Healthcare facilities employ several types of nursing professionals to carry out a variety of duties. A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, provides basic patient care in hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities. If you're interested in pursuing a healthcare career as a CNA, learning more about this nursing role may help you to improve your qualifications and find the right position.
In this article, we discuss CNAs, including their duties, average salaries, qualifications, skills for success and some similar healthcare jobs a CNA might consider pursuing.
What is a CNA?
CNAs have several duties and responsibilities in healthcare facilities. Although it's an entry-level position in nursing, it's often a great way to progress to other roles in the healthcare industry. CNAs work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). The CNA role has other common names, such as nursing assistant, patient care assistant (PCA) or nurse's aide. CNAs can work in hospitals or long-term care facilities, including nursing homes.
Although some CNAs work standard daytime shifts, others work evenings or weekends to provide constant patient coverage. They work directly with patients and other healthcare professionals to perform physical and complex tasks, including:
Helping patients bathe and dress
Grooming patients by combing their hair, brushing their teeth and shaving them
Helping patients eat and drink and tracking their liquid and food intake
Repositioning patients in bed
Transferring patients from a bed to a wheelchair and vice versa
Measuring vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, and recording observations
Cleaning and preparing rooms for new patients
Collecting and stocking medical supplies
Answering phone calls and patient calls
Documenting patients' personal and medical information
Assisting RNs and LPNs with medical and patient safety procedures
Caring for wounds
The average salary of a CNA
The average salary of a nursing assistant is $45,774 per year, though this figure may be higher for those with certifications or experience. Other factors that can affect their salary include their location, facility type and education. Some common benefits CNAs receive include:
Flexible spending account
Tuition reimbursement
Paid time off
Health savings account
CNA requirements
CNAs generally have a combination of vocational education, on-the-job training, mandatory certification and specialized skills.
Education
CNAs complete a state-approved vocational program. Depending on the state, they may enroll in a program at a high school, community college or technical school. Most programs include a combination of lectures, clinical experience and a practical rotation, along with a written and clinical exam. Programs typically last for a year or less and may include online components.
Training
Most CNAs also complete on-the-job training to learn their organization's protocols and workflows. They generally receive their normal rate of pay during these training sessions. How long it lasts can depend on the employer and the CNA's skills.
Certifications
Each state has its own requirements for CNAs. In most states, nursing aides need a certification to use the CNA title. Earning this certification also allows CNAs to be on their state's registry, a requirement for aides working in nursing homes.
To earn a CNA certification, candidates typically complete an approved nursing aide program, undergo training and pass a state exam. Some states also require CNAs to complete a criminal background check or pursue continuing education to maintain this credential.
Skills
Some of the most common skills and abilities CNAs use to excel in this position include:
Communication: CNAs need strong communication skills to work efficiently with nurses, physicians and other providers. They must also listen carefully to patients and colleagues, state instructions and concerns clearly and keep accurate written records.
Compassion: Because CNAs perform everyday tasks for patients with limited mobility or serious health concerns, they need compassion. Doing their jobs with care and sensitivity is vital for success in this field.
Stamina: Because CNAs do much of their work while standing and perform physical tasks daily, stamina can help them stay focused and alert. Helping patients also sometimes requires lifting and positioning them, and stamina can help with this task.
Similar jobs a CNA can pursue
Many CNAs specialize in one area or pursue other nursing positions. Here are some common of those options.
1. Psychiatric technician
National average salary: $96,689 per year
Primary duties: Psychiatric technicians help psychiatrists care for patients with mental health conditions. They monitor patients' conditions, note any concerns, and assist with patient admission and discharge. Psychiatric techs also check patients' vital signs, administer medication, guide patients through therapeutic activities and help patients with daily tasks like bathing and eating.
2. Registered nurse
National average salary: $93,910 per year
Primary duties: RNs coordinate care and administer treatment plans for patients. They observe patients, document their conditions, provide medications and conduct diagnostic tests. RNs also show patients and their caregivers how to manage injuries and illnesses, and they help coordinate at-home treatments. Some RNs specialize in neonatology, public health, addiction or critical care.
3. Licensed practical nurse
National average salary: $59,639 per year
Primary duties: LPNs care for patients under the supervision of physicians and RNs. They perform basic tasks like taking vital signs, changing bandages and helping patients bathe and dress. LPNs talk with patients about their conditions and treatments and communicate concerns to their colleagues. In some states, LPNs also collect samples for laboratory tests, start intravenous drips and provide medications to patients.
4. Medical assistant
National average salary: $46,145 per year
Primary duties: Medical assistants support physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers in doctors' offices, hospitals and other facilities. They measure vital signs, document patients' health histories and assist with examinations. Medical assistants also process blood samples, dress wounds and help patients get medication refills. Some medical assistants specialize in clerical and administrative tasks, while others focus on clinical responsibilities.
5. Home health aide
National average salary: $37,484 per year
Primary duties: Home health aides assist disabled, cognitively impaired and chronically ill people with everyday activities in their homes. Like CNAs, they assist people with bathing and dressing. However, they also help with housekeeping, laundry, errands and grocery shopping. Many home health aides also transport their clients to medical appointments and help them connect with their communities.
Frequently asked questions
Is a CNA a type of nurse?
CNAs work in the nursing field, but they're not nurses. Aspiring nurses may start as CNAs to gain care skills and clinical experience, but CNAs are unable to administer medications, dress wounds and set up IV fluids.
What's the fastest way to become a CNA?
If you want to start working as a CNA as quickly as possible, take an accelerated CNA program. They can prepare aspiring CNAs to take their licensing exam in just two to four weeks. Requirements vary by state, so check local guidelines to learn how many hours of classroom and clinical training are mandatory where you live.
Is being a CNA stressful?
CNAs often handle high-stakes situations, and working with patients can require concentration and attention to detail. It helps to develop effective emotional management techniques and healthy habits outside of work. While a CNA's daily tasks can be emotionally and physically tiring, many people also find it rewarding to provide direct care to people in need.
