Job Description for CNA

A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, plays an important role in the health care profession. CNAs are required to complete more training than nursing assistants or nurses' aides.

Description

CNAs help care for individuals who are elderly, ill, or simply unable to perform the activities of daily living on their own.

Job Skills

CNAs assist patients with activities such as dressing, feeding, personal hygiene, transferring to and from bed or wheelchairs, and rehabilitative exercises. Some CNAs even accompany patients on visits to the doctor or the grocery store.

Working Conditions

CNAs typically work in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and personal homes. Since patients commonly need care 24 hours a day, CNAs will often work different shifts to cover their patients' care around the clock.

Education

CNAs must graduate from a nursing assistant training program that is approved by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. After completing training, students are eligible to take the national assessment exam known as the NNAAP (National Nursing Assistant Assessment Program). After passing this exam, nursing assistants will be certified to be listed on the National Aide Registry and work as a CNA.

Earnings

According to Payscale.com, entry level CNAs typically earn between $20,226 and $30,287 annually as of 2009. Earnings vary depending on work locations, shifts, and experience.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities are expected to grow rapidly between 2006 and 2016. As the elderly population grows, the demand for CNAs is expected to grow as well.

References

• Education Portal
• Bureau of Labor Statistics

Resources

• CNA Training Class
• Red Cross CNA Certification
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing