+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a vital member of the | | healthcare team, providing direct care to patients under the | | supervision of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses | | (RNs). The job description of a CNA typically includes the following | | responsibilities: | | | | 1. Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):CNAs help | | patients with tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, | | toileting, and feeding, ensuring theircomfort and maintaining | | theirdignity. | | | | 2. Vital Signs Monitoring:CNAs are responsible for regularly | | monitoring patients' vital signs, including temperature, pulse | | rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, and reporting any | | significant changes to the nursing Staff. | | | | 3. Mobility Assistance:They assist patients with mobility, | | including transferring them from beds to chairs, helping them | | walk, and using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers. | | | | 4. Positioning and Turning:CNAs ensure that bedridden patients | | are repositioned regularly to prevent pressure ulcers and promote | | comfort. | | | | 5. Assisting with Medical Procedures:They may assist nurses with | | various medical procedures such as wound care, catheterization, | | and specimen collection. | | | | 6. Observation and Reporting:CNAs observe patients' conditions | | and behavior, reporting any concerns or changes to the nursing | | staff. They document patient interactions, vital signs, and other | | relevant information accurately. | | | | 7. Patient Advocacy:CNAs advocate for patients' needs and | | preferences, ensuring that they receive compassionate and | | respectful care. | | | | 8. Maintaining a Safe Environment:They help maintain a clean and | | safe patient care environment, following infection control | | protocols and ensuring that equipment is properly used and | | stored. | | | | 9. Providing Emotional Support:CNAs offer emotional support and | | companionship to patients, listening to their concerns and | | providing reassurance. | | | | 10. Collaboration:They collaborate with other healthcare team | | members, including nurses, physicians, therapists, and social | | workers, to provide holistic care to patients. | | | | 11. Continuing Education:CNAs may participate in continuing | | education programs to stay updated on best practices and maintain | | their certification. | | | | 12. Adhering to Ethical and Legal Standards:CNAs must adhere to | | ethical and legal standards in patient care, respecting | | patients' rights, maintaining confidentiality, and following | | facility policies and procedures. | | | | Overall, CNAs play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and | | comfort of patients in various healthcare settings, including | | hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, andhome care | | agencies. | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+