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Every healthcare facility has varying job responsibilities for CNAs. Despite the differences, their duties are still similar in many ways-
- CNAs perform the activities of daily living (ADLs). These include ambulating, exercising, bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, hydrating and eating.
- CNAs measure and observe the residents. They take; record and report the vital signs (pulse, temperature, respiration, and blood pressure), intake and output, height and weight, changes in resident’s health condition, meal consumption, applying resident restraints, and collecting and sending laboratory specimens.
- CNAs perform procedures that are outlined in the manual and with the supervision of a RN. They perform skills like instilling enemas, applying ice packs and non-sterile dressings, attending the skin care and oral needs of patients, admission, transferring as well as discharging of patients.
- CNAs observe infection control. They adhere to the facility care standards in order to prevent and isolate client infection through hand washing, proper handling of contaminated objects, procedures for isolation and observing or reporting environmental conditions that can spread infection.
- CNAs assist the clients in ambulation, movement and exercise. They lift, move and transport residents from one position, room or facility to the other. They also assist the residents in maintaining or regaining normal body strength and range of motion, and assist during physical exercises in order to retain musculoskeletal function as well as general well-being.
- CNAs ensure environmental care and safety. They make the living conditions of residents comfortable and keep them safe in their rooms as possible. They make sure that the resident’s rooms are clean and tidy by making their beds and arranging room furniture, adjusting the room temperature, lighting and removing potential hazards that may cause personal injury like spills. They also perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as well as resident evacuation in case there is fire or any sorts of environmental threats.
- CNAs provide therapeutic communication. Whether it is verbal or written, nursing assistants provide proper communication to clients, visitors and other members of the healthcare team. They observe and record resident care and information, and answer or take telephone messages.
Additional CNA Job Responsibilities:
- Protect residents’ rights, dignity, privacy and confidentiality.
- Follow safety rules and adhere to ethical and legal standards of care.
- Follow all agency policies.
- Promote well-being and safety of client
- Participate in different facility programs and activities in order to provide quality care and improve performance.
- Undergo continuing staff education
- Perform post-mortem procedures
Similar to other professions, nursing assistants have limitations at work. You have to work under the supervision of a medical doctor or registered nurse with responsibilities that are limited to what is specified in the job description.
Limitations typically include medication administration (whether oral, intravenous, sublingual or topical), taking doctor’s orders and performing procedures that are prohibited by the law or the employing facility itself. Whenever you are in doubt in performing any task especially if you are unfamiliar with the procedure, consult the help of your immediate supervisor. The adage of “do no harm” in medicine is also application in your practice.