Job Summary:
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) wear many hats as they provide valuable healthcare services to residents in conjunction with and supervision from nurses. As a conduit between residents, nurses and doctors, CNAs record and communicate all issues to medical staff. Aspiring CNAs should understand the job isn't glamorous and can be graphic at times. From dressing wounds to cleaning a patient after an accident, CNAs are often involved in a variety of tasks on a daily basis.
Common Responsibilities:
Utilize good hand washing techniques prior to and after direct resident care.
Assist residents with activities of daily living as documented in their assignment sheets and care plan, and according to resident preferences.
Maintain awareness of residents' whereabouts at all times.
Carry out isolation techniques, as required.
Keep patient information confidential.
Examples of care include:
Collect information about conditions and treatment plans from caregivers, nurses and doctors
Bathe and dress patients
Serve meals and help patients eat
Take vital signs
Turn or reposition patients who are bedridden
Provide and empty bedpans
Lift patients into beds, wheelchairs, exam tables, etc.
Examine residents for bruises, blood in urine or other injuries/wounds