Certified Nursing Assistant Career Guide

For those who are drawn to healthcare and enjoy helping others, a career as a certified nursing assistant can be rewarding.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide a wide range of basic care to patients who are unable to manage their needs alone. A relatively short training program plus certification will qualify you for a role in improving the quality of life for individuals who need help because of illness, age, or disability.

In addition to helping patients with daily tasks, CNAs spend time taking vital signs and recording information about a patient’s condition. As a result, a CNA serves as an invaluable link between a patient and the rest of their healthcare team.  

Working as a CNA can be emotionally rewarding for those who value making a difference in the lives of others. In many cases, certified nursing assistants have the chance to develop personal relationships with their patients since they often work with the same individuals for long periods. This aspect of the job often includes providing emotional support to patients and can be one of the most rewarding benefits of being a CNA.

Who Becomes a Certified Nursing Assistant?

There’s no typical profile for a CNA student. The field is open to anyone who meets the qualifications established by their state. However, for many certified nursing assistants, the role is more than a job.

While CNA is a common title, your state may refer to the role as a nurse aide, registered nurse aide, licensed nurse aide, state-tested nursing assistant, or a similar title.

Certified Nursing Assistant Job Basics

A CNA’s role typically involves assisting patients with activities of daily living, basic tasks that include bathing, grooming, toileting, eating, and moving. This can involve emptying bedpans, changing soiled clothing and sheets, and cleaning up bodily fluids.

While this part of the job allows you to make a difference to people in need, it can also be physically demanding. Certified nursing assistants are active healthcare workers who are on their feet for most of the day as they work to lift patients, turn them over, transfer them in and out of bed, and push them in wheelchairs.

A CNA’s role typically involves assisting patients with activities of daily living, basic tasks that include bathing, grooming, toileting, eating, and moving.

CNAs also fulfill an important role on a patient’s healthcare team since they’re often responsible for taking a patient’s vital signs. CNAs may use patient software to record and report this data and communicate other important observations to other members of the team.

Since certified nursing assistants support licensed nursing staff and work under their direction, CNA duties can vary depending on the daily needs of the facility or a patient’s physical condition.

Qualities of a Successful Certified Nursing Assistant

As a CNA, you’ll have daily contact with patients who may be elderly, ill, or recovering from surgery. Other patients may have physical and/or emotional disabilities. While CNA classes will prepare you for all aspects of the job, certain innate qualities will also help you succeed as a certified nursing assistant.

Top 10 Traits of a Successful Certified Nursing Assistant

Dependable

Patients will rely on you to help with daily activities like bathing and eating.

Compassion

A kind and caring nature will help patients feel emotionally supported.

Physically fit

You’ll move, lift, and adjust patients as they get out of bed, dress, stand, and walk.

Observant

You’ll need to pay close attention to changes in a patient’s condition.

Quick thinker

You’ll have to act fast and make quick decisions when patients need you.

Team player

Certified nursing assistants are part of a larger healthcare group that includes nurses and other CNAs.

Good listener

CNAs should be receptive as patients talk about symptoms, pain, and other concerns.

Positive attitude

An upbeat outlook is helpful when things get hectic or when patients are feeling down.

Good communicator

Being able to clearly explain instructions to a patient or client is essential.

Flexible

Things won’t always go as planned, so CNAs need to be able to adjust to changes smoothly.

Where Do CNAs Work?

Nursing care facilities employ the majority of certified nursing assistants, though there are opportunities with many other types of employers as well. Most employers need CNAs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This can be beneficial if you’re looking for a flexible schedule or the chance to earn overtime by working extra shifts or off-hours.

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