Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a crucial role in providing direct patient care and assisting registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in various healthcare settings. Their job responsibilities typically include:
- Personal Care: CNAs help patients with their basic daily activities, known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which can include:
- Bathing: Assisting patients with bathing and grooming.
- Dressing: Helping patients get dressed and undressed.
- Toileting: Aiding patients with using the toilet or bedpan.
- Mobility: Assisting with transferring in and out of beds or chairs.
- Feeding: Helping patients with eating, including meal preparation and feeding if necessary.
- Vital Signs Monitoring: CNAs are often responsible for measuring and recording patients’ vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate.
- Patient Observation: CNAs observe and report any changes in a patient’s condition or behavior to the nursing staff, which helps in early detection of health issues or complications.
- Assisting with Medical Procedures: They may assist with various medical procedures, such as wound care, catheterization, and collection of specimens for laboratory testing.
- Medication Assistance: Depending on state regulations and facility policies, CNAs may administer medications, including oral and topical medications, under the supervision of an RN or LPN.