Position Spotlight: Certified Nursing Assistant

Portrait of a female home caregiver working at the house of a patient and looking at the camera - assisted living concepts

If you want a job that truly makes a difference, consider becoming a certified nursing assistant. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to provide hands-on care to patients in medical settings.

Working under the direction of a Registered Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse, you’ll perform tasks that make patients more comfortable during their stay. As a vital part of the medical team, you’ll also be responsible for monitoring patients and helping to ensure they receive the best possible care.

How to Become a CNA

Unlike most jobs in the medical field, you don’t need a college degree to become a CNA. After earning your high school diploma — or GED — you’ll need to complete state-approved training. There are a variety of options for this, including online courses or community college. Next, you’ll complete an in-person clinical requirement, where you’ll train under a medical professional.

When you’re done with that, all you’ll need to do is pass the certification exam and get listed on the CNA registry in your state. This whole process can take less than a year, allowing you to start your new career quickly.

CNA Duties

No two CNA jobs are the same, but here’s a look at standard responsibilities associated with this line of work.

  • Assisting patients with daily living activities, including personal hygiene needs
  • Checking vital signs
  • Maintaining patients’ restorative levels, as indicated on their care plan
  • Coordinating healthcare needs
  • Documenting patient activities
  • Carefully following professional protocols, policies, and procedures put in place by the facility and federal, state, and local laws
  • Safely transferring patients
  • Maintaining a clean and safe patient environment

CNA Qualifications

  • To be considered for a CNA position, you’ll generally need to meet the following standards.
  • Certification in good standing in your state
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Current physical and TB skin test
  • MMR or MMR titers
  • Current BLS (American Heart Association)
  • Minimum one year of nursing experience
  • Willing to submit to a drug test and criminal background check
  • Strong multitasking abilities
  • Excellent team player

Interested in working as a certified nursing assistant? Malone Healthcare is currently searching for talented individuals to serve in this role. Contact us today to learn more!