CNAs: Primary Care Nursing Basics

Caring for patients in a healthcare setting is not an easy job. There are many moving parts and duties, even in primary care. Many of these duties fall on nurses. However, they often need help as well. This is where certified nursing assistants (CNAs) come in. These are healthcare professionals who help support patients and nurses to help provide the best care possible. 

Let’s dive into how a CNA can help support your medical staff. 

The Duties of Primary Care CNAs

CNAs are an incredibly important asset to healthcare and the chain of patient care. While it is considered an entry-level position, they are integral to helping a healthcare facility run smoothly. A CNA performs a wide array of important duties throughout the day, including:

• Transferring or turning patients in bed
• Bathing
• Answering calls
• Checking vitals
• Grooming
• Wound care
• Patient transport
• Room and bed cleaning
• Documentation and other administrative tasks
• Feeding
• And much more

CNAs are vital to many types of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, residential facilities, and assisted living. However, assisted living and adult care homes are often where CNAs thrive. These types of facilities regularly require the skills and duties that CNAs perform. 

In these settings, CNAs will often become the primary caregivers of residents. Meanwhile, they work under the supervision of licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 1,310,090 nursing assistants were employed in 2022. Breaking this down a little further, a little over 33% of those employed worked at nursing care facilities. Around 16% were at continuing care/assisted living facilities. This combines for a total of nearly 50% of those employed overall, which shows how important this profession is in these facilities. 

Requirements and Time Frame to Become a CNA

Realistically, the runway to become a CNA is not too difficult. Firstly, the individual must have obtained a high school diploma or GED. Then, they must complete a state-certified training program, which will be between 4 to 12 weeks. 

After completing this program, the individual must complete clinical training and pass the state examination. Compared to many other healthcare careers, this is an accessible way for people to enter the field and begin a promising career in healthcare. 

The great thing about becoming a CNA is that there is plenty of room for growth in your career. Becoming a CNA is an excellent stepping stone for those who would like to enter the field while allowing them to continue their education if they would like. Even better, this career is in high demand. 

Assisted living and adult care homes are struggling with a staffing shortage of nursing assistants. This makes it easy to find employment after completing a CNA program. Placement that aligns with the individual’s ideal scene is often easy to find.

For Those Searching for Employment as a Certified Nurse Assistant

If you are searching for an ideal healthcare facility to put your skills to use, Cynamed is here to help. We are a locally owned staffing agency in Pittsburgh that is here to help you meet all of your career goals. If you are a newly trained CNA or are looking for a change in employer, we are here to help. 

We want you to be happy with your employment and placement. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 412-325-3420. Additionally, you can fill out the contact form on our website for a quick response. We look forward to working with you to find the ideal place to use your nursing knowledge and skills.