聚光灯
注册药物助理 (CMA)、注册护士助理 (CNA)、注册护士助理 (CNA)、注册护理助理 (CNA)、持证护理助理 (LNA)、护士助理、护理助理、护理助理、病人护理助理 (PCA)、州立测试护理助理 (STNA)
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide essential care and support to patients in hospitals, assisted living centers, nursing homes, community-based adult day care centers, and private residences.
Also known in some states as nursing aides or assistants, CNAs bear general responsibility for ensuring clean, safe environments for patients. They work under the supervision of licensed nurses to ensure their patients’ basic needs are met, such as bathing, getting dressed, and eating.
They also monitor patient vital signs, assist with mobility, and offer much-needed companionship. Depending on their training, they may even offer limited support during medical procedures.
CNAs are vital members of the healthcare team and crucial links between patients and their nurses, recording information in charts and reporting changes so the best care can be given at all times!
- 对患者的健康、寿命和日常生活质量产生影响
- 医疗保健领域的需求不断增长
- 大量个人和职业发展机会
工作日程
- Certified Nursing Assistants may work part-time or full-time. Shifts may include nights, weekends, or holidays.
典型职责
CNA duties can vary by state, setting, and training. Certain duties require the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
- Assist patients with personal hygiene including bathing, grooming, dressing, and using the toilet
- Serve meals and help patients eat, recording their food and liquid intake
- Prepare rooms and bathrooms for new patients, ensuring they are tidy and sanitary. Change bedsheets and stock toiletry items
- Help patients with mobility, including transferring them between beds and wheelchairs, and repositioning for sitting or sleeping
- Monitor and record vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature
- Observe changes in patients’ conditions. Report changes to the supervising nurse
- Respond to patient calls and bed alarms. Care for catheters
- Provide companionship and emotional support
- Document patient information, such as responses to treatment and health concerns
- Ensure effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals
- If trained and authorized, CNAs may also:
- 协助非侵入性医疗程序,如包扎伤口
- Administer oral, optical, nasal, and topical medications
- Draw blood
- Collect urine or stool samples
- 接送病人赴约
额外责任
- 协助洗衣、跑腿和预约安排
- 帮助病人出院
- Collaborate effectively with patients’ larger healthcare team or caregiver agencies
- Stay up-to-date on best practices
- Assist with training new CNAs
- Help nurses set up medical equipment. Perform basic equipment cleaning
软技能
- 床边礼仪
- 怜悯之心
- 稳重
- 可靠性
- 注重细节
- 灵活性
- 情绪复原力
- 同理心
- 手眼协调
- 诚信
- 人际交往技能
- 循序渐进
- 观察者
- 耐心
- 身体耐力
- 建立关系
- 可靠性
- 安全意识
- 健全的判断力
- 强大的沟通能力
- 团队合作与协作
- 时间管理
技术技能
- Basic medical knowledge, including medical terminology, taking vital signs, and patient care techniques
- Knowledge of medical illnesses and injuries, and their signs and symptoms
- General familiarity with healthcare equipment and technology
- Knowledge of hygiene, sterilization practices, and infection control practices
- Proficiency in documenting and maintaining patient records using medical records software
- Familiarity with the roles of other medical professionals
- 辅助生活中心
- 社区成人日间护理中心
- 持续护理退休社区
- 临终关怀机构
- Hospitals and clinics
- 护理机构(专业护理机构)
- 疗养院和长期护理机构
- 门诊护理中心
- Private residences
- 康复中心
Certified Nursing Assistants are entrusted with the welfare of patients who are often vulnerable due to age, illness, or disability. They frequently assist multiple patients on any given day, thus requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.
The work can be both physically demanding and emotionally taxing, with schedules sometimes requiring night, weekend, and holiday shifts. CNAs must stay vigilant, empathetic, and patient to ensure their patients receive the best care possible even during stressful or tiring circumstances. In addition, they should take time to practice self-care in order to avoid job burnout or feelings of detachment.
The nursing field in general has faced a critical shortage in recent years. This is due to a combination of factors, including an increase in life expectancy causing people to require more years of the healthcare services of nurses and CNAs.
In turn, this has created a bottleneck situation, as there are not enough nursing faculty available to train new nurses and CNAs to replace retiring ones. Meanwhile, as the workload continues to stack up, extra strain is placed on nursing professionals who must find ways to manage their own mental well-being and work-life balance.
CNAs may have always had an interest in helping others. They could have been involved in caregiving roles from a young age with infirm family members. They tend to have a natural compassion and a desire to make a tangible difference in other people’s lives!
需要的教育
As a reminder, not every state uses the title Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Some simply use the terms Nursing Assistant or Nursing Aide.
- To become a Certified Nursing Assistant requires completing a state-approved CNA training program through an accredited school
- Note, applicants will need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some high schools feature CNA programs for juniors and seniors
- CNA training programs are widely available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and even in some hospitals and nursing homes
- “A typical CNA program lasts for about 120 hours or six weeks and includes four weeks in a classroom and two weeks in a clinical setting,” writes Indeed. “Many online CNA programs can accommodate a variety of student schedules and may offer classes during the day and on evenings and weekends.”
- Course topics include:
- Human anatomy
- Infection control
- 医学术语
- 营养学
- Patient rights
- Safety and emergencies
- Vital signs
- Practical training includes instruction on basic nursing principles along with RN-supervised caregiving experiences in clinical settings—usually “at least 75 hours of practical experience in an accredited CNA training facility, which also includes at least 16 hours of supervised clinical and 16 hours of laboratory training.” However, some states may require up to 175 hours of training
- Additional state-specific and employer-specific training requirements vary
- Note, upon completion of a state-approved program, students are required to pass a competency exam to obtain a certification or qualify for a state-issued license
- Many states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam for this. Others have their own exams
- Exams usually consist of a written or oral test proctored through a third party, featuring multiple-choice questions. There is also a clinical skills portion where test-takers demonstrate proficiency in various tasks
- Certification is usually good for two years, and renewable based on state or employer-specific requirements (such as completing continuing education or maintaining employment)
- In addition to the above, CNA hopefuls may need to verify or update their immunizations (such as seasonal Influenza vaccination, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), hepatitis B, varicella, and meningococcal)
- They may also have to pass criminal background and drug screenings
- CNAs may complete optional credentials, such as:
- 美国伤口管理委员会认证伤口护理助理
- 美国运动委员会功能训练专业认证
- 美国医疗认证协会的病人护理技师认证
- 美国抽血协会的病人护理技术员
- 美国红十字会基本生命支持认证
- 注册药物助理(CMA)
- 安宁缓和护士协会的认证安宁缓和护理助理
- 全国实习护士教育与服务协会静脉治疗认证
- 国家能力测试中心的国家认证病人护理技师
- 阿尔茨海默氏症护理国家认证委员会的阿尔茨海默氏症护理员认证
- 美国各州护理委员会全国护理助理评估计划
- 国家医疗保健人员协会的认证病人护理技师/助理
- 北美康复工程与辅助技术协会座椅与移动专家
CNA training programs are available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, some hospitals and nursing homes, and even through some high school programs.
- Review the exact training and certification/licensure requirements for the state you plan to work in.
- 考虑学费(州内/州外费率)、折扣、奖学金和授课方式(校内、在线或混合课程)。
- Look for accredited programs with strong reputations and high pass rates for state certification exams.
- 查看在当地医疗机构进行实践培训的可用选项。
- 考虑课程的持续时间和课时安排的灵活性,尤其是在兼顾其他任务的情况下。
- 查看教师简介和获奖情况。了解毕业率和就业统计。了解校友网络的成就!
- 在医疗保健机构担任志愿者,以增加接触机会并学习实用技能
- Take classes in high school related to anatomy, physiology, biology, health sciences, and first aid
- Earn good grades so you can get accepted into a suitable CNA training program
- Participate in school activities where you can hone your soft skills and gain leadership experience
- Think about the format you want to take CNA classes in. Some topics are fine for online study, but others need to be learned in person
- Research the CNA certification requirements for your state. Keep in mind that you may have to pass a criminal background check or drug screening
- Request to do an informational interview with a working CNA to learn about their daily duties
- Check out online articles and videos about the career field, the various settings you could work in, and extra certifications you may want to pursue!
- 保存一份可作为未来工作推荐人的联系人名单(附电话号码或电子邮件)。
- 保留简历的工作草稿,并随着经验的积累不断更新
- Develop a workout schedule so you can stay in shape and manage stress
- Once certified to work in their respective states, CNAs can explore job postings via sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, myCNAjobs, healthcare-specific job search sites, and the websites of applicable employers (i.e., assisted living centers, adult day care centers, hospitals, clinics, nursing care facilities, etc.)
- Note, many recruiters have established pipelines with local CNA training programs, so talk to your school’s program manager or career center about job placement assistance
- Network with fellow healthcare professionals to learn about job opportunities. Don’t underestimate the power of “word of mouth” recruiting!
- Advertise yourself on LinkedIn and keep your social media professional. Potential employers often screen candidates’ online activities
- Check out Certified Nursing Assistant resumes for ideas on formatting, phrasing, and keywords to use
- Review potential interview questions to expect. Do several mock interviews to practice your responses
- 表现出酣畅淋漓的精神状态,让人感受到你有能力从身体和精神上应对工作负荷
- 阅读招聘人员使用的策略,了解他们在面试中的心态
- 面试时穿着专业
- Let your supervisor know your career goals and ask for their advice and mentorship
- Build a reputation for providing outstanding patient care. Master your bedside manner and follow instructions carefully
- Establish clear communications with patients, nurses, and other healthcare team members
- Keep learning! Stay up-to-date on best practices regarding patient care related to CNA duties
- Be diligent when it comes to sanitation and hygiene
- Pursue further education and training opportunities to learn new skills and competencies
- Consider becoming a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse
- Learn all relevant employer policies and procedures
- Study manufacturer and software guides for equipment and programs you use frequently
- Demonstrate top-notch leadership capabilities and patiently train and mentor younger professionals
- Stay engaged with professional organizations. Attend events, hold committee posts, and actively work to advance your reputation
网站
- 美国医疗保健协会
- American Journal of Nursing
- 美国护士协会
- 护理学院教育委员会
- 重症监护护士
- 国际护理实践杂志
- 护理质量期刊
- 护理教育杂志
- 专业护理杂志
- 美国老年医学会杂志
- MEDSURG Nursing
- 全国家庭护理和安宁疗护协会
- 全国实习护士教育与服务协会
- 全国保健助理协会
- 国家能力测试中心
- 阿尔茨海默氏症护理国家认证委员会
- 全国各州护理委员会
- 全国保健人员协会
- 护理助理在线
- Nursing Ethics
- Nursing Made Incredibly Easy
- Nursing Science Quarterly
- 护理标准
- 老年学家
书籍
- CNA Study Guide 2023-2024 Edition, by Gerald Sackler
- Mosby’s Essentials for Nursing Assistants, by Leighann Remmert MS RN, and Sheila A. Sorrentino PhD RN
- 护理助理:护理流程方法》,芭芭拉-阿切洛、芭芭拉-黑格纳著
The day-to-day work life of a CNA can be rewarding but often challenging. It’s a critically important career field and frequently serves as a valuable stepping stone for advanced opportunities, as well.
But it’s not everyone’s cup of tea—and that’s okay! There are dozens of exciting healthcare careers to explore. Below are just a few of the most popular ones to consider:
- Dental Assistant
- 家庭健康助理
- 执业护士(LPN)
- 医疗助理
- 麻醉师护士
- 助产士
- 职业治疗助理
- 验光师助理
- 理疗助理
- 医师助理
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- 兽医助理