Focos de atención

Títulos similares

Certified Medication Aide (CMA), Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Certified Nurses Aide (CNA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), Nurses' Aide, Nursing Aide, Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA)

Descripción del trabajo

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide essential care and support to patients in hospitals, assisted living centers, nursing homes, community-based adult day care centers, and private residences.

Also known in some states as nursing aides or assistants, CNAs bear general responsibility for ensuring clean, safe environments for patients. They work under the supervision of licensed nurses to ensure their patients’ basic needs are met, such as bathing, getting dressed, and eating.

They also monitor patient vital signs, assist with mobility, and offer much-needed companionship. Depending on their training, they may even offer limited support during medical procedures.

CNAs are vital members of the healthcare team and crucial links between patients and their nurses, recording information in charts and reporting changes so the best care can be given at all times! 

Aspectos gratificantes de la carrera
  • Influir en la salud, la esperanza de vida y la calidad de vida cotidiana de los pacientes.
  • Demanda creciente en el ámbito sanitario
  • Numerosas oportunidades de crecimiento personal y profesional
La primicia
Responsabilidades del trabajo

Horario de trabajo

  • Certified Nursing Assistants may work part-time or full-time. Shifts may include nights, weekends, or holidays.

Tareas típicas

CNA duties can vary by state, setting, and training. Certain duties require the direct supervision of a registered nurse.

  • Assist patients with personal hygiene including bathing, grooming, dressing, and using the toilet
  • Serve meals and help patients eat, recording their food and liquid intake
  • Prepare rooms and bathrooms for new patients, ensuring they are tidy and sanitary. Change bedsheets and stock toiletry items 
  • Help patients with mobility, including transferring them between beds and wheelchairs, and repositioning for sitting or sleeping
  • Monitor and record vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature
  • Observe changes in patients’ conditions. Report changes to the supervising nurse
  • Respond to patient calls and bed alarms. Care for catheters
  • Provide companionship and emotional support
  • Document patient information, such as responses to treatment and health concerns
  • Ensure effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals
  • If trained and authorized, CNAs may also: 
  1. Assist with noninvasive medical procedures, such as dressing wounds
  2. Administer oral, optical, nasal, and topical medications 
  3. Draw blood 
  4. Collect urine or stool samples 
  5. Transport patients to appointments 


Responsabilidades adicionales

  • Assist with laundry, errands, and appointment scheduling
  • Help with discharging patients 
  • Collaborate effectively with patients’ larger healthcare team or caregiver agencies
  • Stay up-to-date on best practices 
  • Assist with training new CNAs
  • Help nurses set up medical equipment. Perform basic equipment cleaning
Habilidades necesarias en el trabajo

Habilidades blandas

  • Trato en la cama
  • Compasión
  • Compostura
  • Fiabilidad
  • Orientado al detalle
  • Destreza
  • Resiliencia emocional 
  • Empatía
  • Coordinación óculo-manual
  • Integridad 
  • Habilidades interpersonales 
  • Metódico 
  • Observador
  • Paciencia
  • Resistencia física
  • Creación de relaciones
  • Fiabilidad
  • Seguridad 
  • Buen juicio 
  • Gran capacidad de comunicación
  • Trabajo en equipo y colaboración
  • Gestión del tiempo

Habilidades técnicas

  • Basic medical knowledge, including medical terminology, taking vital signs, and patient care techniques
  • Knowledge of medical illnesses and injuries, and their signs and symptoms
  • General familiarity with healthcare equipment and technology
  • Knowledge of hygiene, sterilization practices, and infection control practices
  • Proficiency in documenting and maintaining patient records using medical records software
  • Familiarity with the roles of other medical professionals 
Diferentes tipos de organizaciones
  • Centros de vida asistida
  • Centros comunitarios de día para adultos
  • Comunidades de jubilados
  • Centros de cuidados paliativos
  • Hospitales y clínicas
  • Centros de cuidados (centros de enfermería especializada)    
  • Residencias de ancianos y centros de cuidados de larga duración
  • Centros de atención ambulatoria    
  • Private residences
  • Centros de rehabilitación
Expectativas y sacrificios

Certified Nursing Assistants are entrusted with the welfare of patients who are often vulnerable due to age, illness, or disability. They frequently assist multiple patients on any given day, thus requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

The work can be both physically demanding and emotionally taxing, with schedules sometimes requiring night, weekend, and holiday shifts. CNAs must stay vigilant, empathetic, and patient to ensure their patients receive the best care possible even during stressful or tiring circumstances. In addition, they should take time to practice self-care in order to avoid job burnout or feelings of detachment. 

Tendencias actuales

The nursing field in general has faced a critical shortage in recent years. This is due to a combination of factors, including an increase in life expectancy causing people to require more years of the healthcare services of nurses and CNAs.

In turn, this has created a bottleneck situation, as there are not enough nursing faculty available to train new nurses and CNAs to replace retiring ones. Meanwhile, as the workload continues to stack up, extra strain is placed on nursing professionals who must find ways to manage their own mental well-being and work-life balance. 

¿Qué tipo de cosas disfrutaba la gente de esta carrera cuando era más joven...

CNAs may have always had an interest in helping others. They could have been involved in caregiving roles from a young age with infirm family members. They tend to have a natural compassion and a desire to make a tangible difference in other people’s lives!

Educación y formación necesarias

Educación necesaria

As a reminder, not every state uses the title Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Some simply use the terms Nursing Assistant or Nursing Aide.

  • To become a Certified Nursing Assistant requires completing a state-approved CNA training program through an accredited school
  1. Note, applicants will need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some high schools feature CNA programs for juniors and seniors
  2. CNA training programs are widely available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and even in some hospitals and nursing homes
  3. “A typical CNA program lasts for about 120 hours or six weeks and includes four weeks in a classroom and two weeks in a clinical setting,” writes Indeed. “Many online CNA programs can accommodate a variety of student schedules and may offer classes during the day and on evenings and weekends.” 
  • Course topics include: 
  1. Human anatomy
  2. Infection control
  3. Terminología médica
  4. Nutrición
  5. Patient rights
  6. Safety and emergencies
  7. Vital signs
  • Practical training includes instruction on basic nursing principles along with RN-supervised caregiving experiences in clinical settings—usually “at least 75 hours of practical experience in an accredited CNA training facility, which also includes at least 16 hours of supervised clinical and 16 hours of laboratory training.” However, some states may require up to 175 hours of training
  • Additional state-specific and employer-specific training requirements vary
  1. Note, upon completion of a state-approved program, students are required to pass a competency exam to obtain a certification or qualify for a state-issued license
  2. Many states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam for this. Others have their own exams
  3. Exams usually consist of a written or oral test proctored through a third party, featuring multiple-choice questions. There is also a clinical skills portion where test-takers demonstrate proficiency in various tasks
  • Certification is usually good for two years, and renewable based on state or employer-specific requirements (such as completing continuing education or maintaining employment) 
  • In addition to the above, CNA hopefuls may need to verify or update their immunizations (such as seasonal Influenza vaccination, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), hepatitis B, varicella, and meningococcal)
  • They may also have to pass criminal background and drug screenings
  • CNAs may complete optional credentials, such as:
  1. American Board of Wound Management’s Certified Wound Care Associate    
  2. American Council on Exercise’s Functional Training Specialty Certification    
  3. American Medical Certification Association’s Patient Care Technician Certification    
  4. American Phlebotomy Association’s Patient Care Technician    
  5. American Red Cross Basic Life Support Certification    
  6. Asistente certificado de medicación (CMA)
  7. Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association’s Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant
  8. National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service’s Intravenous Therapy Certification    
  9. National Center for Competency Testing’s Nationally Certified Patient Care Technician
  10. National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care’s Certified Alzheimer Caregiver
  11. National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s National Nurse Aide Assessment Program    
  12. National Healthcareer Association’s Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant   
  13.  Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America’s Seating and Mobility Specialist
Cosas que hay que buscar en una universidad

CNA training programs are available at community colleges, vocational/technical schools, some hospitals and nursing homes, and even through some high school programs. 

  • Review the exact training and certification/licensure requirements for the state you plan to work in.
  • Tenga en cuenta los costes de matrícula (tarifas dentro y fuera del estado), los descuentos, las becas y las opciones de impartición del curso (en el campus, en línea o programa híbrido).
  • Look for accredited programs with strong reputations and high pass rates for state certification exams.
  • Review the available options for hands-on training in local healthcare settings.
  • Consider the duration of the program and the flexibility of class schedules, especially if balancing other commitments.
  • Consulta las biografías de los profesores y los premios. Conoce las tasas de graduación y las estadísticas de inserción laboral. Echa un vistazo a los logros de la red de antiguos alumnos.
Cosas que hacer en el instituto y la universidad
  • Voluntariado en centros sanitarios para adquirir experiencia y conocimientos prácticos.
  • Take classes in high school related to anatomy, physiology, biology, health sciences, and first aid
  • Earn good grades so you can get accepted into a suitable CNA training program
  • Participate in school activities where you can hone your soft skills and gain leadership experience 
  • Think about the format you want to take CNA classes in. Some topics are fine for online study, but others need to be learned in person 
  • Research the CNA certification requirements for your state. Keep in mind that you may have to pass a criminal background check or drug screening
  • Request to do an informational interview with a working CNA to learn about their daily duties
  • Check out online articles and videos about the career field, the various settings you could work in, and extra certifications you may want to pursue!
  • Mantener una lista de contactos (con números de teléfono o correos electrónicos) que puedan servir como futuras referencias laborales. 
  • Mantén un borrador de tu currículum y actualízalo a medida que adquieras experiencia.
  • Develop a workout schedule so you can stay in shape and manage stress
Hoja de ruta típica
Certified Nursing Assistant Roadmap
Cómo conseguir tu primer trabajo
  • Once certified to work in their respective states, CNAs can explore job postings via sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, myCNAjobs, healthcare-specific job search sites, and the websites of applicable employers (i.e., assisted living centers, adult day care centers, hospitals, clinics, nursing care facilities, etc.)
  • Note, many recruiters have established pipelines with local CNA training programs, so talk to your school’s program manager or career center about job placement assistance
  • Network with fellow healthcare professionals to learn about job opportunities. Don’t underestimate the power of “word of mouth” recruiting! 
  • Anúnciate en LinkedIn y mantén la profesionalidad en tus redes sociales. Los posibles empleadores suelen examinar las actividades en línea de los candidatos 
  • Check out Certified Nursing Assistant resumes for ideas on formatting, phrasing, and keywords to use
  • Review potential interview questions to expect. Do several mock interviews to practice your responses
  • Exhibit a hearty and nurturing attitude that conveys your ability to physically and mentally handle the workload
  • Conozca las estrategias que utilizan los reclutadores para hacerse una idea de su mentalidad durante las entrevistas.
  • Vestir de forma profesional para las entrevistas
Cómo subir la escalera
  • Let your supervisor know your career goals and ask for their advice and mentorship
  • Build a reputation for providing outstanding patient care. Master your bedside manner and follow instructions carefully
  • Establish clear communications with patients, nurses, and other healthcare team members
  • Keep learning! Stay up-to-date on best practices regarding patient care related to CNA duties 
  • Be diligent when it comes to sanitation and hygiene 
  • Pursue further education and training opportunities to learn new skills and competencies 
  • Consider becoming a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse
  • Learn all relevant employer policies and procedures 
  • Study manufacturer and software guides for equipment and programs you use frequently
  • Demonstrate top-notch leadership capabilities and patiently train and mentor younger professionals 
  • Stay engaged with professional organizations. Attend events, hold committee posts, and actively work to advance your reputation
Plan B

The day-to-day work life of a CNA can be rewarding but often challenging. It’s a critically important career field and frequently serves as a valuable stepping stone for advanced opportunities, as well.

But it’s not everyone’s cup of tea—and that’s okay! There are dozens of exciting healthcare careers to explore. Below are just a few of the most popular ones to consider: 

  • Dental Assistant     
  • Auxiliar sanitario a domicilio
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Asistente médico
  • Enfermera anestesista
  • Enfermera Matrona
  • Auxiliar de terapia ocupacional
  • Optometrist Assistant 
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Physician Assistants    
  • Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Veterinarian Assistant 

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