What is a CNA?

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is an entry-level position in the healthcare field. Under the supervision of licensed nurse staff, they perform essential tasks in providing patient care. Getting your CNA certification is one of the best ways to get a head start in the medical field. As your knowledge and experience grow, many opportunities will come your way.

History of the CNA profession

1. Volunteer Nurses Aide Service

During World War I, there were a large number of wounded soldiers and civilians. Many overworked nurses needed help then, which is why the American Red Cross created the Volunteer Nurses' Aide Service program. To train young women as nurses’ aides to provide basic help to nurses at the time.

At the time, the nursing assistants were volunteers and uncertified. As World War II devastated the world once more, the Red Cross resurrected the program, resulting in over 12,000 volunteers serving as nurse aides. After the war, some stayed as nurse aides and continued volunteering, and some moved on to paying jobs.

1. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)

In the late 1980s, there was an increase in concern among government officials about the standard of care given to patients in nursing homes. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act to address this problem.

This act requires nurse aides to have at least 75 hours of classroom instruction. They must also complete practical experience before working in a skilled nursing facility.

It also established the following requirements for nurse assistants, which are still in use today:

1. Training and Educational Requirements

2. Testing and Certifications

3. Continuing Education

4. CNA Code of Ethics

OBRA also includes the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act. This ensures health care quality in nursing homes funded by Medicare or Medicaid. According to the Act. Skilled nursing facilities must provide quality care so that each resident can “attain and maintain her highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.”

What does a CNA do?

CNAs play a vital role in healthcare as they provide care and support to patients, aiding them in their daily activities. They perform various duties, such as taking vital signs and helping patients with bathing, dressing, and grooming.

CNAs become the patient's companions and friends of their patients and ensure they are in good health and cared for. A CNA may perform some of these responsibilities throughout their shift:

• Make patient beds

• Help the patient with toileting

• Bathing patients

• Taking the patient vital signs

• Assist patients with eating

Where do certified nursing assistants work?

Employers hire CNAs to support patients or clients who need help with daily living activities and personal care. CNAs have many options regarding where they can work; this includes hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and so on. They can even work in private homes or care for patients in hospice settings.

Here's a list shows the top-paying states for Nursing Assistants:

• Government:

• Annual mean wage: $37,310

• Hospitals; state, local, and private:

• Annual mean wage: $35,870

• Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities):

• Annual mean wage: $29,970

• Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly:

• Annual mean wage: $29,900

• Home healthcare services:

• Annual mean wage: $29,280

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

How Do I Become a CNA, and How Long Does it Take?

To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam. CNA training requirements may differ by state but generally include a high school diploma or GED to register for the class. CNA training length varies by state and program, usually lasting 4 to 12 weeks or longer. After completing the training, you need to pass a certification exam, which includes a written test and skills assessment. ‍