Health Career: Certified Nursing Assistant
Who are certified nursing assistants and what do they do?
Certified nursing assistants aid health professionals in facilities such as hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. They help provide patients with basic care and services. For example, they may help frail or disabled people get out of bed and transport them to different areas within the facility. They also give patients important social and emotional support.
How do certified nursing assistants typically spend their workday?
Certified nursing assistants generally work in a hospital or nursing home. You will work closely with patients and you may work irregular hours. Your duties will include checking on patients during the night and assisting them with their basic needs like getting patients out of bed and walking them down the hall. You may also work in a hospital helping to make beds and change bedpans.
What does it take to be a good certified nursing assistant?
Do you want to work closely with people and help provide good health care? Then you would make a wonderful nursing assistant. To be a good nursing assistant, you should be caring, sensitive and a good communicator. You should also enjoy working with others and be able to follow directions from a supervisor.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a certified nursing assistant?
Home health aide, licensed practical nurse, surgical technologist.
Related links and more information:
- National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
- NNCNA – Nurse Aide Training Program
- Nursefriendly.com – Fact Page
