KLA Medical Service

Is Now Hiring CNAs

Call 706-320-0230

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

CNAs assist patients with daily activities and while some CNAs have additional responsibilities, such as administering medication, the core functions on the job include:

• Bathe and dress patients
• Serve meals and help patients eat
• Take vital signs
• Turn or reposition patients who are bedridden
• Collect information about conditions and treatment plans from caregivers, nurses and doctors
• Provide and empty bedpans
• Lift patients into beds, wheelchairs, exam tables, etc.
• Answer patient calls
• Examine patients for bruises, blood in urine or other injuries/wounds
• Clean and sanitize patient areas
• Change bed sheets and restock rooms with necessary supplies

CNAs also serve as a conduit between patients and nurses and doctors and record and communicate all issues to medical staff. Depending on where a CNA works, other duties might include transporting patients to operating rooms or treatment units and setting up equipment at a nurse or doctor’s request.

Aspiring CNAs should understand the job isn’t glamorous and can be graphic at times. From dressing wounds to cleaning a patient after an accident, CNAs are often put to the test on a daily basis.

What education or certification will I need to become a certified nursing assistant?

Unlike many other nursing jobs, a certified nursing assistant doesn’t need to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher to practice. However, formal training resulting in a postsecondary certificate or award is required. The training typically marries basic nursing principles with hands-on supervised clinical work. Learn more about what you’ll study.

Community colleges, vocational colleges and technical schools offer training, along with some hospitals and nursing homes.

CNA program graduates aren’t completely done once their state-required education is complete. They must pass an exam proving their competency and if they do so, they are listed in the state registry. Your state board of nursing can provide comprehensive information on what exactly is needed to become a CNA.  Some will require a background (criminal) check or continuing education.

Because CNA jobs can cause burn out, you may decide to head in another direction with your nursing career. If that’s the case, an associate’s degree can help you become a registered nurse.