed notes about patient conditions and respond quickly to changes in health.

For hands-on experience and a more comprehensive understanding, it's often useful to shadow a CNA or participate in relevant internships. Becoming a CNA can provide a stellar experience for those intending to progress their careers in the medical field. Plus, the perspective gained can be highly beneficial when applying to college and choosing a career path.