• Certified nurse aides serve as primary caregivers for many patients.nursing duties image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  Certified nurse assistants, or CNAs, assist nurses in caring for patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities. Some work for home health care agencies, caring for patients in their homes. Nurse assistants have special training in their field, but also need certain personal characteristics to do the job well.
  
  

Desire to Help

• A desire to help others is what usually motivates CNAs. After all, their median hourly wage in May 2008 was $11.46, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so it is clear no one joins this profession for the money.
  
  

Dependability

• Nurse assistants must be dependable, because both patients and coworkers rely heavily upon them. In a home care setting, a patient may not get breakfast if his CNA doesn't show up for work. In a nursing home or hospital setting, a nursing assistant failing to report means the assistant going off duty will instead have to remain and work a double shift, if a replacement cannot be found.
  
  

Flexibility

• CNAs work with patients of varying backgrounds and needs. They have to perform many tasks, depending on the needs of their patients on any given day. They sometimes have to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends and holidays. Remaining flexible helps them adjust from day to day.
  
  

Emotional Stability

• Nurse assistants work with all types of patients suffering from different conditions: serious illnesses and disabilities, emotional problems and terminal illnesses. CNAs need to stay calm under pressure and manage their emotions well.
  
  

Patience

• Nurse assistants need patience to deal with difficult patients and family members. Patience also is an asset when performing repetitive tasks that tend to become boring.
  
  

People Persons

• They must be "people persons," working easily with patients, family members and coworkers. They must also be friendly, compassionate and understanding. CNAs serve as primary caregivers for some patients, and may be the primary source of companionship for others. Thus, these patients need a truly caring assistant.
  
  

Strong Stomach

• Nurse assistants help patients with personal care, including bathing and toileting. Because they deal with body fluids, they cannot be easily squeamish.