What does a CNA do

A CNA works under the direction of nurses and doctors in a hospital, nursing home, home health agency or other care facility.  CNA's check a patient's vital signs and assist with tasks such as bathing, grooming and feeding.  CNA's set up and move medical equipment and.  Changing bedpans and linen may also be a part of the job as well.  They may also monitor the patient's emotional and mental well-being and convey their findings to other medical personnel.
    
RN's that started out as a CNA first make better RN's.  Some believe that becoming a CNA can be the best stepping stone before becoming a registered nurse.  That will allow you to be become familiar with the needs of a patient. 
    
In today's hospitals and extended care facilities a CNA is an important part of a health care team that includes many personnel outside of nurses. CNAs are needed to provide routine care so that nurses can provide care that only they can perform.  The CNA must not only be very skilled in the actual procedures being performed but must also be able to observe a patient's condition and report that information back to the nurse. Due to other responsibilities, the nurse cannot spend large amounts of time in the room with the patient so the CNA is often referred to as the nurse's "eyes and ears".  A CNA must also have a strong grasp of emergency procedures and be able to stay calm in stressful situations.
    
But, nationwide standards do exist for the CNA job description. Basically, the CNA provides a basic nursing service under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse. This supervision is necessary, as the CNA does not have the legal powers or responsibilities of a registered nurse.
    
CNA duties include observing patients, caring for the patient’s hygiene when necessary, monitoring vital signs, help with meals and feeding when required, mobilizing the patient to tests or therapy and attending to other patient needs. These job duties usually occur in both hospitals and in long-term care facilities, but the patient in the latter facility often is referred to as a “resident.”