CNA – Certified Nursing Aides

A CNA or a Certified Nursing Aide is a patient care technician, someone trained to work directly under a nurse’s supervision in order to help care for patients. CNAs work in hospitals or nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and even private homes.

Entering into the field requires certification, which can be taken via online courses at many learning institutions. CNAs continue to be in high demand in the United States.

CNA Job Description

CNAs work directly under the supervision of a registered nurse and are required to work closely with patients in order to relay vital information to the nurse in charge. The responsibilities of certified nursing assistants may include:

• Bathing and dressing patients
• Feeding patients
• Assisting with moving the patient
• Monitoring and taking vital signs
• Help with physical therapy exercises
• Answering call lights
• Turning bedridden patients to prevent bedsores
• Making beds and keeping rooms organized
• Maintaining proper medical record documentation and relaying information to nurses in charge

CNA Salary:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly wages of CNAs were $24,040 in May of 2009. The middle 50% earned between $20,490 and $28,990. The lowest 10% earned less than $17,510 while the top 90% earned more than $33,970.