CNA Salary Data
Traits Needed for Certified Nursing Assistant Career
It is important for certified nursing assistants [CNA’s] to have key personality traits that fit well with the client populations that they serve. These may include the following:
- A friendly and caring attitude about helping others, putting independence and respect for the patient at the center of every interaction
- Acceptance of other people’s religious beliefs, personal opinions, physical appearance, sexual orientation, race, and ethnic background
- An adherence to maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality of medical information
- Good communication skills (written and oral) for interactions with patients, co-workers, supervisors, and patients’ families
Because CNA’s physically assist patients, one should be in good physical shape. Having an observant eye is important, as patients often exhibit small changes that tell a lot about their health.
General information on CNA Careers
CNA’s work in nursing homes or hospitals helping seniors, people with disabilities, and rehabilitation patients. They work under the supervision of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to support patients needing assistance with activities of daily living.
They must also be able to work on a team of medical professionals, follow instructions provided by supervisors, document their actions in writing, and work independently when required.
CNA Job Duties
CNA’s assist patients with activities of daily living [ADL’s], a term used by the health care industry to describe self-care tasks. ADL’s include the following:
- Personal hygiene and bathing
- Dressing and undressing
- Eating
- Functional transfers (i.e., getting in and out of chairs, moving around the facility)
- Using the bathroom
- Walking with or without assistance
Professionals can also collect bodily fluid specimens, take vital signs, and help with dietary planning.
CNA Training
CNA’s are certified by individual states after having completed a CNA training program or graduated from a nursing education program.
Many nursing homes offer on-the-job training to people without certification, with the caveat that one has to work at the site for a certain period of time afterwards. As well, nursing homes may require drug testing and a criminal background check.
CNA Job Outlook
In 2008 CNA’s held approximately 1.5 million jobs in the US, with experts forecasting higher than average job growth. Salaries range from $25,000 – $28,000, depending on one’s region. While demand for CNA’s is high in residential care facilities, many CNA’s eventually go on to gain more education in order to advance professionally.