As is the case with so many professions and activities, depending on the state you are in or the school you are attending, there are different ways of naming what is, essentially, the same thing. It is a common issue among teachers, particularly, as each state has different requirements, and words like “certified,” “licensed,” and “qualified,” can vary in meaning. The same is true for the health care field.
CNA is a general term which stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. This is a category of healthcare professional which may be alternatively referred to as an orderly, nurse’s aide, patient care technician, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), State-Tested Nurse Aid (STNA), or even a Nursing Assistant-Registered (NA-R). While the titles vary, they all communicate the same idea – these individuals assist the nurse in his/her duties. The supervising nurse may be a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
In general, a CNA does not intervene in the medical care of a patient. Instead, a CNA assists patients with daily living tasks. This includes helping patients to bathe and groom themselves (brushing hair, nail care, dressing, etc.), as well as feeding or assisting patients while they feed themselves. They can help bedridden patients turn or find a more comfortable position. Patients who are mobile can also be assisted by a CNA, who provide support during walking, exercising, or other physical therapy tasks.
While a CNA, again, does not have any degree of decision-making over a patient’s medical care, the CNA serves as a valuable set of “eyes, ears, and hands” for the supervising RN or LPN. For example, the CNA may be charged with answering patients’ calls, to find out what is needed and fulfill the requirement if it is within his/her capacities, saving the supervising nurse valuable time. The CNA often measures and records patient food and liquid intake/output, as well as the patient’s vital signs. Important changes are reported to qualified staff for further evaluation. Some CNAs can also apply basic dressings, and assist the supervising nurse in preparing the patient for examination, treatment, or surgery. Often, it is a CNA who pushes the patient in a wheelchair or stretcher to treatment units or surgery rooms.
In addition, the CNA is usually the one responsible for keeping patient rooms clean. Linen changes and re-stocking tasks are often completed by CNAs – again, the older term “orderly” refers to CNAs. Any problems with equipment are reported to the appropriate authorities.
In short, and as the name suggests, a Certified Nursing Assistant plays a very valuable role within a hospital or clinic, saving the supervising nurse or nurses crucial time and attention. By completing these routine tasks, the supervising nurse is then free to deal with situations only his/her expertise can manage. In addition, many RNs and LPNs began their professional careers as CNAs, which provides an excellent overall introduction into the medical field, and gives them special understanding of the workings of a hospital.
[...] CNA takes a state exam and once she/he passes they can work in a home health care facility, hospital, [...]