The Duties of a Certified Nursing Assistant in a Nursing Home
The role of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in a nursing home is multifaceted and vital. From assisting residents in getting out of bed to ensuring they are well-clothed, bathing, and fed, CNAs play a crucial role in ensuring the daily well-being of the elderly and handicapped individuals in their care. This article explores the detailed responsibilities of CNAs and the challenges they face.
Overview of Duties
As a Certified Nursing Assistant, the primary duties may include:
Aiding in Mobility: Helping residents get in and out of bed, to and from chairs, wheelchairs, and bathrooms. Assist with Hygiene: Conducting baths, brushing teeth, combing hair, changing linen, and ensuring residents are clean and comfortable. Assist with Daily Living Activities: Feeding, dressing, grooming, and managing personal hygiene needs. Ensure Comfort: Turning residents to prevent bedsores, ensuring they have fresh water, and providing comfort through conversation and activities. Administer Medication and Oral Care: Assisting with medication administration, assisting with dentures, and conducting oral hygiene routines. Prepare for Meals: Escorting residents to the dining room for meals and returning them afterwards. Ensure Safety and Comfort: Monitoring residents, ensuring safety, and promoting their well-being.Quality of Facility and Challenges
The duties of a CNA can vary significantly depending on the quality of the nursing home facility. In lower-quality facilities, CNAs might face extremely challenging workloads, with as many as 20 residents to care for. These facilities may not provide adequate staffing, leading to a high level of physical and emotional strain for the CNAs. In contrast, better facilities with proper staffing may allow CNAs to spend more time on thorough care, providing meals, changing clothes, and engaging in meaningful activities with residents.
Tragically, some CNAs are underpaid and undervalued for their critical role. Despite the high physical demands and emotional stress of the job, they play a pivotal role in the care of residents. Their work is often appreciated and valued, as evidenced by the praise provided by a registered nurse (RN) who works alongside them.
Conclusion
The duties of a certified nursing assistant in a nursing home are demanding, yet essential. Their role encompasses a wide range of tasks that significantly impact the quality of life for the residents they serve. As a profession, CNAs perform an irreplaceable service, and their recognition and compensation should reflect the importance of their work.