What does it mean to be a certified nursing assistant?
As we celebrate the 39th annual National Nursing Assistants’ Week June 9-16, now as never before, attention is being directed to care of our elder and disabled citizens and greater attention also is directed to the workers who provide hands-on-care and caring.
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides basic care to patients — assisting them in daily activities, advocating for the patient and meeting their physical and emotional needs.
“Because of the personal nature of the job, certified nursing assistants need to be compassionate and enjoy helping others,” said Heidi Barber, Director of Nursing at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine. “As a CNA, your role is to not only help them heal physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well so great attitudes go a long way.”
CNAs report to a licensed nurse and need phenomenal communication skills since it’s their job to bring all patient concerns and issues to their supervisor.
CNAs assist patients with daily activities such as:
- Bathe and dress patients
- Serve meals and assist patients as needed
- Assist with taking vital signs
- Turn or reposition patients
- Assist with all transfers of a resident (standing, walking, sitting, etc.)
- Answer patient calls
- Examine patients for changes in conditions
- Change bed sheets and restock rooms with necessary supplies
Becoming a certified nursing assistant requires taking an approved class and completing a certain 
amount of hours, both classroom and clinical. There is also an exam required to prove competency. Once certified, CNAs are listed in the state registry. They must complete continuing education hours yearly.
For Sarah (pictured), who serves as a nursing assistant with The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA), helping people makes for a great job.
“I get self-satisfaction knowing I get a chance to make peoples’ days better. Working with other team members who strive for the same goals makes coming to work easy,” Sarah said.
Interested in a job as a CNA? TLHA offers specialized training and opportunities for personal growth, professional development and advancement. Find out more about a career with us.