What Is a CNA?

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a medical professional who assists nurses and other practitioners in providing patients with basic medical care. Many CNA professionals work in hospital settings and care clinics, though they can also find roles in nursing homes and palliative facilities. 

CNAs play a critical role in the medical world by assisting patients and medical professionals with everyday tasks. They document patient progress, manage dressings, record vital signs, and ensure patients see their doctors on time (to mention just a few of their responsibilities). 

A Day in the Life of a CNA

Knowing what a day in the life of a certified nursing assistant looks like can be challenging for those who aren’t on the front lines. If you’re considering this career, here’s what you can expect:

Your days usually involve assisting patients with essential daily tasks like bathing, using the restroom, dressing, and eating. These activities might sound minor, but they are critical, ensuring patients remain comfortable and on the road to recovery.

CNAs also perform medical tasks. One of their responsibilities is monitoring vital signs and recognizing health concerns early. They must also look for problems that could potentially develop into more significant issues in the future and alert relevant nursing teams and the patient’s physician.

Finally and perhaps most critically, CNAs must provide emotional support and companionship, especially for elderly or long-term care patients. This aspect of the role requires exceptional empathy, compassion, and interpersonal skills. CNAs need to feel confident and happy working closely with patients and understanding who they are as people. 

Where Do CNAs Work?

One of the perks of being a CNA is that you can work in multiple settings. Here’s a more detailed explanation of where you can expect to work if you pursue this career:

• Hospitals: Hospitals see high patient turnover and emergencies, making CNA roles in these locations action-packed and complex. These are often the most intense work environments for certified nursing assistants, suitable for individuals seeking tough but fulfilling challenges. 

• Nursing homes and assisted living facilities: Care homes and assisted living are more laid-back settings but still require the full panoply of skills, perhaps with more emphasis on companionship and daily activities and less on medical care. 

• Home healthcare: Home healthcare CNAs offer patients personalized, one-on-one assistance in their homes, enabling them to remain independent for as long as possible. These settings often require a vehicle, and sometimes, you will travel with a helper or work alongside an existing care team. 

• Rehabilitation centers: CNAs sometimes help patients regain independence after surgery or injury. This role involves working with people in the short term to get them back on their feet. 

The Path to Becoming a CNA

The path to becoming a CNA isn’t as complicated as you may think. The requirements for this role are minimal compared to many other medical professions, giving you more freedom to pursue this career.

What schooling is required to become a CNA? 

The schooling required to become a CNA is relatively straightforward. You need to complete an 8-10-week certification, including training and hands-on experience.

The hybrid certification is eight weeks. This route requires three weeks of online training and five weeks in laboratories and clinical settings. 

The full program is 10 weeks. This route provides you with all the information and skills you need to fulfill the role, though on-the-job experience will help you gain more confidence. 

Before you apply for any paid roles, you must take the CNA certification exam. This test has two parts: a written or oral section and a skill demonstration portion. You need to complete both aspects to become certified. 

The written exam has 70 multiple-choice items (with some non-scored questions for data collection). The oral exam has 60 multiple-choice questions and some reading comprehension elements (since understanding documents is critical for the role).

The skills test covers practical topics in the course curriculum. Scorers break these down into a series of tasks and then measure your performance on each. You have to perform the skills properly to pass. For example, the scorers may ask you to “measure and record electronic blood pressure” or “provide catheter care for a female.”

Idaho Healthcare Institute’s programs can help you become a certified nursing assistant. We can also provide scholarships for those requiring financial assistance. 

Advancing Your Career as a CNA

Advancing your career as a CNA could be one of the best moves you ever make. CNAs gain valuable experience that can lead to higher-paying roles in healthcare.

Furthermore, CNAs have multiple opportunities to specialize in areas like dementia care, pediatric care, or hospice care. Understanding these specialties can make you more marketable to specific hospitals, agencies, and clinical practices and differentiate you from the competition. 

Becoming a CNA could even be a stepping stone to becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN). These professional medical roles offer higher pay and better benefits. 

Find CNA Learning Opportunities Near You

CNAs are quickly becoming an essential position within the modern healthcare system. As more patients require support for chronic conditions, the number of people in these roles across the industry will grow significantly. 

If you are interested in working in the healthcare field, consider becoming a certified nursing assistant. This role can provide a steady income while providing you with a fulfilling job you can enjoy from day to day.

Are you ready to take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career? Contact Idaho Healthcare Institute today to learn more about our CNA programs and start your journey in healthcare!