What does a CNA do in a hospital?

I'm thinking about becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and working in a hospital. Can anyone share what the day-to-day responsibilities of a CNA in a hospital setting are like?

Sure, I'd be happy to share what a day in the life of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) might look like in a hospital setting!

As a CNA, your primary role will be to support the nursing staff and assist with patient care. The specific duties may vary depending on the unit you're assigned to, but here are a few common tasks:

1. Basic Patient Care: You'll likely assist with basic care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients. In some cases, you might also help patients with simple exercises and movements.

2. Vital Signs Monitoring: Checking and recording vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate is often a CNA's responsibility.

3. Helping with Mobility: You'll be aiding patients who have difficulty moving on their own. This could involve helping them out of bed, assisting them in walking, or moving them from one location to another with a wheelchair.

4. Cleanliness: CNAs often help in keeping the patient's environment clean. This includes changing bed linens, sanitizing surfaces, and ensuring the patient's comfort and hygiene are maintained.

5. Reporting Information: As a CNA, you'll be in close contact with patients. Therefore, you're expected to observe any changes in their condition or behavior and report these to the nurse in charge.

Those are general responsibilities, but the specifics might vary from one hospital to another, and from one unit to another. In some high-intensity units, for example, CNAs may also help with procedures like wound care under supervision.

Remember that this job can be physically demanding and may require you to be on your feet for most of your shift. It's also a position that demands a lot of empathy and patience, as you'll be dealing with people in potentially stressful or uncomfortable situations. But, it can also be a rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy helping others and are interested in the healthcare field.