Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are on the forefront of proving care to patients.
While the job title is not as glamorous sounding as some of the other titles, such as surgeon, held by professionals in the healthcare industry, it is one of the most fundamental jobs in the daily operations of the healthcare industry.
CNA job positions require individuals with compassion to help others, and skill in being able to provide care services to patients.
The services of certified nursing assistance help patients in being able to cope better with their illnesses and other conditions, which may prevent them from being able to take care of themselves.
For example, certified nursing assistants often work with elderly people who require help with daily activities due to old age, or they may work with children with disabilities.
The jobs of certified nursing assistants involve helping patients, as well as medical team staff to make their jobs easier.
The work of certified nursing assistants is supervised by registered nurses.
Certified nursing assistants are in charge of providing basic care services for patients.
These services include, but are not limited to bathing, grooming, and feeding patients.
They also help nurses in using medical equipment, and are responsible for observing and recording patient behavior and vital signs, and reporting important information or observations to registered nurse supervisor.
Certified nursing assistants provide invaluable social as well as emotional support to patients.
Working in CNA jobs can be the stepping stone towards becoming a registered nursing assistant.
Registered assistants with a certified background have a strong foundation in nursing, and are better able to understand and perform their duties.
In order to qualify as an assistant, individuals must complete training and a certification exam.
The job outlook for CNA jobs is expected to grow at a rate faster than the average of all other jobs, mainly because of the long-term care needs of a growing aging population.
This means that individuals interested in becoming certified assistants can expect ample employment opportunities.
There will be job opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers.
Plenty of job opportunities will also be available for nurses to work in private residences, and other places such as mental care and rehabilitation facilities.
A career as a certified nursing assistant allows an individual to make an immense positive difference in the lives of others.
Considering the strong job outlook for the future, individuals with a desire to work in the healthcare industry may want to consider this as a career option, which is also a stepping stone towards a career as a registered nurse.