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Certified Medication Aide (CMA), Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Certified Nurses Aide (CNA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), Nurses' Aide, Nursing Aide, Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Assistant (PCA). ), State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA)
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide essential care and support to patients in hospitals, assisted living centers, nursing homes, community-based adult day care centers, and private residences.
Also known in some states as nursing aides or assistants, CNAs bear general responsibility for ensuring clean, safe environments for patients. They work under the supervision of licensed nurses to ensure their patients’ basic needs are met, such as bathing, getting dressed, and eating.
They also monitor patient vital signs, assist with mobility, and offer much-needed companionship. Depending on their training, they may even offer limited support during medical procedures.
CNAs are vital members of the healthcare team and crucial links between patients and their nurses, recording information in charts and reporting changes so the best care can be given at all times!
- Gumagawa ng epekto sa kalusugan, haba ng buhay, at pang-araw-araw na kalidad ng buhay ng mga pasyente
- Lumalaki ang pangangailangan sa larangan ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan
- Maraming mga pagkakataon para sa personal at propesyonal na paglago
Oras ng trabaho
- Certified Nursing Assistants may work part-time or full-time. Shifts may include nights, weekends, or holidays.
Mga Karaniwang Tungkulin
CNA duties can vary by state, setting, and training. Certain duties require the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
- Assist patients with personal hygiene including bathing, grooming, dressing, and using the toilet
- Serve meals and help patients eat, recording their food and liquid intake
- Prepare rooms and bathrooms for new patients, ensuring they are tidy and sanitary. Change bedsheets and stock toiletry items
- Help patients with mobility, including transferring them between beds and wheelchairs, and repositioning for sitting or sleeping
- Monitor and record vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature
- Observe changes in patients’ conditions. Report changes to the supervising nurse
- Respond to patient calls and bed alarms. Care for catheters
- Provide companionship and emotional support
- Document patient information, such as responses to treatment and health concerns
- Ensure effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals
- If trained and authorized, CNAs may also:
- Tumulong sa mga hindi invasive na pamamaraang medikal, tulad ng pagbibihis ng mga sugat
- Administer oral, optical, nasal, and topical medications
- Draw blood
- Collect urine or stool samples
- Ihatid ang mga pasyente sa mga appointment
Karagdagang Pananagutan
- Tumulong sa paglalaba, mga gawain, at pag-iiskedyul ng appointment
- Tulong sa pagpapalabas ng mga pasyente
- Collaborate effectively with patients’ larger healthcare team or caregiver agencies
- Stay up-to-date on best practices
- Assist with training new CNAs
- Help nurses set up medical equipment. Perform basic equipment cleaning
Soft Skills
- Ugaling pag-aalaga
- pakikiramay
- Katatagan
- pagiging maaasahan
- Mabusisi pagdating sa detalye
- Kagalingan ng kamay
- Emosyonal na katatagan
- Empatiya
- Koordinasyon ng kamay at mata
- Integridad
- Mga kasanayan sa interpersonal
- Methodical
- mapagmasid
- pasensya
- Pisikal na tibay
- Pagbubuo ng relasyon
- pagiging maaasahan
- May kamalayan sa kaligtasan
- Mukhang makatarungan
- Malakas na kasanayan sa komunikasyon
- Pagtutulungan at pagtutulungan
- Pamamahala ng oras
Teknikal na kasanayan
- Basic medical knowledge, including medical terminology, taking vital signs, and patient care techniques
- Kaalaman sa mga medikal na sakit at pinsala, at ang kanilang mga palatandaan at sintomas
- General familiarity with healthcare equipment and technology
- Knowledge of hygiene, sterilization practices, and infection control practices
- Proficiency in documenting and maintaining patient records using medical records software
- Familiarity with the roles of other medical professionals
- Mga assisted living center
- Mga day care center na nakabatay sa komunidad para sa mga nasa hustong gulang
- Patuloy na pangangalaga sa mga komunidad ng pagreretiro
- Mga pasilidad sa pangangalaga sa hospice
- Mga ospital at klinika
- Mga pasilidad ng pangangalaga sa nars (skilled nursing facility)
- Mga nursing home at mga pasilidad ng pangmatagalang pangangalaga
- Mga sentro ng pangangalaga sa labas ng pasyente
- Private residences
- Mga sentro ng rehabilitasyon
Certified Nursing Assistants are entrusted with the welfare of patients who are often vulnerable due to age, illness, or disability. They frequently assist multiple patients on any given day, thus requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.
The work can be both physically demanding and emotionally taxing, with schedules sometimes requiring night, weekend, and holiday shifts. CNAs must stay vigilant, empathetic, and patient to ensure their patients receive the best care possible even during stressful or tiring circumstances. In addition, they should take time to practice self-care in order to avoid job burnout or feelings of detachment.
The nursing field in general has faced a critical shortage in recent years. This is due to a combination of factors, including an increase in life expectancy causing people to require more years of the healthcare services of nurses and CNAs.
In turn, this has created a bottleneck situation, as there are not enough nursing faculty available to train new nurses and CNAs to replace retiring ones. Meanwhile, as the workload continues to stack up, extra strain is placed on nursing professionals who must find ways to manage their own mental well-being and work-life balance.
CNAs may have always had an interest in helping others. They could have been involved in caregiving roles from a young age with infirm family members. They tend to have a natural compassion and a desire to make a tangible difference in other people’s lives!
Kailangan ang Edukasyon
As a reminder, not every state uses the title Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Some simply use the terms Nursing Assistant or Nursing Aide.
- To become a Certified Nursing Assistant requires completing a state-approved CNA training program through an accredited school
- Note, applicants will need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some high schools feature CNA programs for juniors and seniors
- CNA training programs are widely available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and even in some hospitals and nursing homes
- “A typical CNA program lasts for about 120 hours or six weeks and includes four weeks in a classroom and two weeks in a clinical setting,” writes Indeed. “Many online CNA programs can accommodate a variety of student schedules and may offer classes during the day and on evenings and weekends.”
- Course topics include:
- Human anatomy
- Infection control
- Medikal na terminolohiya
- Nutrisyon
- Patient rights
- Safety and emergencies
- Vital signs
- Practical training includes instruction on basic nursing principles along with RN-supervised caregiving experiences in clinical settings—usually “at least 75 hours of practical experience in an accredited CNA training facility, which also includes at least 16 hours of supervised clinical and 16 hours of laboratory training.” However, some states may require up to 175 hours of training
- Additional state-specific and employer-specific training requirements vary
- Note, upon completion of a state-approved program, students are required to pass a competency exam to obtain a certification or qualify for a state-issued license
- Many states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam for this. Others have their own exams
- Exams usually consist of a written or oral test proctored through a third party, featuring multiple-choice questions. There is also a clinical skills portion where test-takers demonstrate proficiency in various tasks
- Certification is usually good for two years, and renewable based on state or employer-specific requirements (such as completing continuing education or maintaining employment)
- In addition to the above, CNA hopefuls may need to verify or update their immunizations (such as seasonal Influenza vaccination, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), hepatitis B, varicella, and meningococcal)
- They may also have to pass criminal background and drug screenings
- CNAs may complete optional credentials, such as:
- Certified Wound Care Associate ng American Board of Wound Management
- American Council on Exercise's Functional Training Specialty Certification
- Certification ng Technician sa Pag-aalaga ng Pasyente ng American Medical Certification Association
- Technician sa Pangangalaga ng Pasyente ng American Phlebotomy Association
- American Red Cross Basic Life Support Certification
- Certified Medication Assistant (CMA)
- Hospice at Palliative Nurses Association's Certified Hospice at Palliative Nursing Assistant
- National Association for Practical Nurse Education at Sertipikasyon ng Intravenous Therapy ng Serbisyo
- National Center for Competency Testing's Nationally Certified Patient Care Technician
- National Certification Board para sa Certified Alzheimer Caregiver ng Alzheimer Care
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing's National Nurse Aide Assessment Program
- Ang Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant ng National Healthcareer Association
- Rehabilitation Engineering at Assistive Technology Society of North America's Seating and Mobility Specialist
CNA training programs are available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, some hospitals and nursing homes, and even through some high school programs.
- Review the exact training and certification/licensure requirements for the state you plan to work in.
- Isaalang-alang ang mga gastos sa pagtuturo (mga rate sa loob ng estado/sa labas ng estado), mga diskwento, mga scholarship, at mga opsyon sa paghahatid ng kurso (sa campus, online, o hybrid na programa).
- Look for accredited programs with strong reputations and high pass rates for state certification exams.
- Suriin ang mga available na opsyon para sa hands-on na pagsasanay sa mga lokal na setting ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan.
- Isaalang-alang ang tagal ng programa at ang flexibility ng mga iskedyul ng klase, lalo na kung pagbabalanse ng iba pang mga commitment.
- Suriin ang faculty bios at mga parangal. Alamin ang tungkol sa mga rate ng pagtatapos at mga istatistika ng placement ng trabaho. Silipin ang mga nagawa ng alumni network!
- Magboluntaryo sa mga setting ng pangangalagang pangkalusugan upang makakuha ng pagkakalantad at makakuha ng mga praktikal na kasanayan
- Take classes in high school related to anatomy, physiology, biology, health sciences, and first aid
- Earn good grades so you can get accepted into a suitable CNA training program
- Makilahok sa mga aktibidad sa paaralan kung saan maaari mong mahasa ang iyong mga soft skills at makakuha ng karanasan sa pamumuno
- Think about the format you want to take CNA classes in. Some topics are fine for online study, but others need to be learned in person
- Research the CNA certification requirements for your state. Keep in mind that you may have to pass a criminal background check or drug screening
- Request to do an informational interview with a working CNA to learn about their daily duties
- Check out online articles and videos about the career field, the various settings you could work in, and extra certifications you may want to pursue!
- Panatilihin ang isang listahan ng mga contact (na may mga numero ng telepono o email) na maaaring magsilbing mga sanggunian sa trabaho sa hinaharap
- Panatilihin ang isang gumaganang draft ng iyong resume at i-update ito habang nakakakuha ka ng karanasan
- Bumuo ng iskedyul ng pag-eehersisyo para manatili kang maayos at mapangasiwaan ang stress
- Once certified to work in their respective states, CNAs can explore job postings via sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, myCNAjobs, healthcare-specific job search sites, and the websites of applicable employers (i.e., assisted living centers, adult day care centers, hospitals, clinics, nursing care facilities, etc.)
- Note, many recruiters have established pipelines with local CNA training programs, so talk to your school’s program manager or career center about job placement assistance
- Network with fellow healthcare professionals to learn about job opportunities. Don’t underestimate the power of “word of mouth” recruiting!
- I-advertise ang iyong sarili sa LinkedIn at panatilihing propesyonal ang iyong social media. Madalas na sinusuri ng mga potensyal na tagapag-empleyo ang mga aktibidad sa online ng mga kandidato
- Check out Certified Nursing Assistant resumes for ideas on formatting, phrasing, and keywords to use
- Review potential interview questions to expect. Do several mock interviews to practice your responses
- Magpakita ng isang nakabubusog at mapag-aruga na saloobin na naghahatid ng iyong kakayahang pisikal at mental na pangasiwaan ang kargada ng trabaho
- Basahin ang tungkol sa mga diskarte na ginagamit ng mga recruiter, upang makakuha ng pananaw ng kanilang mindset sa panahon ng mga panayam
- Magsuot ng propesyonal para sa mga panayam
- Let your supervisor know your career goals and ask for their advice and mentorship
- Build a reputation for providing outstanding patient care. Master your bedside manner and follow instructions carefully
- Establish clear communications with patients, nurses, and other healthcare team members
- Keep learning! Stay up-to-date on best practices regarding patient care related to CNA duties
- Be diligent when it comes to sanitation and hygiene
- Pursue further education and training opportunities to learn new skills and competencies
- Consider becoming a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse
- Learn all relevant employer policies and procedures
- Pag-aralan ang mga gabay ng tagagawa at software para sa mga kagamitan at program na madalas mong ginagamit
- Magpakita ng mga nangungunang kakayahan sa pamumuno at matiyagang sanayin at turuan ang mga nakababatang propesyonal
- Stay engaged with professional organizations. Attend events, hold committee posts, and actively work to advance your reputation
Mga website
- American Health Care Association
- American Journal of Nursing
- American Nurses Association
- Komisyon sa Collegiate Nursing Education
- Kritikal na Pangangalagang Nars
- International Journal of Nursing Practice
- Journal of Nursing Care Quality
- Journal of Nursing Education
- Journal ng Propesyonal na Nursing
- Journal ng American Geriatrics Society
- MEDSURG Nursing
- National Association for Home Care and Hospice
- National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
- Pambansang Samahan ng mga Katulong sa Pangangalagang Pangkalusugan
- National Center for Competency Testing
- National Certification Board para sa Alzheimer Care
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- National Healthcareer Association
- Mga Nursing Assistant Online
- Nursing Ethics
- Nursing Made Incredibly Easy
- Nursing Science Quarterly
- Pamantayan sa Pag-aalaga
- Ang Gerontologist
Mga libro
- CNA Study Guide 2023-2024 Edition, by Gerald Sackler
- Mosby’s Essentials for Nursing Assistants, by Leighann Remmert MS RN, and Sheila A. Sorrentino PhD RN
- Nursing Assistant: Isang Nursing Process Approach , nina Barbara Acello at Barbara Hegner
The day-to-day work life of a CNA can be rewarding but often challenging. It’s a critically important career field and frequently serves as a valuable stepping stone for advanced opportunities, as well.
But it’s not everyone’s cup of tea—and that’s okay! There are dozens of exciting healthcare careers to explore. Below are just a few of the most popular ones to consider:
- Dental Assistant
- Home Health aide
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Katulong na Medikal
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Midwife
- Katulong sa Occupational Therapy
- Katulong ng Optometrist
- Katulong sa Physical Therapy
- Mga Katulong ng Manggagamot
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Veterinarian Assistant