Nursing assistants must undergo different state-approved training programs to get certification. Aside from the required 50 hours of theory and 100 hours of supervised clinical training, CNA training also involves a mastery of different nursing assistant skills These skills involve helping patients with their daily activities and as well as providing bedside medical care. The ability to make quick observations about the patient’s condition and provide a detailed report to the nurse is required aside from performing basic medical procedures. It is the part of a registered nurse’s duty to do rounds and take care of different patients. Since they don’t spend too much time with one particular patient, unless absolutely necessary, it is the duty of the nursing assistant to keep a close watch on the patient they are assigned to

Since nursing assistants are the ones who stay with patients for most of the time, they are required to have proper expertise in emergency procedures. CNA training includes CPR and resuscitation in the event of cardiac arrest. Nursing assistants must be knowledgeable about the basic rights of patients, especially since they are sometimes hired to stay with a patient even after he has been taken home from the hospital. Patient rights include; the right to privacy while care is being given, the right to information about medical procedures and the right to accept or refuse medical procedures.

Ambulation, a set of techniques used to help patients in walking, is included in CNA training as well. Sufficient knowledge in the application of antiembolic stockings is also a requirement for nursing assistants. This is a device used to observe a patient with circulatory problems. It involves the application of pressure on the legs to prevent the occurrence of blood clots.

A nursing assistant is also responsible for the patient’s oral health care, dressing, feeding, hair care, nail care, bathing, positioning and bed making, aside from being responsible for conducting basic medical procedures. The nursing assistant is responsible for ensuring that the patient practices proper hygiene. Feeding is an important aspect that needs to be given a lot of attention. In addition, it is also part of CNA training to train nursing assistants to administer range-of-motion exercises that would help patients exercise their joints to help in circulation. Nursing assistants must know how to properly take and record vital signs, as they have to do this at least once a day. This is an important factor in ensuring a patient’s stability and it will also make it easier for nurses and doctors to keep track of the patient’s vital signs for reference.

There is much more to CNA training that could be covered in this write-up. To read a lot more go to my free CNA training webpage today!