What is a CNA?

A CNA is a patient care position working directly with patients and handling basic care tasks. They work in various healthcare facilities and are part of the larger medical team.

CNAs perform basic care tasks, enabling registered nurses and doctors to focus on more advanced needs. While a CNA does require specific training, the training process is relatively short and the role is typically considered entry-level.

“Hiring CNAs is an excellent way to recruit future registered nurses. Many RN students work as CNAs part-time or over the summer to gain healthcare experience while in school. This lets you assess their fit and promote them to nursing roles once they earn the proper credentials.”

—Michelle Hensley, DNP

Duties of a CNA

A CNA can be responsible for performing multiple tasks as part of their role on a healthcare team. A typical CNA job description can include duties such as:

• Helping patients get in and out of bed
• Performing basic grooming tasks for patients
• Feeding patients
• Helping patients use the bathroom
• Preparing necessary medical supplies
• Taking and recording vitals
• Cleaning and preparing patient rooms
• Helping patients walk or engage in exercise
• Handling basic wound care
• Answering patient calls
• Listening to patients’ concerns and relaying that information to nurses
• Reporting findings they observe about patients to nurses

In some states, certified nursing assistants can administer oral medications. However, the allowed duties can vary by location and additional training or certifications may be necessary to perform these types of duties.

Work settings for a CNA

CNAs can find work in a variety of medical settings, with their specific responsibilities often varying depending on the setting. Some places that might hire a CNA include:

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Nursing homes
• Long-term residential care facilities
• Home healthcare organizations

Education and certification requirements for CNAs

Aspiring CNAs must complete a state-approved training program. Depending on state requirements and class schedules, these programs can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, typically combining classroom lectures with clinical learning.

Some students might complete these training programs as part of their high school or college courses. Other students might complete this training as a standalone program.

Before working as a CNA, a graduate is typically required to pass a state certification exam. While specific requirements vary by state, the exam usually includes both a knowledge test and a practical skills assessment.

Benefits of hiring a CNA

If you’re in charge of a medical facility, hiring a CNA can offer several benefits. It can provide an extra layer of patient care and help address staffing needs if you’re dealing with a nursing shortage. By having CNAs handle basic care tasks, your nurses can focus on more urgent and skilled medical care needs.

CNAs can also help deliver personalized patient care and increase patient satisfaction. Some CNAs go on to complete nursing school, which means you may have the option to hire a future nurse who already has experience in your facility.

How to hire a CNA

If you decide to hire a CNA, these steps can help you find someone to fill the position:

1. Create your job description

Write a CNA job description that identifies the duties you’ll have your CNA perform. Be sure to provide specific details based on your care facility and the responsibilities you expect the CNA to assume. It’s also important to research the duties a CNA is allowed to do in your state, as that can vary. Include the qualifications and skills you seek in candidates.

2. Set your opportunity apart

To attract candidates who meet your preferred qualifications, ensure you have competitive starting compensation. Additional perks and benefits can also make your job opportunity more appealing.

Whenever possible, consider offering benefits such as:

• Affordable health insurance with good coverage
• Appropriate paid time off
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan
• Ongoing training
• Paid education benefits for CNAs who pursue a nursing degree
• Career advancement opportunities
• Appealing working hours or various shift options to fit different schedules

3. Seek applicants

Writing a strong job description with related keywords can help you attract qualified applicants. In addition to posting the vacancy on typical job sites, try these options to source applicants:

• Post on your social media pages
• Offer a convenient application on the career page of your website
• Post on healthcare job sites and in healthcare groups
• Collaborate with local colleges that offer CNA training programs
• Look for referrals from your current employees
• Network with other medical professionals you know
• Use paid advertising

4. Look for key qualifications

Completing a CNA program is a prerequisite, but your employees will also need other skills and characteristics to be successful. Some of those include:

• Empathy to understand patients who are in pain or have negative feelings about a situation
• Ability to stay calm in stressful situations
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong teamwork
• Observational skills and attention to detail
• Flexibility and willingness to help out where needed

5. Vet applicants

When you narrow down the applicants, it’s time to hold interviews. Ask relevant CNA interview questions to determine which candidate fits your needs. Before extending a job offer, verify that the CNA is certified in your state.

CNAs provide basic patient care in hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities, assisting with daily living activities, taking vital signs and supporting registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Hiring CNAs may fill staffing gaps and serve as an excellent way to recruit future registered nurses.