Due to various factors, the need for healthcare professionals is on the rise worldwide. One of the primary reasons for this trend is the growing number of aging baby boomers. According to BLS reports, healthcare jobs are projected to increase by 13% by 2031. Among these jobs, the position of certified nursing assistant (CNA) is in high demand. It is an entry-level position that assists nurses in healthcare facilities. If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, consider enrolling in CNA classes in Long Island before beginning your job search.

This post describes what CNAs are, their duties and responsibilities, and factors to consider before enrolling in a training program. Keep scrolling to learn more about them.

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is responsible for providing assistance and basic care to patients. Most CNAs are employed in home healthcare services, nursing homes, clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.

They are usually supervised by licensed nursing professionals. Sometimes, they act as the primary caregiver for patients.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant

These nursing assistants work with patients of all ages. Depending on the place you choose to work, you will need to assist different types of patients. You may be required to possess specialized skills, depending on the workplace requirement.

CNAs often work with older people or someone with a disability at their homes or private nursing centers. If you choose to work at hospitals, you are more likely to work with a diverse patient population. Patients may be children, teenagers, adults, or senior citizens recovering from surgery or illness.

Although the primary responsibility of a CNA is to fulfill a patient’s basic requirements, they may be assigned various additional tasks. The specific duties can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s medical condition, the demands of the work setting, and the scope of authorized care. Attending career-focused CNA classes in Long Island can help interested people learn these duties.

Some of their primary duties are;

Helping patients with their daily activities-

They help patients with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or walking.

Assisting patients to move safely-

A CNA will be responsible for moving patients into their wheelchairs or beds. They will often be required to shift the patients onto the examination table when they cannot move independently. For example, if the patient is bedridden, they may need assistance turning or repositioning for better comfort. CNAs will help them turn around.

Serving meals and helping patients eat-

Several tasks ensure patients receive adequate nutrition, such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, and support during mealtime. A nursing assistant can perform all these tasks.

Assess vital signs-

CNAs frequently take vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and body temperature, document their observations, and inform a supervisor for further evaluation and potential intervention, if required.

Maintaining a well-cleaned environment-

These duties may involve a nursing assistant changing bedsheets, cleaning up spills, setting up equipment, etc. They should ensure that patients’ recovery rooms are sanitized to reduce the chances of spreading germs and infection in the patient’s living area.

Assist in patient care-

Direct interaction with patients provides CNAs with a valuable opportunity to detect and report various indicators of injury, such as bruises, blood in urine, and other physical trauma. By notifying the medical staff about these indicators on time, appropriate care can be provided to patients to address these concerns.

Communicating with the patient’s family and healthcare providers-

No matter where you work, you will act as a channel between patients, nurses, and doctors. It is important to ensure that all patients’ problems are addressed correctly. CNAs working in home care also interact with the family members of patients who assist with patient care.

Offering companionship-

Given the significant amount of time spent with patients, CNAs frequently provide empathy and comfort to patients experiencing loneliness, frustration, or fear.

People interested in making a career in the healthcare industry as nursing assistants can enroll in CNA classes in Long Island and learn the necessary skills. These classes can help you gain the essential knowledge to perform your duties confidently at the workplace.

But here comes a question, what should I consider when choosing a specific CNA program?

Here we describe the top four factors you need to pay attention to before enrolling in a certified nursing assistant training program. 

Location of the Institute-

It’s best if you enroll yourself in a local institute offering a CNA program. For example, if you live in Long Island, you can search for an institute offering this program in Long Island.

Duration of the Program-

Consider the length of the training program before you pay the fees. Many institutes offer 10 to 16 weeks of CNA programs. Some institutes even offer flexible day, evening, and weekend classes according to your schedule. You can consult the institute’s expert team about the duration of the program and class times.

Job placement assistance-

Enrolling in an institute that provides job placement assistance has the advantage of well-established connections with employers and industry experts. Chances are high; they may have a network that may otherwise be difficult to access independently. This way, they can link you with appropriate job openings. As a result, your likelihood of getting a job is significantly enhanced.

Their career counselors can even provide personalized guidance and advice. They can provide recommendations on suitable career paths by assessing your strengths, interests, and career goals.

Training cost-

The expenses associated with a CNA training program vary depending on factors such as transportation, duration of the program, cost of textbooks and training, etc. So, it is advisable to select an institute that strives to minimize these costs.

Choosing an institute far from your home can significantly increase your expenses. In addition, you need to have a considerable amount of time and energy to visit the institute and attend classes. Hence, it’s best to choose a center near your residence.

Since you will be dedicating your valuable time, finances, and effort to certified nursing assistant training, selecting the right educational institution that will provide high-quality CNA classes in Long Island will help you become a certified and competent nursing assistant.

Therefore, conducting thorough research and evaluation before enrolling in any training center is highly recommended.

Making an informed decision about the training program and institution will ensure that your investment is well-placed and leads you toward a successful career as a qualified Certified Nursing Assistant.