The Importance of CNAs
From taking care of patients’ bathing and grooming needs to observing their physical, mental, and emotional status, CNAs perform a number of critical tasks. Supervised by Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), they are at the forefront of helping patients in their speedy recovery.
As the demand for quality healthcare continues to grow, so is the need for competent industry workers including CNAs.
Here’s How to be a Good CNA
Here are the top 10 CNA tips to help you become effective — and thriving — in your chosen career.
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Build a strong foundation
To be a certified nursing assistant, you must first complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency certification exam. And for you to build a strong foundation, you have to be wise in choosing your course provider.
The course that you’ll take should not only teach you technical know-how; it should also hone the soft skills you’ll need when dealing with both patients and fellow healthcare workers.
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Carefully follow instructions
As stated, CNAs work under the supervision of RNs and LPNs. By following their instructions, you’ll help make sure that the care plan of each patient is carried out properly. If you have any questions regarding your tasks, don’t hesitate to ask your supervising nurse.
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Take down notes
Pens and notebooks are a trusty companion of any CNA. They’re not just for taking down important details about your assignment. You can also use them to record your observations of a patient, questions that you want to ask later on, and reminders that will be helpful in carrying out your job.
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Familiarize yourself with industry jargons
Healthcare workers use jargon. Knowing such terms is one of the most essential CNA tips and tricks you have to follow. Without a basic understanding of medical terminology, you won’t be able to properly comply with tasks assigned to you.
Also, take note that each healthcare facility may use different abbreviations for more efficient communication. Familiarizing yourself with short-form slang can make your everyday routine a lot easier.
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Communicate, communicate, communicate
CNAs are part of a collaborative team whose goal is to help patients achieve better health conditions. Communicating with other members of the team is a fundamental part of your role.
You don’t just need to have strong communication skills when discussing things with your supervisor and other staff. You’ll more importantly need it when interacting with patients.
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Be keen to details
Being observant is a necessity for CNAs. Because you’ll be directly dealing with patients, you are in the best position to take note of any changes in their physical, mental, and emotional conditions. This keenness for details is also critical in filling out and updating patient charts and in completing patient reports.
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Always wear a proper attire
Learning how to be a good CNA entails religiously following the prescribed dress code. And it’s not just about maintaining professionalism; wearing proper attire (e.g. scrubs, clean shoes, no hazardous accessories like loose hanging jewelry) lets you perform your tasks safely and more comfortably.
It’s also a must to invest in a waist pack to help you easily store and access your tools such as your pen, notebook, and sanitizers.
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Have a compassionate heart
Compassion should be at the core of what you do as a CNA. Working with different personalities and backgrounds and being in the midst of patients with varying health conditions require a great deal of patience and empathy. Skills alone won’t be enough for you to thrive in such an environment.
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Never stop learning
You can find numerous learning opportunities in the facility where you’re working. From your supervisor to your fellow CNAs and other healthcare workers down to the very patients you’re taking care of, there are different lessons you can take to help you improve both as a professional and as an individual.
Career-wise, you can advance your technical knowledge by undertaking continuing education or specialty courses. You can also further pursue nursing education if you want to be an RN or an LPN in the future.
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Take care of yourself
CNAs must have good stamina to be able to work in a rather hectic environment. And if you want to be an effective CNA, you should be holistic when taking care of your well-being. Eat healthily, take breaks, and set realistic and achievable career goals. These will help you maintain a sound physical and mental health condition.
Be the CNA that You Wanted to Be
The NY Healthcare School equips future CNAs like you with both the technical knowledge and soft skills you’ll need to be effective in your chosen healthcare career.
Our hands-on CNA training program comprises tailored lectures and simulated workplace and clinical learning experiences. We offer part-time (eight weeks) and full-time (four weeks) CNA courses. Both include an additional one-week internship.
Learn how to be a good CNA and attend our comprehensive CNA classes. To register, reach us at (718) 840-3366 or school@nyhealthcareschool.com.
