What's the job of a CNA in a hospital?

I'm interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and possibly working in a hospital after high school. Can anyone give me a rundown on what CNAs actually do day-to-day in a hospital setting?

In a hospital setting, the responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) revolve primarily around providing basic care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RN) or nurse practitioners.

CNAs have several day-to-day duties including:

1. Personal Care: Assist patients with routine tasks such as bathing, grooming, feeding, and walking. Some patients may struggle with these basic tasks and the role of CNAs is to assist them in maintaining their personal hygiene and independence.

2. Patient Monitoring: CNAs are often responsible for keeping an eye on patient vital signs, like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. They may also regularly check blood sugar levels for diabetic patients. They report any unusual or significant changes to the head nurse or physician.

3. Linen Changes and Sanitation: Ensuring a clean environment for patients is a crucial aspect of a CNA's job. This can involve changing bed linens, cleaning patient rooms, and properly disposing of any waste or biohazard materials.

4. Patient Transport: CNAs might transport patients to and from different places within the hospital, like moving them from their room to a surgery theater, physical therapy room, or radiology department.

5. Emotional Support: Providing companionship and emotional reassurance to patients is another big part of a CNA’s work. They may spend time talking with patients, easing their concerns, and providing comfort during difficult situations.

6. Documentation: Lastly, CNAs are responsible for recording patient information and documenting the care they provide in a patient’s medical chart.

Keep in mind that the exact responsibilities can vary based on the specific hospital and the unit where the CNA is assigned. For instance, a CNA in a pediatric unit may have different responsibilities compared to those working in an adult intensive care unit. It's a rewarding but demanding profession. It requires interpersonal skills, patience, physical stamina, and a genuine desire to help people. It can also be a great entry point for other healthcare professions.