Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others? Providing home healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) may be your perfect career choice. Working in home care allows dedicated CNAs to provide invaluable assistance and care while creating meaningful relationships with their patients—all from the comfort of their homes. To help potential CNAs learn more about this rewarding profession, we’ve put together some helpful information about this role.
What is a CNA?
A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, is an entry-level healthcare position that is typically a stepping stone into healthcare. They provide basic healthcare tasks and work with other care team members to support their patients’ health and healing.
CNAs typically work in hospitals, long-term residential facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, adult daycare centers and home care settings.
What do CNAs do in the home?
In the home setting, CNAs often work with patients experiencing a chronic illness or recovering from an injury or surgery. Under the supervision of a nurse, CNAs perform basic medical tasks to support health and recovery.
- Assisting with activities of daily living
- Assisting with mobility
- Documenting vital signs
- Assisting with meal preparation and feeding
- Monitoring diet and fluid intake
- Minor wound care
- Managing medical equipment
Becoming a CNA
Educational requirements to become a CNA vary by state but typically involve a state-approved training program. Courses generally range from four to eight weeks and will teach you basic medical skills, patient care, and ethical guidelines. Some courses also include hands-on training elements. They are offered at high schools, community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals or online.
Seventeen U.S. states and territories require you to pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination to become a licensed CNA. The exam consists of a written or oral portion and a skills demonstration and is offered in English and Spanish. Once you pass the exam, you will be added to the state nurse aide registry, and potential employers will know that you have met federal and state requirements for employment as a CNA.
Soft skills
Several personality traits, or soft skills, benefit individuals working as CNAs.
Empathy and compassion
Caring for patients is at the heart of a CNAs role. Having empathy and compassion for the individuals under your care will help you cater to your patient’s needs.
Organization and observation
Healthcare roles require strong organization and observational skills. Part of your role will be to take accurate notes and stay abreast of your patient’s condition. Any changes in your patient’s condition must be shared with your nurse supervisor and the care team.
Communication and patience
Dealing with injury and illness is often confusing and stressful for patients and their families. They may have a lot of questions about care. It’s important to have patience and communicate clearly with families.
CNA opportunities at Maxim Healthcare Services
Becoming a Maxim CNA is a great way to get your foot in the door of the healthcare industry and start your nursing career. Maxim is hiring CNAs in many of our locations across the country. Our CNAs serve both adult and pediatric populations.
We take pride in the knowledge and skills of our employees. Our caregivers can access various continuing education opportunities through hands-on and online training.
Other benefits include medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance; competitive pay rates; 401 (k) retirement accounts; award and recognition programs and weekly paychecks. Benefit eligibility is dependent on employment status.
Being a Certified Nursing Assistant is incredibly rewarding and allows you to use your expertise to make a real difference in the lives of others. Visit our careers site to learn more about Maxim’s culture and see open CNA opportunities near you. Not ready to apply? Sign up for our Talent Community for personalized job alerts and company updates.
