The job description of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) may vary not only from state to state, but may also vary depending on the type of facility and its individual standards and procedures.
As a rule, CNA is the hands, eyes, and ears of the supervising nursing and medical staff. The direct supervisor of CNA is usually a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) on duty. The assignment of a certified nursing assistant may also vary depending on the facility’s facilities and specialties, such as pulmonary sex in a hospital or dementia units in a long-term care facility. There are many more job description items for a certified nursing assistant that remain more permanent than changes.
Most professionals agree that the most important aspects of the job of a certified nurse assistant relate to personal contact and patient care. The main function of any CNA is to assist and support the patient’s daily life (ADL). Activities typically include hygiene and dressing, food, mobility, toilet and changing bed. Not every patient needs help or supervision in each of these areas, but it is included in the job description of a certified nurse assistant to ensure that all these activities are performed daily.
Another important aspect of the job description of a certified caregiver is the accurate recording of each patient’s information. Although training in measuring and recording vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, and pulse is included in all CNA training programs, not all tools include this task as part of the job description of a certified nursing assistant. Some facilities require a licensed nurse to keep a record of "life force." However, there is much more information that needs to be accurately recorded during the day, such as food and fluid intake, bowel and urine output, mood, behavior, and any problems or difficulties that may arise during a CNA shift. This information can be recorded in a journal or, as in the case of most objects, is registered in a computer system that is easily accessible to all employees to receive any relevant data. Another part of the task of a certified caregiver is to collect samples, usually urine or intestines, at the request of other medical personnel.
The job description of a certified nursing assistant also includes certain responsibilities related to patient safety. Specific recommendations will vary depending on urgent procedures at a specific facility, however, CNA training includes standard training in NGN and emergency equipment. As a rule, CNA is the first to respond to a patient’s call or emergency light and is responsible for coordinating assistance to solve any problem.
