C.N.A.: The Eyes and Ears of Long Term Care
People who choose to hire someone to care for their loves ones will most likely be hiring a Certified Nursing Assistant. A certified nursing assistant, which is also referred to as a CNA, is someone who has been trained to administer basic health care to those who are sick or elderly. They can assist individuals who are living in long-term care by helping them perform the activities that are necessary for living.
Their specific job duties may include: bedmaking, bathing patients, feeding them and helping them walk. CNAs may also take vital signs and report changes to a doctor or nurse. Additionally, if an emergency were to arise, CNAs are trained to handle it. They are trained in CPR and first aid and can provide the care that is needed until emergency personnel arrive.
CNAS are required to complete course work from an accredited program before they can legally practice. These programs can be completed a community or technical college. Most people can complete these programs within 4-6 weeks. After completing a program, students most successfully pass the CNA certification test.
It is important to note that it takes a-lot more than being able to complete a program and pass an exam to be a successful CNA. There are also personal skills that CNAs need to have. Kindness, patience, care and compassion are skills that are very important for nursing assistants to have. They should also not be bothered by the sight of blood and other bodily fluids.
There are many people who are skeptical about hiring someone else to care for their loved ones. However, those who choose to hire a CNA can rest assured that their loved ones are in good hands. Certified Nursing Assistants can help greatly improve the quality of life of those that are sick or elderly.