How to Be Certified Nursing Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 26, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a great way to get started in the medical field. The job requires a commitment to providing quality care and can be both physically and emotionally demanding. By completing the necessary coursework and passing the certification exam, CNAs can gain a variety of important benefits.

One of the most rewarding is the opportunity to build relationships with patients. CNAs also gain valuable experience that can be used to advance their career in the medical industry. CNAs earn a stable income, which can provide financial stability and the potential for future growth.

becoming a CNA is an important step that can open the door to a rewarding career path in healthcare.

Steps How to Become

Research the requirements for certification in your state. Each state has different requirements for becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Requirements can vary from completing a minimum number of hours of classroom and clinical training to passing a state-administered exam.
Enroll in an accredited CNA program. Courses are typically offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities.
Complete the required training and hours of clinical instruction. Programs typically require between 75 to 150 hours of training, which includes both classroom and hands-on clinical instruction.
Pass the certification exam. The certification exam typically consists of two parts. a written/oral exam and a skills demonstration exam.
Register with your states nursing board to become a certified nursing assistant. Once you have passed the certification exam, you must register with your states nursing board in order to become a certified nursing assistant.
Apply for CNA jobs. Once you are a certified nursing assistant, you can apply for jobs at hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.

Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) requires dedication, perseverance, and hard work. The process of becoming a CNA involves completing an accredited program, passing a certification exam, and then maintaining the certification. Achieving success in the CNA field requires taking the time to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.

By taking the time to learn the fundamentals of patient care and safety, those seeking to become CNAs can gain an understanding of the importance of providing quality care. developing good communication skills is key to being an effective CNA, as it allows for better understanding between the patient and the CNA. Once these skills have been acquired, they must be practiced and honed in order to develop efficient and effective patient care.

With dedication and practice, CNAs can become skilled and efficient in their roles, providing quality care to their patients.

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Job Description

Assist patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
Measure and record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate.
Provide patient care by transferring them in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, or cars.
Monitor and report changes in patient health status to nursing staff.
Respond to patient call lights and alarms.
Serve meals, snacks, and beverages to patients.
Collect specimens, such as urine or stool samples.
Assist with medical equipment and supplies.
Change bed linens and clean patient rooms.
Document patient information in medical records.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to take vital signs
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and families
Ability to provide patient hygiene
Ability to assist with activities of daily living
Ability to document patient care
Ability to transfer patients safely
Ability to recognize and report changes in a patient's condition
Knowledge of infection control protocols
Knowledge of the medical terminology
Knowledge of safety principles in the clinical setting

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) requires more than just knowledge of medical terminology and patient care techniques. It requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and a variety of important skills. The most important skill for a CNA to have is a caring, compassionate attitude towards their patients.

A CNA must be able to show empathy and understanding for the physical and emotional needs of their patients. They must also be willing to offer their support and help to those in their care. In addition, CNAs must be able to follow instructions from the supervising nurse, and must demonstrate excellent communication skills when interacting with patients and their families.

Possessing effective organizational skills is also essential, as CNAs are often responsible for keeping accurate records of patient care and treatments. Lastly, CNAs must demonstrate good critical thinking skills in order to identify potential health problems and make sound judgments in potentially difficult situations. With these skills, CNAs can provide quality care to their patients, making a real difference in their lives.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Certified Nursing Assistant?
How do you handle difficult patient situations?
What challenges have you faced in the nursing field?
How do you prioritize tasks when working with multiple patients?
Describe your experience with basic nursing skills, such as taking vital signs or giving injections.
How do you handle challenging ethical situations?
Have you ever dealt with a difficult patient family member or doctor?
How have you been able to build relationships with patients?
How do you stay up to date on the latest changes and trends in healthcare?
What are your long-term career goals for nursing?

Common Tools in Industry

Stethoscope. A medical instrument used to listen to internal sounds of the body, such as the heart and lungs. (Example: Taking a patient's blood pressure with a stethoscope).
Blood Pressure Cuff. A device used to measure the force of blood pushing against artery walls. (Example: Taking a patient's blood pressure with a blood pressure cuff).
Gait Belt. A belt worn around the waist to help support and move patients who are unable to walk on their own. (Example: Moving a patient from their bed to a chair using a gait belt).
Wheelchair. A chair on wheels used to move patients who cannot walk or stand. (Example: Taking a patient for a walk outside in a wheelchair).
Bedpan. A container used by bedridden patients for urination and defecation. (Example: Assisting a patient in using a bedpan).
Transfer Board. A board used to help transfer patients from one surface to another. (Example: Moving a patient from their bed to a wheelchair using a transfer board).
Glucose Meter. A device used to measure the amount of glucose in a patient's blood. (Example: Testing a patient's blood sugar levels with a glucose meter).
Pulse Oximeter. A device used to measure the amount of oxygen in a patient's blood. (Example: Checking a patient's oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Nurse Aides (AANA)
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants (NNCNA)
American Medical Directors Association (AMDA)
National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC)
National League for Nursing (NLN)
American Red Cross (ARC)
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
American College of Nursing Home Administrators (ACNHA)

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Common Important Terms

Clinical Skills. Clinical skills are the foundational skills required for caregivers to provide safe and effective patient care. These skills include communication, assessment, critical thinking, technical skills, physical care, and patient education.
Patient Assessment. Patient assessment is the process of gathering and interpreting information about a patients condition in order to make clinical decisions. This includes taking a patients vital signs, performing a physical exam, and gathering medical history.
Patient Advocacy. Patient advocacy is the process of advocating for the rights of a patient and ensuring that they receive optimal care based on their individual needs.
Documentation. Documentation is the process of recording and maintaining patient information, including health records, medical history, and care plans.
Infection Control. Infection control is the process of preventing the spread of infectious diseases by following established protocols for hand hygiene, sterilization, and safe disposal of waste.
Safety Procedures. Safety procedures are established guidelines for keeping patients and staff safe in a healthcare setting. These procedures include proper use of medical equipment, fire safety protocols, and handling hazardous materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.

What qualifications are needed to become a CNA?

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant, individuals must complete an approved training program and pass the required competency exam.

How long does CNA training typically take?

CNA training typically takes between 6-12 weeks to complete.

What is the average salary of a CNA?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for CNAs in 2020 was $28,530.

What are the duties of a CNA?

The duties of a Certified Nursing Assistant include providing basic patient care, such as assisting with bathing, dressing, and grooming; taking vital signs; and helping patients with activities of daily living.