Certified Nursing Assistants Archives

Career Spotlight: Certified Nursing Assistants

by scott | Jun 8, 2022 | Healthcare, Job Seekers

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs), also known as nursing aides, are in-demand. That’s because healthcare doesn’t happen without a CNA somewhere in the mix. CNAs provide direct care to patients, whether they are in their homes, in a skilled nursing facility, or in other in-patient settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts these jobs will grow at a rate of 8% annually through 2030. As the baby boomer population continues to age and needs skilled nursing care, CNAs will play an important role in meeting these needs. In this blog, we’ll share important information on the CNA/nursing aid role. What education do you need to become a CNA? What skills will you need to take on this work? We have answers that can help you decide if a CNA position is right for you.

What is a CNA?

Certified nursing assistants take care of patients directly under the supervision of a professional nursing team. This is an entry-level role perfect for anyone seeking to break into steady work in the healthcare industry. On a typical day, a CNA will:

Help multiple patients with a variety of health concerns.
Aid patients with mobility issues with basic life skills such as eating, bathing, dressing, and even movement and exercise.
Monitor and record the patient’s food and beverage intake.
Update the nursing team on any changes in the condition of the patient.

In a hospital, the CNA may do all of these things, but also, they may:

Deliver patient meals.
Answer phones at the nursing stations or assist patients in making calls.
Clean patient rooms by wiping down surfaces, sweeping, and taking out the trash.
Provide emotional support to patients who are feeling sad or discouraged by simply listening to them.
Helping push equipment from one room to another or even transporting a patient to a testing location.

What Skills Will You Need To Be a CNA?

A CNA job is physical. You’ll be on your feet and moving around. You may be required to lift or move patients. During this you will also need to exhibit caring and compassion for the patient. You’ll need to notice small patient details and report on them in the charting. Communication is critical in these positions. You will also need:

Patience, optimism, and a sense of humor will help with stress.
Some knowledge of medical phrases and terminology
Flexibility; each day will be as different as the patients you serve.

Interestingly, you can jump right into these positions. There are some great programs out there that are low cost (but high return). Completing one will set you up to break right into healthcare—fast. What kind of training and education will you need to land your first CNA job?

What Education and Training Will You Need?

CNA certifications can be obtained in as little as 90-days. This usually includes about 75 hours of classroom work plus on-the-ground training in the clinical skills you’ll need. There is a CNA examination required in the state where you’re working. You don’t need a college degree, either. That means there is a low barrier to entry for CNA positions and the certifications themselves are quite affordable. For about $1,300, you can have the certifications you need to take on this role.

If you’re ready to explore a career as a nursing aide, browse our open roles today!

5 Qualities of the Best CNA’s

by scott | Sep 22, 2021 | Blog, Job Seekers

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are in demand right now. The data shows that these roles are growing faster than almost every other type of job, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 9% growth rate through 2028. But as you might imagine, not all CNAs are created equal, which means only the best will end up in the most rewarding positions. If you’re considering a career as a CNA, here are some of the qualities you’ll need to find the best jobs in the field.

Qualities that Make the Best CNAs

We’ve never seen a CNA without the desire to help others, so that, and your certification, will get you started in the field. But the qualities that make a great CNA over the long term also include:

1.) A desire to learn every day and continuously improve your skills. While you’ll start your career with a basic pool of knowledge, you’ll be asked to add to that as you take on new patients with varying types of illnesses.

2.) Communication is important to your CNA career at every level. You’ll need to work with a variety of clinical staff as well as patients and their families, so verbal skills are key to this job. But you’ll also need written communication skills because of the documentation required in the role.

3.) A keen sense of observation will help you learn on the job, but it will also allow your insight into how your patients are doing. Since your job is to carefully monitor patients for even small changes, your observational skills will help you stay on top of the situation, which will make you more effective at the job.

4.) Adapting to change is important because healthcare is a continuously evolving field. One of the best parts of the CNA job is that it constantly changes and evolves so that no two days are different. This level of diversity will help challenge and keep you engaged in the role because no two days are the same.

5.) Emotional stability is critical in handling the roller coaster of patient care. You must have the wherewithal to handle patients who are in pain and sick. That can make for a stressful day so you must be patient and calm. Staying steadfast when your patient’s illness is accelerating helps both you and them deal with the illness. But you must also develop a level of discipline around controlling your emotions. This includes handling the reality that sometimes your patients pass away and there’s nothing you can do but provide as much care and caring as possible.

CNAs must also have strong attention to detail and time management skills. If you’re seeking a new role, and have these qualities, AG Globe Services can help. We represent CNAs to some of the top employers in the nation. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect career fit.