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Certified nursing assistants are the life-blood of the hospital; unfortunately, they are vastly underpaid when compared to the nurses they work with. There are obvious reasons as to why this is the case. The most obvious reason being because of the difference in schooling and training; of which nurses have a lot of more.
However, certified nursing assistants do a great deal of work around the hospital that help make things much easier for nurses. When you stay an extended period of time in the hospital, chances are you will see more of your CNA than anyone else. Below is a list of some of the more common things that fall under a CNAs responsibility.
Patient Cleaning and Bathing
When a patient has been in a hospital for over a day, it is hospital procedure for the nurses and CNAs to offer cleaning services. In some cases, patients turn down the bathing, and if done enough, they will be required to bathe regardless of their preferences in order to prevent problematic side-effects. Generally, the CNA is responsible for ensuring the patient is bathed and clean.
Patient Comfort
Among one of the most prevalent responsibilities of the CNA is to ensure patients are comfortable. This consists of anything from rubbing lotion on the patient to bringing them a beverage.
Responding to Call Lights
CNAs are the primary responder when a patient rings a call light. It is their responsibility to respond and deal with the patient prior to letting the nurse know anything.
