What does a Certified Nursing Assistant do?
Certified Nursing Assistants provide essential support so Doctors and Nurses can handle medical procedures and care decision-making. They also provide a first-line connection for patients and ensure comfort throughout their treatment.
Certified Nursing Assistant skills and qualifications
CNA job description skills vary depending on your organization’s needs, but you likely want to hire candidates with a combination of clinical, interpersonal and technical skills. Consider the following skills when writing your CNA job description and duties:
-
Medical knowledge of infection control and anatomy
-
Experience with ADL assistance
-
Active listening and empathy skills to understand and advocate for patients’ needs
-
Strong recordkeeping skills to support accurate, timely medical record documentation
-
Basic first aid skills and wound care
-
CPR certification
-
Ability to operate equipment to take vital signs, move patients or conduct other basic care tasks
Certified Nursing Assistant experience requirements
CNA certification generally requires classroom and hands-on learning, and individuals may need sufficient experience in a clinical setting before receiving their official certifications.
You may also prefer candidates with specific experience. For example, if you’re hiring a CNA to work in a hospital’s labor and delivery ward, you might choose a candidate with experience in women’s health.
Certified Nursing Assistant education and training requirements
Exact training and education requirements can vary by state. However, CNAs typically need to train a set amount of hours in a clinical setting. They must also typically undergo an approved CNA training or educational program and pass a required state exam.
Certified Nursing Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $20.29 per hour. CNA wages may depend on the individual’s experience and background, the position’s location and the facility type. Pay may also differ between hospitals and clinics.
Certified Nursing Assistant salary expectations
-
Common salary:
20.50 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
8.45 -37.65 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If a CNA job description isn’t what you need, you can browse our extensive database. Below are some related roles to consider:
Certified Nursing Assistant job description FAQs
What’s the difference between a CNA and an LPN?
While CNAs and LPNs provide support in clinical care settings, you need more education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. CNAs typically perform general patient care tasks, such as cleaning or assisting with ADLs, while LPNs perform clinical duties like drawing blood.
Who does a CNA report to?
Who a CNA reports to depends on the size and structure of your organization. CNAs often report to Office Administrators, Floor Supervisors, Nurse Supervisors, Physicians or Charge Nurses.
What type of organizations might hire a CNA?
CNAs typically work for home health organizations, nursing homes, assisted living communities, medical clinics and hospitals.
Is CNA a good growth position?
Hospitals and other medical employers working to scale staff may consider hiring CNAs who desire to grow into higher-level clinical care roles. Supporting these employees can help you build an in-house nursing team, reducing the impact of attrition on patient care and hiring costs.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
