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What Is a CNA?

A CNA, or certified nursing assistant, is an entry-level member of a patient’s healthcare team, performing important patient-centered tasks under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. Although a CNA is not a nurse, they work very closely with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare providers.

Becoming a CNA  is the path that many people take to start their career in healthcare. Some may move onto more advanced levels of nursing, while others are satisfied with the many rewards of working as a CNA. In either case, it will take you an average of only 10 weeks—and possibly as few as four—to complete the necessary education to become a certified nursing assistant.

This page will discuss typical CNA responsibilities and tasks, where CNAs work, the types of patients they interact with, the pros and cons of the job, and more.

What Does a CNA Do?

CNAs ensure the wellbeing of their patients by performing a variety of tasks that help with daily living activities. Because CNAs typically spend more time with patients than nurses or doctors, they understand their behaviors and health statuses.

They get to know each patient, their typical behaviors, and their general state of health and are often the first to notice physical or emotional changes. Whether identifying decreased mobility, increased pain, or memory issues, CNAs play important roles in the early detection of symptoms and may identify issues that other healthcare personnel do not.

Individual tasks can vary based on where a CNA works and the type of patients they serve, but typical responsibilities include:

• Answering call buttons and alerting nurses to emergencies
• Monitoring patient needs and reporting any issues to other healthcare personnel
• Helping patients with their daily needs, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting
• Ensuring patient comfort by changing bedding, filling water jugs, and positioning items so they are in reach
• Repositioning patients in beds
• Helping patients move from a bed to a chair or wheelchair and back
• Assisting with lifting patients from their bed to examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers

Depending on state regulations and facility requirements, some CNAs may perform additional advanced duties that include:

• Measuring and recording food and liquid consumption
• Accompanying patients to off-site doctor appointments
• Stocking or issuing medical supplies, such as dressing packs or treatment trays
• Measuring vital signs, including blood pressure, oxygen level, and temperature
• Explaining medical procedures and tests to patients and their families
• Dispensing medication as prescribed
• Changing dressings and bandages
• Setting up equipment such as oxygen tents, portable radiograph (X-ray) equipment, or IVs
• Assisting in minor medical procedures

Is CNA Considered a Nurse?

As their titles imply, certified nursing assistants “assist” nurses and other physicians rather than working as official nurses themselves. That said, CNAs are vital members of the nursing profession. For CNAs to practice, they must be under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. Because they are not legally responsible for the medical care of the patients, they must practice under those who are.

Where Do CNAs Work?

CNAs work in various healthcare settings, including general and specialty hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living establishments, and rehabilitation facilities. In some cases, their non-routine duties may be somewhat dependent on where they work.

The patient populations CNAs work with can also vary along with the work setting. CNAs in hospitals might work in wards with specific age groups, such as infants or young children. They may work in specialty hospitals with cancer patients or patients with other specific health conditions.

CNAs who work in nursing homes deal with elderly patients, while those who work in rehabilitation facilities may interface with patients of all ages with various ailments or diseases. CNAs in memory care facilities have the challenge of working with patients who have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

As a CNA, you have an abundance of options. You can work in environments and with populations that you are interested in and most comfortable with.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a CNA

As with any career, there are advantages and disadvantages to pursuing a career as a CNA.

Pros of CNA Work

• Quick entrance: Some fast-track CNA programs take between four to six weeks to complete, making it easy for students who want to enter the field quickly. Rather than spending two years working toward an associate degree, CNAs can start earning money in less than two months.
• No prerequisites: Unlike some nursing degree programs that require learners to complete a set number of prerequisite classes before even being admitted, CNA programs require only a high school diploma or GED.
• Many job openings: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for nursing assistants will grow by 8% between 2020-2030, leading to the creation of more than 115,000 new jobs — in addition to those that become available due to job turnover.
• Ability to test the waters: Individuals who think they may want to go into nursing but aren’t ready to commit to a longer program can try out work as a CNA to help them make an informed decision. As a CNA, you will regularly be exposed to nurses and the tasks they perform, which can help you determine whether you want to pursue that path.
• Make a difference: The work of a CNA can often feel thankless, but in reality, it greatly improves the lives of those they serve. Aside from performing daily tasks, CNAs get to know their patients and can serve as bright spots in their days—especially during challenging times when family can’t visit.

Cons of CNA Work

• Low wages: In 2020, CNAs earned median wages of $30,850 —far below the median wage of $75,330 for registered nurses. Nursing professionals who want to earn better salaries will typically need to pursue additional education.
• Physicality: As the list of responsibilities highlighted above indicates, much of the work a CNA does involves heavy lifting, bending over or stretching, and being on your feet for long periods. Individuals with physical ailments or injuries may find these roles too strenuous.
• Demanding: Working with patients facing health challenges can be extremely rewarding but also stressful. Whether losing a patient or dealing with those who are chronically irritated or angry, CNAs often face the brunt of others’ pain, suffering, and confusion.
• Limited room for growth: Unless a practicing CNA wants to complete a bridge program or a degree, CNA positions offer little room for growth. Some may decide to move to administrative positions, but they’re often unable to move up the nursing ladder without heading back to school.
• Scheduling difficulties: Many CNAs report regularly being required to work weekends as part of their employment. Some also have rotating shifts, meaning they work different days or times each week. Individuals looking for consistency may find this challenging—especially after doing it for a while.

Is CNA a Good Career?

Working as a certified nursing assistant can offer great career benefits for individuals with a passion for helping others. In some cases, your work as a CNA may be less involved than others. According to one Reddit user who works at a nonprofit healthcare facility for the homeless, their patients are “typically independent, and I’m pretty much responsible for vitals, bed making, and handing out snacks.” They continue, “Occasionally we have patients with higher levels of care, but our patients are usually totally self sufficient.”

In other cases, especially nursing homes or long-term care facilities, CNAs spend much of their time helping with tasks such as showering, toileting, and eating. “I’m responsible for senior citizens, getting them up in the morning,” says CNA Ashley Taylor on her YouTube channel. “It is dirty work, you have to change them and get them ready for the day. If you’re good with kids, this job is no different besides the age, honestly.”

Some CNAs know they want to work in hospital settings but need to gain experience elsewhere first if they’re straight out of training. “I knew I wanted to work at a hospital but coming straight out of the CNA program and getting my CNA license, I knew that hospitals probably wouldn’t hire someone with no experience,” says YouTube vlogger Rachel . “I knew that I needed to work at a nursing home or somewhere like that to get experience.”

What Makes a Great CNA?

CNAs are on the frontlines of providing basic patient care, making patients feel comfortable and calm, and seeing that their needs are met. To do these tasks well, CNAs need to possess a wide variety of skills and traits.

Dependability

CNAs must be reliable and responsible to complete the many tasks required to care for patients. Failing to be dependable as a CNA can have dire consequences for those who cannot care for themselves.

Providing an understanding ear for your patient and caring about their needs is a key part of the job. Many of these patients can feel quite vulnerable having someone else help them perform daily living tasks.

You might work with people whose ages, ethnicities, or lifestyles are different from your own. Being able to put yourself in their shoes will go a long way in providing empathetic care.

Ability to Work in a Team

As a CNA, you will interface with many different people throughout your shifts. In addition to supporting patients with their needs and answering questions from families, you will also communicate with nurses, doctors, and other professionals to ensure patients receive the care they need.

CNAs can often find themselves in stressful situations. From helping a patient with dementia who can become disoriented and lash out to carefully turning a patient on a ventilator, being able to manage your stress and stay calm will help everyone—including your patients.

It’s not always easy to work with people who are hurting, scared, or frustrated about their inability to do the things they used to do. Some patients can be demanding, irritable, stubborn, and otherwise trying. Being patient and realizing the cause of these behaviors will help you deal more effectively with patients and their families.

Communication

Do you enjoy talking with others? Can you communicate clearly and effectively? Effective communication is an important requirement for CNAs. You will be communicating with various people, including patients, family members, nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff. Being able to relay information in a way that is understandable and useful is a must.

Physical Fitness

While you don’t have to be a super athlete to be a CNA, keep in mind that the job of a CNA is not a sedentary one. You will be doing a lot of walking, and you may be lifting, moving, or turning patients.

Lack of Squeamishness

Your work with patients will involve dealing with personal bodily functions, as well as blood and injuries. If you are at all squeamish, being a CNA is probably not the career for you.

What to Expect as a CNA

In truth, CNAs can experience substantially different workdays based on where they work, the type of patients they care for, and their work hours. For example, a CNA working nights and weekends in a nursing home typically has a different experience than working three 12-hour shifts per week in a neonatal unit.

CNAs typically work shifts lasting eight or 12 hours, with those taking the 12-hour shifts getting an extra day off. Eight-hour shifts usually last from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., or 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Most jobs consist of 32-40 hours per week, and many positions require CNAs to work at least one weekend shift every month.

FAQs About Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs

If you’re thinking about becoming a CNA, you may still have some questions about the career. There are some of the most frequently asked questions about the CNA profession.

How Much Do CNAs Make?

As of May 2020, nursing assistants earned average annual salaries of $32,050 . Those in the top 10% of earners received an average of $42,110, while those in the bottom 10% earned just $22,750. Salaries for CNAs can vary substantially, so individuals considering this path should research and make sure typical earnings meet their needs.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

Becoming a certified nursing assistant can take varying lengths of time, from four weeks to three months, depending on specific programs and student schedules. Those who want to enter the field as quickly as possible can find accelerated programs that take just a few weeks to complete, while students with busier schedules may prefer a longer part-time option. Look into several different programs to find the one that meets your needs.

Is CNA the Same as Medical Assistant?

Both CNAs and medical assistants operate in healthcare support roles, but their training requirements and responsibilities differ. CNAs spend their days providing direct patient care, including many of the responsibilities outlined throughout this guide.

Medical assistants straddle the line between administrative and clinical tasks. Part of the day, they may answer phones, schedule patient appointments, or organize filing systems. At other times they may administer shots and medication, assist physicians during exams, or take vital signs.

Is Nursing Assistant the Same as a CNA?

While some nursing assistant positions don’t require certification, those jobs may not involve the medical care responsibilities that CNAs typically have. Individuals who plan on completing further education at some point to become an LPN, RN, or other nursing professional should make sure they become certified. Earning this qualification will also help you stand out from other candidates during the job interview process.

Is CNA a Degree?

CNA is not a degree but rather a certification. Because it takes only a few weeks to months to become a CNA, these training programs are much shorter than nursing degree programs. That said, nursing assistants who decide they want to continue on the CNA career path can pursue a degree.

How Do I Get My CNA Certification?

The first step to receiving CNA certification is to complete a certified nursing training program. Many state boards of nursing provide a list of approved programs to help students pick a reputable option.

After completing all requirements, graduates must take the CNA certification exam administered by their state and receive a passing grade. They can then apply for licensure. To maintain licensure, CNAs must follow continuing education hour requirements set by their state board of nursing.

What Else Do You Need to Know?

Now that you’ve gotten an overview of what the job of the CNA involves, there are other things you probably want to know about the career as well. What is the outlook for CNAs? How much can I earn? How do I become a CNA? You can find answers to these questions by checking out other pages on PremierNursingAcademy.com:

• How to Become a CNA
• CNA Job Outlook and Salary
• CNA Career Paths
• Health Care Education Paths

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Nursing Assistant job description

A Nursing Assistant works in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities to provide general care for patients who can’t get around on their own or with help from family members.

Workable's content team brings its HR & employment expertise to Resources.

Refreshed on

April 29, 2022

Reviewed by

Eftychia Karavelaki

Senior Recruitment Manager

Use this Nursing Assistant job description to advertise your vacancies and find qualified candidates. Feel free to modify responsibilities and requirements based on your needs.

Nursing Assistant responsibilities include:

• Helping patients with hygiene, such as using the bathroom, bathing, brushing teeth and dressing
• Assisting patients with meals by feeding them
• Monitoring general health and vital signs and reporting to RN

Want to generate a unique job description?

Looking for a job.

We are looking for a Nursing Assistant to join our team and help our patients with daily activities such as eating, dressing and bathing as needed. 

Nursing Assistant responsibilities include providing basic services to patients throughout the day who have difficulties with mobility or cognitive skills. 

Ultimately, you will work directly with patients to provide various services to assist them with basic needs and maintain their wellbeing as needed.

Responsibilities

• Help patients use the bathroom
• Clean and bathe patients or residents
• Maintain patients’ hygiene and change bedding
• Turn, reposition and move patients between wheelchairs, seats and beds
• Serve meals and help patients eat their food
• Measure vital signs like blood pressure and temperature

Requirements and skills

• Proven work experience as a Nursing Assistant or similar role
• Excellent attention to detail
• Great written and verbal communication
• Ability to carefully read and follow directions
• Flexibility in work duties and schedule
• Good teamwork skills
• Ability to lift and move patients
• Good foundation of clinical skills and knowledge
• Relevant training and/or certifications as a Nursing Assistant

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What is a CNA?

If you have an interest in nursing, you’ve probably run across the acronym “CNA.” But what is a CNA in healthcare, and how does this profession differ from other careers in nursing?

CNA stands for “certified nursing assistant,” an entry-level role that provides vital support to both patients and nurses. From transporting, bathing, and feeding hospital patients, to stocking medical supplies and logging patient information, CNAs are on the ground working to enhance patient outcomes. While a CNA is not classified as a nurse, this position is a fantastic entry point for dozens of different nursing careers .

Read on to learn more about what a CNA does, how to become a CNA, and the qualities that a certified nursing assistant should possess, along with information about CNA salary expectations and job outlook. For additional details about this career field, or to learn more about the nursing programs and certificates we offer at National University, contact our admissions officers for one-on-one support. We also recommend reading about some additional nursing and healthcare careers, such as becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), to help you determine what sort of specialty or focus area is the best fit for your interests and goals.

What Does a CNA Do?

As a CNA, you’ll provide basic care and support for patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse or other medical professional, which covers a wide range of responsibilities. Here are a few of the job tasks and duties that you may be responsible for in your role as a certified nursing assistant:

• Answering calls from patients and making sure they’re as comfortable as possible
• Checking and monitoring patients’ vital signs
• Cleaning medical supplies and equipment
• Communicating patients’ questions and concerns to nurses
• Assist in dressing, bathing, and grooming patients
• Ensuring that safety protocols and procedures are carried out properly
• Following patient privacy rules and applying professional ethics
• Gathering and stocking various medical supplies
• Helping to ensure that patients’ nutritional and hydration needs are met
• Keeping patients clean and attending to patient hygiene
• Moving and transporting patients, such as helping patients get in and out of beds or wheelchairs

How Do I Become a CNA, and How Long Does it Take?

Becoming a CNA does not require you to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree. In fact, as we’ll discuss in more detail shortly, there is no specific degree requirement to become a CNA — all you need is a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, there are rigorous testing requirements for CNAs, who must demonstrate their proficiency in a wide range of areas, such as patient care, hygiene, privacy, ethics, technical clinical skills, and various other competencies.

If there is no educational requirement, but you are still tested on your knowledge, how do you acquire the skills and expertise you need? The answer is that most states offer a wide range of CNA training programs, which can typically be completed in as little as four to eight weeks. Of course, if your goal is to transition from being a CNA into another healthcare role, such as becoming a registered nurse (RN), you should start planning on pursuing your bachelor’s degree or master’s degree to prepare you for more complex job responsibilities in the future.

Read on to learn more about the educational requirements for CNAs, the examination you’ll be required to pass, and what sort of content it covers.

Educational Requirements for CNAs

You may be surprised to learn that there is no degree requirement to become a CNA. In fact, some states allow CNAs to enter professional training programs If they have a high school diploma or are in a high school CNA program.

Because the educational requirements are minimal compared to those for many other healthcare professions, CNA is an attractive entry-level career for individuals who are studying or have an interest in nursing. However, just because there are different education requirements, that doesn’t mean aspiring CNAs aren’t held to high standards or rigorously tested on their knowledge. On the contrary, CNA hopefuls must pass a challenging written and hands-on exam in order to demonstrate competence — and apply to become certified.

CNA Certification and Exam Requirements

CNA certification exams are administered at the state level, which means that different rules and regulations apply depending on your location. For example, California CNA testing vendors are listed here by the California Department of Public Health, which also provides detailed information about CNA training programs, CNA applications and renewals, and various state and federal requirements.

Most states require CNAs to pass a specific exam known as the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination, which is administered in 17 jurisdictions nationwide — all listed here by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, or NCSBN. The NNAAP features two key components: a written exam component and a clinical skills exam. Continue reading to learn more about these components of the NNAAP, along with whether CNAs can provide care for a wide variety of patients including those on specialty units.

Certification: Written Exam

According to the test preparation company Prometric, the written exam portion of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination features a total of “70 multiple-choice items, 10 of which are non-scored items that will only collect statistical information.” Credentia, which administers the exam in California, offers a practice NNAAP written exam for California test-takers.

Along with the clinical portion of the exam, which is discussed in the next section, the written component tests students on three core areas of knowledge: Physical Care Skills (such as dressing patients or collecting data), Psychosocial Care Skills (like attending to patients’ emotional needs), and the Role of the Nurse Aide (which touches on areas like ethics and client rights). This portion is also available as an oral exam and is offered in English and Spanish.

Certification: Clinical Skills Exam

The clinical skills (hands on) exam portion of the CNA exam is composed of five basic skills, such as measuring and recording vital signs, handwashing, and mobility assistance. “is composed of 60 multiple-choice items and 10 reading comprehension (word recognition) items,” according to Mometrix. You can view a practice NNAAP exam here , or explore the California CNA test prep resources offered by Credentia, which administers the test.

Can You Specialize?

Although CNA is an entry-level position, there may be opportunities for certified nursing assistants to obtain valuable experience in various specialty areas. According to CNALicense.org , the top five areas where CNAs work in 2022 are cardiology, pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatry, and home care. However, as CNALicense also points out, it may be necessary to formally earn an entry level BSN degree before you can specialize in your chosen field — for example, earning your bachelor’s degree and becoming an RNso that you can pursue more job openings within this field.

What Qualities Should a CNA Possess?

Being a CNA is a physically and sometimes emotionally demanding job that can place you into high-pressure situations, requiring a level-headed demeanor and the ability to maintain your professionalism even when the environment around you feels chaotic. You’ll also need the ability to help a diverse population of patients feel more at ease with procedures and environments that, for many people, can be stressful or intimidating.

These types of tasks call for a caring individual who possesses a high degree of empathy, exceptional communication skills, and great interpersonal skills. Here are some of the other skills and characteristics that a CNA should have in order to optimize their success in this career field:

• Being a team player
• Careful attention to detail
• Dependability and accountability
• Patience and compassion
• Physical fitness
• Willingness to engage in tasks like bathing and lifting patients
• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of medical terminology

How is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Different From a Medical Assistant (MA)?

We’ve covered what a CNA is, the sorts of traits and qualifications they need to possess, and what sorts of tasks they typically perform. Now that you understand what a CNA does, it’s important to differentiate this role from the position of medical assistant, or MA.

According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), “Medical assistants are cross-trained to perform administrative and clinical duties.” Examples of an MA’s typical administrative duties include coding insurance documents, making arrangements for patients to be admitted to hospitals, answering phones, and assisting with billing and bookkeeping. Examples of clinical duties, by comparison, may include preparing patients for various exams, caring for wounds and changing dressings, conducting certain lab tests, and helping physicians conduct patient examinations.

While this job description shares some overlap with that of a CNA, the critical difference is that CNAs exclusively perform clinical tasks, such as moving and bathing patients. Additionally, there are differences in terms of salary expectations. For example, Salary.com reports that MAs earn an average salary of approximately $39,100 in the United States. Like CNAs, MAs do not need to possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree but must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, in addition to meeting state-specific certification requirements.

Where Do Certified Nursing Assistants Work?

Certified nursing assistants are needed in all types of healthcare settings, from nursing homes and memory care facilities for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, to the pediatric wards of hospitals. As such, CNAs have opportunities to work in a wide range of settings and environments, interacting directly with injured or ill patients — as well as the nurses and healthcare professionals who are treating them.

Examples of the types of facilities and organizations where CNAs typically work include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ambulatory healthcare services (same-day care services), such as dialysis centers
• Assisted living facilities and communities
• Home healthcare services, which involves traveling directly to the patient’s home
• Nursing care facilities (which are also referred to as “skilled nursing facilities”) and rehabilitation centers
• State, private, and local hospitals, such as children’s hospitals and Veteran’s hospitals

Salary Expectation and Career Outlook for a Certified Nursing Assistant

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides detailed data about earning potential, job growth, and other important metrics for a wide range of careers and occupations. According to the BLS, nursing assistants (and orderlies, with whom CNAs are categorized) earned a median salary of $30,290 as of 2021, the most recent data available. The median salary was higher in the top-paying industries and employers for CNAs, which the BLS ranked as follows:

• Government organizations — $37,310
• State, local, and private hospitals — $35,870
• Skilled nursing facilities — $29,970
• “Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly” — $29,900
• “Home healthcare services” — $29,280

The earning potential may be higher for some CNAs. According to the BLS, the top 10% of earners had a salary of over $44,200. It’s also important to reiterate that many individuals transition from being a CNA into other nursing and healthcare career paths, such as radiation therapy, which has a median salary of approximately $82,800 annually according to BLS data . We’ll discuss how CNAs transition to other nursing positions, such as becoming a radiation therapist, in the section below.

In terms of career outlook for the future, the BLS projects the CNA field to grow at a rate of 5% through 2031. This is the same pace as the national average, which is also 5%.

How do CNAs Transition to Other Nursing Positions?

As we’ve mentioned throughout this guide, CNA positions are excellent entry-level positions that provide essential experience and preparation for more specialized nursing roles. But how do you actually transition from being a CNA to being a nurse?

First, you should identify the type of nurse you want to become, since this will impact your degree requirements and the amount of time you’ll need to invest in your education. For example, a registered nurse must generally possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, while a nurse anesthetist is typically required to hold, at minimum, a master’s degree.

Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in nursing, National University’s four-week course structure and online learning options enable you to earn credits and complete programs efficiently, so that you can hit the ground running in your specialty area of choice. For example, start by exploring our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

In addition to earning the appropriate degree, it’s also essential to earn any licenses or certifications that are required by your state, which may require you to pass one or more professional exams. For instance, to become a licensed RN in the state of California, you will need to pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) exam. This requirement is upheld by the California Board of Registered Nursing (CBRN), whose steps and criteria for becoming an RN are listed here .

Finally, you’ll need to maintain your skills and keep your expertise up-to-date by completing continuing education requirements for nurses, which vary across states. For example, according to the CBRN , “In the State of California, Registered nurses are required by law (California Code of Regulations, Section 1451, Article 5) to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years… [in order] to maintain an active license.”

Not only is continuing education for nurses a professional requirement in California and many other U.S. states — it will also enhance your marketability and expand your employment opportunities, regardless of which specialty or subfield of nursing you decide to pursue. Whether you are passionate about pediatrics, immunology, public health, cardiology, mental health, rehabilitation, or other focus areas, you should begin planning now for how you will fulfill the continuing education and professional development requirements that apply in your state.

Become a CNA with a Nursing Degree from National University

National University offers a range of regionally and nationally-accredited nursing programs for graduates and undergraduates, including flexible online options ideal for transfer students, international students, military students, and adult learners. Examples of our nursing degree programs include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing , Master of Science in Nursing , Doctorate of Nursing Practice, and Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate , plus professional nursing certificates such as the Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner . Whether you’re just starting out in the field, or you’re an experienced nurse who needs to fulfill California’s continuing education requirements, our programs will challenge you to refine your skills and elevate your expertise.

Make a positive difference in the lives of countless patients and their loved ones. Take the first steps on your academic journey today. Contact our admissions office to get started, or complete an application online using our secure submission portal.

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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career Overview

• Career Overview
• Duties and Responsibilities
• How To Become

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Are you looking for a quick way to enter the healthcare field? A career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) could be for you. CNAs, sometimes called a nursing assistant or nurse aide, are a part of the healthcare team who works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

Requiring only 4-16 weeks, a CNA license is the fastest way to enter the healthcare field. Keep reading for more on CNA responsibilities, education, and salaries.

What Does a CNA Do?

CNAs are essential care providers in hospitals, nursing homes, and residential care centers, assisting patients with basic activities, such as moving, eating, dressing, and staying sanitary. They also support nurses and other care providers by taking vital signs, including temperature and blood pressure.

While CNAs do not provide medical care, they must have enough healthcare knowledge to recognize when to call for a nurse or other clinician to assess a situation where the patient’s health might be at risk.

JGI/Tom Grill / Getty Images

Key Responsibilities

• Helping patients stay clean, comfortable, and groomed
• Assisting patients with eating and drinking
• Helping patients physically to move, such as by getting them in and out of bed or helping them change positions
• Taking vitals and recognizing possible warning signs, such as changes in blood pressure or indications of an infected wound

Career Traits

• Written and oral communication
• Physical stamina
• Interpersonal skills including patience and compassion
• Attention to detail
• Time management

Where Do Certified Nursing Assistants Work?

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from July 2022, 96% of CNAs work in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, residential care facilities, or home health care. CNAs do many of the same duties in all of these work settings. These responsibilities include assisting patients with daily tasks, communicating with other members of the healthcare team, checking patients’ vital signs, and following facility and legal procedures about safety.

Nursing and residential care facilities

CNAs mostly care for older adults admitted for longer periods of time and who need help with daily activities. Entry-level CNAs may find more opportunities in these work settings.

CNAs care for patients of all ages who stay for shorter periods of time and have various conditions, which allows for more opportunities to learn. Experienced CNAs are preferred.

Home Health Care

CNAs work out of patients’ homes and can be asked to perform additional duties outside of their CNA scope of practice, such as cleaning, cooking, and running errands.

Why Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

The pros of being a CNA make the career a popular choice for people who want to eventually advance their nursing career. However, the cons of being a CNA can be significant.

Advantages of Becoming a CNA

Disadvantages of becoming a cna, how to become a cna.

You must complete a training program that includes 75 hours of training , including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Required subjects in a CNA program include residents’ rights, personal care skills, basic nursing skills, basic restorative skills, caring for cognitively impaired residents, and mental and social services needs.

You must have a high school or GED diploma to enroll in a certified nursing assistant program before you can sit for a state licensure exam. After passing the exam, you receive your CNA license and get added to your state’s registry. Then, you can start applying for positions as a CNA.

How Much Do Certified Nursing Assistants Make?

The BLS projects 8% job growth for CNAs between 2020 and 2030. BLS projects 192,800 job openings for CNAs each year.

CNAs make an average of $13.97 an hour for a total average annual salary of $30,000, according to Payscale data from July 2022 . The lowest 10% of CNAs make $10.73 hourly, while the highest 10% of earners take home $17.98 hourly. Skills, experience level, work setting, and location can affect how much money CNAs make .

CNAs with skills, such Microsoft Excel, office administration, medical terminology, typing, and cognitive behavioral therapy, earn higher-than-average salaries, according to Payscale data from July 2022.

CNAs with 10-19 years of experience earn 4% more than average. CNAs with more than 20 years of experience earn about 8% more than average.

According to BLS data from May 2021 , junior colleges, scientific research and development services, and the federal executive branch offer CNAs higher-than-average pay.

Frequently Asked Questions about Certified Nursing Assistants

What is the role of a cna.

CNAs help the healthcare team carry out the care plan, assist the patient with daily living activities, and report any changes in patient ability or needs to their supervisor.

How long does it take to become a CNA?

CNA programs can range from 4-16 weeks, but the process may take longer if you are balancing other commitments. After the CNA program, you can complete the clinical hours and take the exam. The whole process can take six months or more, depending on your state’s requirements.

What’s the difference between a registered nurse and a CNA?

Registered nurses (RN) and other healthcare professionals work under the authority of their own license. CNAs work under the authority of the license of the RN who supervises them.

Is being a CNA hard?

The heavy workload, long shifts, and physical demands of being a CNA can be hard for some individuals.

Related Pages

18 Reasons to Choose a Career as a CNA

CNA training opens doors to a nursing career without the time and financial commitments of earning a degree and includes options to take CNA classes online.

Should I Become an LPN or a CNA?

LPN vs. CNA? This guide answers questions like how long an LPN or a CNA program takes to complete and how to become an LPN or a CNA.

Most Common Jobs for CNAs

While there are a lot of certified nursing assistant (CNA) jobs in hospitals, home healthcare, and long-term care facilities, opportunities abound in some surprising settings.

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

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Job Duties of Nursing Assistants

nursingassistant.io ·

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the responsibilities of a nursing assistant. This blog post aims to shed light on the crucial role nursing assistants play in healthcare. We will delve into the various tasks they perform, the skills they need, and the impact they have on patient care. Whether you're considering a career in this field or simply curious, this post will provide a detailed understanding of what nursing assistants do.

The Role of a Nursing Assistant: An Overview

Nursing assistants, often referred to as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), are vital members of the healthcare team. They provide direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. Their role is multifaceted, involving both clinical and non-clinical tasks.

In a clinical setting, nursing assistants are the backbone of patient care. They assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around. They also take vital signs, monitor patients' health, and report changes to the nursing staff.

In addition to their clinical duties, nursing assistants also perform non-clinical tasks. These include cleaning and sanitizing patient areas, changing bed linens, and ensuring the comfort and safety of patients. They also play a significant role in providing emotional support to patients and their families.

Clinical Duties of a Nursing Assistant

Delving deeper into the clinical duties of a nursing assistant, their responsibilities are extensive and varied. They are often the first point of contact for patients, making their role critical in shaping the patient's experience.

One of the primary duties of a nursing assistant is to assist patients with their daily living activities. This includes helping patients with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing, grooming, and toileting. They also assist patients with mobility, helping them move around safely.

Nursing assistants also monitor patients' vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate. They document these readings and report any abnormalities to the nursing staff. They also observe and record patients' health conditions, noting changes in behavior, physical symptoms, or pain levels.

Non-Clinical Duties of a Nursing Assistant

Beyond their clinical duties, nursing assistants also perform a range of non-clinical tasks that contribute to the smooth running of healthcare facilities. These tasks, while not directly related to patient care, are essential for maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for patients.

Nursing assistants are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing patient areas. This includes changing bed linens, cleaning bathrooms, and ensuring that patient rooms are tidy and free from hazards. They also assist with meal preparation and feeding patients who are unable to feed themselves.

In addition to these tasks, nursing assistants also play a key role in facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers. They relay information from patients to nurses and doctors, and vice versa, ensuring that patients' needs and concerns are addressed.

The Impact of a Nursing Assistant on Patient Care

The role of a nursing assistant extends beyond their list of duties. They have a profound impact on the quality of patient care and the overall patient experience.

Nursing assistants spend a significant amount of time with patients, often more than any other healthcare provider. This close contact allows them to build strong relationships with patients, providing emotional support and comfort during difficult times.

Their role in monitoring patients' health and communicating with the nursing staff also contributes to the quality of care. By closely observing patients and reporting changes in their condition, nursing assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.

Essential Skills for a Nursing Assistant

To effectively perform their duties, nursing assistants need a specific set of skills. These include both hard skills, such as knowledge of basic nursing procedures, and soft skills, like communication and empathy.

Nursing assistants must have a solid understanding of basic nursing procedures. This includes skills such as taking vital signs, assisting with mobility, and maintaining patient hygiene. They also need to be familiar with safety procedures and infection control protocols.

In terms of soft skills, communication is key. Nursing assistants must be able to effectively communicate with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers. They also need to have strong interpersonal skills, as they often provide emotional support to patients.

The Future of Nursing Assistants

The role of nursing assistants is evolving, with increasing opportunities for advancement and specialization. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, the demand for nursing assistants is expected to rise.

Nursing assistants can choose to specialize in areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or mental health. They can also pursue further education to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.

Despite the challenges, the role of a nursing assistant is rewarding. They have the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives, providing care and support when it's most needed.

Wrapping Up: The Integral Role of Nursing Assistants

In conclusion, nursing assistants play an integral role in healthcare. Their duties extend beyond clinical tasks, contributing to patient comfort, safety, and overall experience. They are the unsung heroes of healthcare, providing compassionate care and support to patients. Whether you're considering a career as a nursing assistant or simply wanted to understand their role better, we hope this guide has provided valuable insights.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Looking to start working fast? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) might be the right path for you! A CNA is a healthcare professional that works under the supervision of an RN or LPN and serves as an important part of the medical field.

How to Become a CNA

See our step by step guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Guide

Go from CNA to RN

Ready to take the next step from Certified Nursing Assistant to Registered Nurse? This guide will show you how. CNA to RN Guide

Career Growth Opportunities for CNAs

Becoming a CNA can be a first step to advancing your career! This Is How I Went From CNA to LPN to ADN to BSN to MSN to Nurse Practitioner

Paying for your CNA

Financing your education isn’t as hard as it seems. We walk you through every step of the process. The Complete Guide to Paying for Nursing School

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Nurse Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the healthcare sector, the need for nurse assistants is ever-growing.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the demand for compassionate, competent, and dedicated individuals to support and enhance our healthcare services increases significantly.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a nurse assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate dynamics of nursing assistance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable nurse assistant job description template, designed for convenient posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Nurse Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Nurse Assistants provide vital support to healthcare professionals in hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities.

They perform a variety of tasks related to patient care, medical administration, and office tasks.

Their duties and responsibilities often include:

• Assisting with direct patient care activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients
• Monitoring patients’ vital signs and reporting any significant changes to the supervising nurse or physician
• Helping patients move in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, and automobiles
• Keeping patients’ living areas clean and orderly, including changing bed linens
• Assisting with medical procedures and care, such as wound dressing, sample collection, and physical therapy exercises
• Keeping records of patients’ health condition and care, and reporting changes to nursing staff
• Supporting patients and their families by providing emotional support and explaining procedures
• Helping with administrative tasks, such as updating patient files and scheduling appointments
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards and infection control protocols

Nurse Assistant Job Description Template

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Nurse Assistant to join our healthcare team.

As a Nurse Assistant, you will be responsible for providing basic healthcare services to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

Your duties will include helping with personal hygiene, monitoring vital signs, administering medication, and updating health records.

Our ideal candidate has a caring personality, strong communication skills, and a dedication to patient care.

Responsibilities

• Assisting patients with daily activities including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
• Monitoring vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature
• Administering medication under the supervision of a Registered Nurse
• Helping patients to eat and drink
• Keeping patient rooms clean and organized
• Recording and updating patient health records
• Communicating effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team
• Responding to patient calls and requests for assistance
• Following all health and safety regulations

Qualifications

• Completion of a state-approved Nurse Assistant training program
• State Nurse Assistant certification required
• Previous experience in a healthcare setting is preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Compassionate and sensitive to patients’ needs and concerns
• Physical stamina to lift and move patients, as needed
• Basic computer skills for updating health records
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities
• Flexible scheduling
• Employee assistance program

Additional Information

• Job Title: Nurse Assistant
• Work Environment: Fast-paced healthcare setting. This role requires standing for long periods and lifting or moving patients.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Registered Nurse or Nurse Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $24,000 minimum to $36,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time, part-time, and per diem positions available.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, relevant certifications, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Nurse Assistant Do?

Nurse Assistants, also known as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by providing basic care to patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.

They work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

Their primary role is to assist patients with their daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and moving around.

Nurse Assistants also play a vital role in monitoring the health condition of patients.

They take vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate.

They are also responsible for documenting and reporting changes in the patient’s health or behavior to the supervising nurse.

In addition, Nurse Assistants often provide emotional support to patients and their families, helping them understand the patient’s condition and the care being provided.

Some Nurse Assistants may also assist with medical procedures or provide basic healthcare services, such as administering medication under the guidance of a registered nurse.

Nurse Assistants work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private homes.

Their goal is to ensure that patients are comfortable, safe, and well-cared for in their healthcare journey.

Nurse Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A Nurse Assistant should be equipped with a set of clinical skills, interpersonal skills, and qualifications to ensure the best care for patients, such as:

• Strong clinical skills that include basic patient care, taking vital signs, administering medication under supervision, and assisting with medical procedures.
• Good understanding of medical terminology, healthcare procedures, and safety protocols to provide the best patient care.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with patients, their families, and medical staff, ensuring clear and effective communication about patients’ condition and care plan.
• Attention to detail to accurately document patient information, monitor patient health, and notice changes in a patient’s condition.
• Physical stamina for working long shifts, standing for extended periods, and assisting patients with mobility.
• Problem-solving skills to handle emergencies and unexpected patient issues.
• Empathy and compassion to understand and meet the emotional needs of patients and their families.
• Possessing a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, CPR certification, and any state-specific certifications required.

Nurse Assistant Experience Requirements

Nurse Assistants, also known as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), typically start their journey by completing a state-approved education program.

These programs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals or nursing homes, providing both theoretical and practical training.

The practical training includes a clinical component, where students gain hands-on experience under supervision.

Entry-level candidates often gain experience through their clinical practice during their education program.

Beyond this, they may also have experience in care giving roles, such as Home Health Aide or Patient Care Assistant.

Nurse Assistants with 1 to 2 years of experience generally have more advanced skills and familiarity with patient care procedures.

They may have experience in specialized areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or surgical assistance.

Those with over 3 years of experience are typically seasoned CNAs with well-rounded patient care skills.

They may have further developed their expertise in specialized areas of care or have obtained additional certifications.

Nurse Assistants with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership experience, having supervised junior CNAs or led teams in their care units.

These professionals may be ready for roles such as Charge Nurse Assistant or Senior Nurse Assistant.

Nurse Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Nurse Assistants, also known as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), typically need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

They must then complete a state-approved training program, which can be found at community colleges, trade schools, and healthcare facilities.

These programs often last from 4 to 12 weeks and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.

After completing this training, Nurse Assistants must pass their state’s competency exam to become certified.

This exam usually includes both written and practical components, testing both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of the nursing assistant.

In addition to this basic training, Nurse Assistants need to have basic life support (BLS) or CPR certification, and may also need to pass a background check depending on the state’s requirements.

Continuing education is encouraged in this field, and many Nurse Assistants choose to further their training by pursuing specialized certifications in areas like geriatrics, pediatrics, or mental health.

Moreover, Nurse Assistants need to have strong physical stamina, communication skills, and empathy in order to succeed in their roles.

Nurse Assistant Salary Expectations

A Nurse Assistant earns an average of $14.77 (USD) per hour.

The exact earnings may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, educational background, location, and the healthcare facility where they work.

Nurse Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a nurse assistant need.

Nurse Assistants need to have excellent communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

They should have strong observational skills to monitor patient conditions and report changes to nursing staff.

Physical stamina is important as they may be on their feet for most of their shift.

It’s also crucial that they possess empathy and compassion to comfort and care for patients in their most vulnerable moments.

Do Nurse Assistants need a degree?

Nurse Assistants don’t necessarily need a degree, but they typically must complete a state-approved education program and pass their state’s competency exam to become certified.

This certification can be a stepping stone to more advanced nursing roles.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree in nursing.

What should you look for in a Nurse Assistant resume?

When examining a Nurse Assistant’s resume, look for a certification in nursing assisting, as this is usually a requirement.

Relevant experience, such as internships or previous roles in healthcare, can also be a strong indicator of their ability.

Additionally, consider soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork, which are vital in this role.

What qualities make a good Nurse Assistant?

A good Nurse Assistant is patient and empathetic, as they often work with people in distress.

They should be dependable and able to work well under pressure, as they are often working in critical care situations.

Good Nurse Assistants also have excellent interpersonal skills, as they need to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

Is it difficult to hire Nurse Assistants?

The challenge in hiring Nurse Assistants can depend on several factors, including geographical location and the supply and demand for healthcare professionals in your area.

However, due to the increasing need for healthcare services, finding qualified Nurse Assistants may be a challenge.

Offering competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for advancement can attract potential candidates.

So there you have it.

Today, we have unraveled the intricacies of being a nurse assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about medical care.

It’s about crafting a healthier future, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive nurse assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to step into this fulfilling role.

But why stop there?

Go the extra mile with our job description generator . It’s your next step to precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Every patient you care for is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s build that future. Together.

Reasons to Become a Nurse Assistant (Join Medical Heroes!)

How to Become a Nurse Assistant (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Nurse Assistant (Germs, Germs Everywhere!)

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The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

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What Is a Nursing Assistant? Duties & Responsibilities

06 Apr, 2023 | By: AIAM Author

The healthcare provider team within a facility comprises a group of highly skilled professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care for their patients. Amongst this team are nursing assistants, who are crucial in ensuring that their patients successfully accomplish daily tasks and smoothly adapt to any lifestyle changes that may be required.

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on the role of a nursing assistant, you may be interested in learning more about what exactly a nursing assistant is, what their specific responsibilities entail, and how much they typically earn. Read on for further information on these topics and more.

What Is a Nursing Assistant?

Nursing assistants are medical professionals who assist nurses and other staff members in providing patient care and often are the patient’s primary contact during the day. They’re compassionate and attentive to their patient’s needs and health issues and work closely with nurses and physicians to treat patients based on changes in condition.

Nursing assistant’s duties and responsibilities

Nursing assistants work under the supervision of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). They provide basic patient care and mainly help patients with daily activities. Their duties and responsibilities include the following:

-Monitoring vital signs

-Reporting changes or worrisome symptoms to the RN

-Assisting patients with meals

-Helping patients move around

-Cleaning linen regularly

-Providing and cleaning bedpans

-Assisting patients in maintaining hygiene

-Transferring patients from bed to wheelchair or vice versa

Nursing assistant’s skills

Some essential skills and qualities you’ll need to become a competent nursing assistant are:

-Patience and flexibility: Working in an unpredictable and challenging work environment means that every day is different, with different tasks. Therefore, you must be patient and be able to adapt to changing schedules and patients.

-Technical skills: Nursing assistants require a broad range of technical skills to provide basic care and assistance to patients. These skills include monitoring vital signs, assisting with mobility and personal care, and performing basic medical procedures.

-Strength to lift and move patients: Because part of a nursing assistant’s duties is to help patients move around, nurses must have the physical strength to do so without much difficulty.

-Teamwork: Nursing assistants are part of a vast medical team, which makes cooperation crucial in providing the best patient care.

– Communication skills: D uring working hours, nurses have to communicate with patients and other staff ; therefore, it’s necessary that they know how to approach each person.

-Attention to detail: As a nursing assistant, you’ll have direct contact with patients during their stay, so you must be able to detect even the smallest changes in their symptoms and overall health conditions.

Nursing assistant’s qualifications

Becoming a nursing assistant can be an excellent starting point for a healthcare career, as it requires fewer qualifications than other healthcare professions while still providing opportunities for career advancement.

The most critical requirement to become a nursing assistant is completing a state-approved education program that teaches nursing principles and includes supervised clinical work. These programs can be found at high schools, vocational and technical schools, community colleges, and other institutions.

In addition to the education program, you may also need to complete on-the-job training to learn your employer’s specific policies and duties. This training will help you become familiar with the unique requirements of the healthcare facility where you will work, enabling you to provide the best possible care to patients.

Importance of Nursing Assistants in Healthcare

Nursing assistants play a crucial role in ensuring quality patient care and are an essential part of the healthcare team. Despite often being overlooked, their contributions are essential to the smooth functioning of hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Nursing assistants are responsible for providing personalized care to patients and supporting them in their daily activities, including assisting with hygiene, feeding, and mobility. They also monitor patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate, and report any changes to doctors or other healthcare professionals.

By taking on these tasks, nursing assistants free up doctors and other healthcare professionals to focus on diagnosing and treating patients, ensuring they receive the best possible care. Additionally, nursing assistants are often the primary point of contact for patients and their families, providing emotional support and helping alleviate stress and anxiety.

Where Do Nursing Assistants Work?

As a nursing assistant, you’ll be able to work in a variety of medical-related industries, such as:

-Nursing care facilities

-Home healthcare services

-Government

-Assisted living facilities

How Much Does a Nursing Assistant Make?

Many factors affect the salary of a nursing assistant; some of the most important ones are location, experience, and education. Indeed reports an average salary of $19.60 per hour or $44,269 per year for nursing assistants. However, this figure can range from $30,650 to $63,939 per year, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Career outlook for nursing assistants

The career outlook for nursing assistants appears to be quite promising, with a projected 5% growth in employment over the next decade, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth is expected to result in an estimated 220,200 job openings annually, making this profession a potentially lucrative option for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

What’s the Bottom Line?

More often than not, nursing assistants are the unsung heroes of the medical team. However, they’re an essential part of their patient’s recovery and well-being. They are often the primary caregivers for patients in various facilities, making their role critical to the overall quality of care provided to patients.

For those interested in pursuing a career in nursing, we recommend exploring our Practical Nursing School , where you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to advance your career and adopt a holistic approach to healing. Join us in this fulfilling and essential profession, and make a difference in the lives of those in need.

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"Nursing Assistant" Job Description - Part 1 - Duties and Tasks

Basic job description:.

Provide basic patient care under direction of nursing staff. Perform duties such as feed, bathe, dress, groom, or move patients, or change linens. May transfer or transport patients. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

Part 1 Duties / Tasks Part 2 Activities Part 3 Skills Part 4 Abilities Part 5 Knowledge

Job Duties and Tasks for: "Nursing Assistant"

1) Administer medications or treatments, such as catheterizations, suppositories, irrigations, enemas, massages, or douches, as directed by a physician or nurse. 2) Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients' needs.

3) Apply clean dressings, slings, stockings, or support bandages, under direction of nurse or physician. 4) Assist nurses or physicians in the operation of medical equipment or provision of patient care. 5) Change bed linens or make beds.

6) Clean and sanitize patient rooms, bathrooms, examination rooms, or other patient areas. 7) Collect specimens, such as urine, feces, or sputum. 8) Communicate with patients to ascertain feelings or need for assistance or social and emotional support.

9) Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses. 10) Feed patients or assist patients to eat or drink. 11) Gather information from caregivers, nurses, or physicians about patient condition, treatment plans, or appropriate activities.

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12) Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff. 13) Position or hold patients in position for surgical preparation. 14) Prepare or serve food trays.

15) Record height or weight of patients. 16) Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements. 17) Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine. 18) Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising. 19) Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff. 20) Restock patient rooms with personal hygiene items, such as towels, washcloths, soap, or toilet paper. 21) Review patients' dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet. 22) Set up treating or testing equipment, such as oxygen tents, portable radiograph (x-ray) equipment, or overhead irrigation bottles, as directed by a physician or nurse. 23) Stock or issue medical supplies, such as dressing packs or treatment trays. 24) Supply, collect, or empty bedpans. 25) Transport patients to treatment units, testing units, operating rooms, or other areas, using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds. 26) Turn or reposition bedridden patients. 27) Undress, wash, and dress patients who are unable to do so for themselves. 28) Wash, groom, shave, or drape patients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination. 29) Exercise patients who are comatose, paralyzed, or have restricted mobility. 30) Explain medical instructions to patients or family members. 31) Lift or assist others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, examination tables, surgical tables, or stretchers. 32) Provide information such as directions, visiting hours, or patient status information to visitors or callers. 33) Transport specimens, laboratory items, or pharmacy items, ensuring proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.

Job Description for "Nursing Assistant" continued here...

"Nursing Assistant"   Holland / RIASEC Career Code:  NA        SOC:  31-1014.00

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Certified Nursing Assistant

Job summary:.

The Certified Nursing Assistant performs nursing procedures and patient care tasks.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Duties/responsibilities:.

• Provides for patient's personal hygiene and daily living. This may include providing and clearing bedpans and urinals, providing baths, backrubs, shampoos and shaves, and assisting patients with showers. Assists with meals and feeds patients. Ambulates, turns and positions patients. Provides fresh water and nourishment between meals.
• Administers enemas, douches, nonsterile dressings, surgical preps, ice packs, heat treatments, sitz and therapeutic baths, and applies restraints.
• Performs I&Os; checks vital signs and weight; performs sugar and acetone urine testing, specimen collection, and post-mortem care.
• Works effectively as a team member in the delivery of care and assists in the orientation of new employees. Maintains good working relations with nursing unit staff and other hospital employees through appropriate communication.
• Instills confidence in patients by maintaining a neat appearance and performing duties in a competent and caring manner. Reports observations of patients to the nurse caring for the patient to ensure professional assessment.
• With specialized training and written approval, may perform additional and specialized tasks pertinent to the assigned area.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Shows dependability by being punctual; maintains consistent attendance.
• Maintains a safe environment for patients and co-workers; transports patients and equipment as appropriate.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate preferred.
• Successful completion of nursing assistant course or the equivalent.
• Previous hospital experience with acceptable references preferred.
• Must pass a pre-employment test for nursing assistant.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds at times.

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Chapter 2 - Prioritization

2.1. prioritization introduction, learning objectives.

• Prioritize nursing care based on patient acuity

• Use principles of time management to organize work

• Analyze effectiveness of time management strategies

• Use critical thinking to prioritize nursing care for patients

• Apply a framework for prioritization (e.g., Maslow, ABCs)

“So much to do, so little time.” This is a common mantra of today’s practicing nurse in various health care settings. Whether practicing in acute inpatient care, long-term care, clinics, home care, or other agencies, nurses may feel there is “not enough of them to go around.”

The health care system faces a significant challenge in balancing the ever-expanding task of meeting patient care needs with scarce nursing resources that has even worsened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a limited supply of registered nurses, nurse managers are often challenged to implement creative staffing practices such as sending staff to units where they do not normally work (i.e., floating), implementing mandatory staffing and/or overtime, utilizing travel nurses, or using other practices to meet patient care demands.[ 1 ] Staffing strategies can result in nurses experiencing increased patient assignments and workloads, extended shifts, or temporary suspension of paid time off. Nurses may receive a barrage of calls and text messages offering “extra shifts” and bonus pay, and although the extra pay may be welcomed, they often eventually feel burnt out trying to meet the ever-expanding demands of the patient-care environment.

A novice nurse who is still learning how to navigate the complex health care environment and provide optimal patient care may feel overwhelmed by these conditions. Novice nurses frequently report increased levels of stress and disillusionment as they transition to the reality of the nursing role.[ 2 ] How can we address this professional dilemma and enhance the novice nurse’s successful role transition to practice? The novice nurse must enter the profession with purposeful tools and strategies to help prioritize tasks and manage time so they can confidently address patient care needs, balance role demands, and manage day-to-day nursing activities.

Let’s take a closer look at the foundational concepts related to prioritization and time management in the nursing profession.

2.2. TENETS OF PRIORITIZATION

Prioritization.

As new nurses begin their career, they look forward to caring for others, promoting health, and saving lives. However, when entering the health care environment, they often discover there are numerous and competing demands for their time and attention. Patient care is often interrupted by call lights, rounding physicians, and phone calls from the laboratory department or other interprofessional team members. Even individuals who are strategic and energized in their planning can feel frustrated as their task lists and planned patient-care activities build into a long collection of “to dos.”

Without utilization of appropriate prioritization strategies, nurses can experience  time scarcity , a feeling of racing against a clock that is continually working against them. Functioning under the burden of time scarcity can cause feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and eventually burnout. Time scarcity can also impact patient safety, resulting in adverse events and increased mortality.[ 1 ] Additionally, missed or rushed nursing activities can negatively impact patient satisfaction scores that ultimately affect an institution’s reimbursement levels.

It is vital for nurses to plan patient care and implement their task lists while ensuring that critical interventions are safely implemented first. Identifying priority patient problems and implementing priority interventions are skills that require ongoing cultivation as one gains experience in the practice environment.[ 2 ] To develop these skills, students must develop an understanding of organizing frameworks and prioritization processes for delineating care needs. These frameworks provide structure and guidance for meeting the multiple and ever-changing demands in the complex health care environment.

Let’s consider a clinical scenario in the following box to better understand the implications of prioritization and outcomes.

Imagine you are beginning your shift on a busy medical-surgical unit. You receive a handoff report on four medical-surgical patients from the night shift nurse:

• Patient A is a 34-year-old total knee replacement patient, post-op Day 1, who had an uneventful night. It is anticipated that she will be discharged today and needs patient education for self-care at home.

• Patient B is a 67-year-old male admitted with weakness, confusion, and a suspected urinary tract infection. He has been restless and attempting to get out of bed throughout the night. He has a bed alarm in place.

• Patient C is a 49-year-old male, post-op Day 1 for a total hip replacement. He has been frequently using his patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump and last rated his pain as a “6.”

• Patient D is a 73-year-old male admitted for pneumonia. He has been hospitalized for three days and receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics. His next dose is due in an hour. His oxygen requirements have decreased from 4 L/minute of oxygen by nasal cannula to 2 L/minute by nasal cannula.

Based on the handoff report you received, you ask the nursing assistant to check on Patient B while you do an initial assessment on Patient D. As you are assessing Patient D’s oxygenation status, you receive a phone call from the laboratory department relating a critical lab value on Patient C, indicating his hemoglobin is low. The provider calls and orders a STAT blood transfusion for Patient C. Patient A rings the call light and states she and her husband have questions about her discharge and are ready to go home. The nursing assistant finds you and reports that Patient B got out of bed and experienced a fall during the handoff reports.

It is common for nurses to manage multiple and ever-changing tasks and activities like this scenario, illustrating the importance of self-organization and priority setting. This chapter will further discuss the tools nurses can use for prioritization.

2.3. TOOLS FOR PRIORITIZING

Prioritization of care for multiple patients while also performing daily nursing tasks can feel overwhelming in today’s fast-paced health care system. Because of the rapid and ever-changing conditions of patients and the structure of one’s workday, nurses must use organizational frameworks to prioritize actions and interventions. These frameworks can help ease anxiety, enhance personal organization and confidence, and ensure patient safety.

Acuity and intensity are foundational concepts for prioritizing nursing care and interventions.  Acuity  refers to the level of patient care that is required based on the severity of a patient’s illness or condition. For example, acuity may include characteristics such as unstable vital signs, oxygenation therapy, high-risk IV medications, multiple drainage devices, or uncontrolled pain. A “high-acuity” patient requires several nursing interventions and frequent nursing assessments.

Intensity addresses the time needed to complete nursing care and interventions such as providing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), performing wound care, or administering several medication passes. For example, a “high-intensity” patient generally requires frequent or long periods of psychosocial, educational, or hygiene care from nursing staff members. High-intensity patients may also have increased needs for safety monitoring, familial support, or other needs.[ 1 ]

Many health care organizations structure their staffing assignments based on acuity and intensity ratings to help provide equity in staff assignments. Acuity helps to ensure that nursing care is strategically divided among nursing staff. An equitable assignment of patients benefits both the nurse and patient by helping to ensure that patient care needs do not overwhelm individual staff and safe care is provided.

Organizations use a variety of systems when determining patient acuity with rating scales based on nursing care delivery, patient stability, and care needs. See an example of a patient acuity tool published in the  American Nurse  in Table 2.3 .[ 2 ] In this example, ratings range from 1 to 4, with a rating of 1 indicating a relatively stable patient requiring minimal individualized nursing care and intervention. A rating of 2 reflects a patient with a moderate risk who may require more frequent intervention or assessment. A rating of 3 is attributed to a complex patient who requires frequent intervention and assessment. This patient might also be a new admission or someone who is confused and requires more direct observation. A rating of 4 reflects a high-risk patient. For example, this individual may be experiencing frequent changes in vital signs, may require complex interventions such as the administration of blood transfusions, or may be experiencing significant uncontrolled pain. An individual with a rating of 4 requires more direct nursing care and intervention than a patient with a rating of 1 or 2. [3]

Example of a Patient Acuity Tool [ 4 ]

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Read more about using a  patient acuity tool on a medical-surgical unit.

Rating scales may vary among institutions, but the principles of the rating system remain the same. Organizations include various patient care elements when constructing their staffing plans for each unit. Read more information about staffing models and acuity in the following box.

Staffing Models and Acuity

Organizations that base staffing on acuity systems attempt to evenly staff patient assignments according to their acuity ratings. This means that when comparing patient assignments across nurses on a unit, similar acuity team scores should be seen with the goal of achieving equitable and safe division of workload across the nursing team. For example, one nurse should not have a total acuity score of 6 for their patient assignments while another nurse has a score of 15. If this situation occurred, the variation in scoring reflects a discrepancy in workload balance and would likely be perceived by nursing peers as unfair. Using  acuity-rating staffing models  is helpful to reflect the individualized nursing care required by different patients.

Alternatively, nurse staffing models may be determined by staffing ratio.  Ratio-based staffing models  are more straightforward in nature, where each nurse is assigned care for a set number of patients during their shift. Ratio-based staffing models may be useful for administrators creating budget requests based on the number of staff required for patient care, but can lead to an inequitable division of work across the nursing team when patient acuity is not considered. Increasingly complex patients require more time and interventions than others, so a blend of both ratio and acuity-based staffing is helpful when determining staffing assignments.[ 5 ]

As a practicing nurse, you will be oriented to the elements of acuity ratings within your health care organization, but it is also important to understand how you can use these acuity ratings for your own prioritization and task delineation. Let’s consider the Scenario B in the following box to better understand how acuity ratings can be useful for prioritizing nursing care.

You report to work at 6 a.m. for your nursing shift on a busy medical-surgical unit. Prior to receiving the handoff report from your night shift nursing colleagues, you review the unit staffing grid and see that you have been assigned to four patients to start your day. The patients have the following acuity ratings:

Patient A: 45-year-old patient with paraplegia admitted for an infected sacral wound, with an acuity rating of 4.

Patient B: 87-year-old patient with pneumonia with a low grade fever of 99.7 F and receiving oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula, with an acuity rating of 2.

Patient C: 63-year-old patient who is postoperative Day 1 from a right total hip replacement and is receiving pain management via a PCA pump, with an acuity rating of 2.

Patient D: 83-year-old patient admitted with a UTI who is finishing an IV antibiotic cycle and will be discharged home today, with an acuity rating of 1.

Based on the acuity rating system, your patient assignment load receives an overall acuity score of 9. Consider how you might use their acuity ratings to help you prioritize your care. Based on what is known about the patients related to their acuity rating, whom might you identify as your care priority? Although this can feel like a challenging question to answer because of the many unknown elements in the situation using acuity numbers alone, Patient A with an acuity rating of 4 would be identified as the care priority requiring assessment early in your shift.

Although acuity can a useful tool for determining care priorities, it is important to recognize the limitations of this tool and consider how other patient needs impact prioritization.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

When thinking back to your first nursing or psychology course, you may recall a historical theory of human motivation based on various levels of human needs called Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs  reflects foundational human needs with progressive steps moving towards higher levels of achievement. This hierarchy of needs is traditionally represented as a pyramid with the base of the pyramid serving as essential needs that must be addressed before one can progress to another area of need.[ 6 ] See Figure 2.1  [ 7 ] for an illustration of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs places physiological needs as the foundational base of the pyramid.[ 8 ] Physiological needs include oxygen, food, water, sex, sleep, homeostasis, and excretion. The second level of Maslow’s hierarchy reflects safety needs. Safety needs include elements that keep individuals safe from harm. Examples of safety needs in health care include fall precautions. The third level of Maslow’s hierarchy reflects emotional needs such as love and a sense of belonging. These needs are often reflected in an individual’s relationships with family members and friends. The top two levels of Maslow’s hierarchy include esteem and self-actualization. An example of addressing these needs in a health care setting is helping an individual build self-confidence in performing blood glucose checks that leads to improved self-management of their diabetes.

So how does Maslow’s theory impact prioritization? To better understand the application of Maslow’s theory to prioritization, consider Scenario C in the following box.

You are an emergency response nurse working at a local shelter in a community that has suffered a devastating hurricane. Many individuals have relocated to the shelter for safety in the aftermath of the hurricane. Much of the community is still without electricity and clean water, and many homes have been destroyed. You approach a young woman who has a laceration on her scalp that is bleeding through her gauze dressing. The woman is weeping as she describes the loss of her home stating, “I have lost everything! I just don’t know what I am going to do now. It has been a day since I have had water or anything to drink. I don’t know where my sister is, and I can’t reach any of my family to find out if they are okay!”

Despite this relatively brief interaction, this woman has shared with you a variety of needs. She has demonstrated a need for food, water, shelter, homeostasis, and family. As the nurse caring for her, it might be challenging to think about where to begin her care. These thoughts could be racing through your mind:

Should I begin to make phone calls to try and find her family? Maybe then she would be able to calm down.

Should I get her on the list for the homeless shelter so she wouldn’t have to worry about where she will sleep tonight?

She hasn’t eaten in awhile; I should probably find her something to eat.

All of these needs are important and should be addressed at some point, but Maslow’s hierarchy provides guidance on what needs must be addressed first. Use the foundational level of Maslow’s pyramid of physiological needs as the top priority for care. The woman is bleeding heavily from a head wound and has had limited fluid intake. As the nurse caring for this patient, it is important to immediately intervene to stop the bleeding and restore fluid volume. Stabilizing the patient by addressing her physiological needs is required before undertaking additional measures such as contacting her family. Imagine if instead you made phone calls to find the patient’s family and didn’t address the bleeding or dehydration – you might return to a severely hypovolemic patient who has deteriorated and may be near death. In this example, prioritizing emotional needs above physiological needs can lead to significant harm to the patient.

Although this is a relatively straightforward example, the principles behind the application of Maslow’s hierarchy are essential. Addressing physiological needs before progressing toward additional need categories concentrates efforts on the most vital elements to enhance patient well-being. Maslow’s hierarchy provides the nurse with a helpful framework for identifying and prioritizing critical patient care needs.

Airway, breathing, and circulation, otherwise known by the mnemonic “ABCs,” are another foundational element to assist the nurse in prioritization. Like Maslow’s hierarchy, using the ABCs to guide decision-making concentrates on the most critical needs for preserving human life. If a patient does not have a patent airway, is unable to breathe, or has inadequate circulation, very little of what else we do matters. The patient’s  ABCs  are reflected in Maslow’s foundational level of physiological needs and direct critical nursing actions and timely interventions. Let’s consider Scenario D in the following box regarding prioritization using the ABCs and the physiological base of Maslow’s hierarchy.

You are a nurse on a busy cardiac floor charting your morning assessments on a computer at the nurses’ station. Down the hall from where you are charting, two of your assigned patients are resting comfortably in Room 504 and Room 506. Suddenly, both call lights ring from the rooms, and you answer them via the intercom at the nurses’ station.

Room 504 has an 87-year-old male who has been admitted with heart failure, weakness, and confusion. He has a bed alarm for safety and has been ringing his call bell for assistance appropriately throughout the shift. He requires assistance to get out of bed to use the bathroom. He received his morning medications, which included a diuretic about 30 minutes previously, and now reports significant urge to void and needs assistance to the bathroom.

Room 506 has a 47-year-old woman who was hospitalized with new onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. The patient underwent a cardioversion procedure yesterday that resulted in successful conversion of her heart back into normal sinus rhythm. She is reporting via the intercom that her “heart feels like it is doing that fluttering thing again” and she is having chest pain with breathlessness.

Based upon these two patient scenarios, it might be difficult to determine whom you should see first. Both patients are demonstrating needs in the foundational physiological level of Maslow’s hierarchy and require assistance. To prioritize between these patients’ physiological needs, the nurse can apply the principles of the ABCs to determine intervention. The patient in Room 506 reports both breathing and circulation issues, warning indicators that action is needed immediately. Although the patient in Room 504 also has an urgent physiological elimination need, it does not overtake the critical one experienced by the patient in Room 506. The nurse should immediately assess the patient in Room 506 while also calling for assistance from a team member to assist the patient in Room 504.

Prioritizing what should be done and when it can be done can be a challenging task when several patients all have physiological needs. Recently, there has been professional acknowledgement of the cognitive challenge for novice nurses in differentiating physiological needs. To expand on the principles of prioritizing using the ABCs, the CURE hierarchy has been introduced to help novice nurses better understand how to manage competing patient needs. The CURE hierarchy uses the acronym “CURE” to guide prioritization based on identifying the differences among Critical needs, Urgent needs, Routine needs, and Extras.[ 9 ]

“Critical” patient needs require immediate action. Examples of critical needs align with the ABCs and Maslow’s physiological needs, such as symptoms of respiratory distress, chest pain, and airway compromise. No matter the complexity of their shift, nurses can be assured that addressing patients’ critical needs is the correct prioritization of their time and energies.

After critical patient care needs have been addressed, nurses can then address “urgent” needs. Urgent needs are characterized as needs that cause patient discomfort or place the patient at a significant safety risk.[ 10 ]

The third part of the CURE hierarchy reflects “routine” patient needs. Routine patient needs can also be characterized as “typical daily nursing care” because the majority of a standard nursing shift is spent addressing routine patient needs. Examples of routine daily nursing care include actions such as administering medication and performing physical assessments.[ 11 ] Although a nurse’s typical shift in a hospital setting includes these routine patient needs, they do not supersede critical or urgent patient needs.

The final component of the CURE hierarchy is known as “extras.” Extras refer to activities performed in the care setting to facilitate patient comfort but are not essential.[ 12 ] Examples of extra activities include providing a massage for comfort or washing a patient’s hair. If a nurse has sufficient time to perform extra activities, they contribute to a patient’s feeling of satisfaction regarding their care, but these activities are not essential to achieve patient outcomes.

Let’s apply the CURE mnemonic to patient care in the following box.

If we return to Scenario D regarding patients in Room 504 and 506, we can see the patient in Room 504 is having urgent needs. He is experiencing a physiological need to urgently use the restroom and may also have safety concerns if he does not receive assistance and attempts to get up on his own because of weakness. He is on a bed alarm, which reflects safety considerations related to his potential to get out of bed without assistance. Despite these urgent indicators, the patient in Room 506 is experiencing a critical need and takes priority. Recall that critical needs require immediate nursing action to prevent patient deterioration. The patient in Room 506 with a rapid, fluttering heartbeat and shortness of breath has a critical need because without prompt assessment and intervention, their condition could rapidly decline and become fatal.

In addition to using the identified frameworks and tools to assist with priority setting, nurses must also look at their patients’ data cues to help them identify care priorities.  Data cues  are pieces of significant clinical information that direct the nurse toward a potential clinical concern or a change in condition. For example, have the patient’s vital signs worsened over the last few hours? Is there a new laboratory result that is concerning? Data cues are used in conjunction with prioritization frameworks to help the nurse holistically understand the patient’s current status and where nursing interventions should be directed. Common categories of data clues include acute versus chronic conditions, actual versus potential problems, unexpected versus expected conditions, information obtained from the review of a patient’s chart, and diagnostic information.

Acute Versus Chronic Conditions

A common data cue that nurses use to prioritize care is considering if a condition or symptom is acute or chronic.  Acute conditions  have a sudden and severe onset. These conditions occur due to a sudden illness or injury, and the body often has a significant response as it attempts to adapt.  Chronic conditions  have a slow onset and may gradually worsen over time. The difference between an acute versus a chronic condition relates to the body’s adaptation response. Individuals with chronic conditions often experience less symptom exacerbation because their body has had time to adjust to the illness or injury. Let’s consider an example of two patients admitted to the medical-surgical unit complaining of pain in Scenario E in the following box.

As part of your patient assignment on a medical-surgical unit, you are caring for two patients who both ring the call light and report pain at the start of the shift. Patient A was recently admitted with acute appendicitis, and Patient B was admitted for observation due to weakness. Not knowing any additional details about the patients’ conditions or current symptoms, which patient would receive priority in your assessment? Based on using the data cue of acute versus chronic conditions, Patient A with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis would receive top priority for assessment over a patient with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis. Patients experiencing acute pain require immediate nursing assessment and intervention because it can indicate a change in condition. Acute pain also elicits physiological effects related to the stress response, such as elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, and should be addressed quickly.

Actual Versus Potential Problems

Nursing diagnoses and the nursing care plan have significant roles in directing prioritization when interpreting assessment data cues.  Actual problems  refer to a clinical problem that is actively occurring with the patient. A  risk problem  indicates the patient may potentially experience a problem but they do not have current signs or symptoms of the problem actively occurring.

Consider an example of prioritizing actual and potential problems in Scenario F in the following box.

A 74-year-old woman with a previous history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. She has generalized weakness, a weak cough, and crackles in the bases of her lungs. She is receiving IV antibiotics, fluids, and oxygen therapy. The patient can sit at the side of the bed and ambulate with the assistance of staff, although she requires significant encouragement to ambulate.

Nursing diagnoses are established for this patient as part of the care planning process. One nursing diagnosis for this patient is  Ineffective Airway Clearance . This nursing diagnosis is an actual problem because the patient is currently exhibiting signs of poor airway clearance with an ineffective cough and crackles in the lungs. Nursing interventions related to this diagnosis include coughing and deep breathing, administering nebulizer treatment, and evaluating the effectiveness of oxygen therapy. The patient also has the nursing diagnosis  Risk for   Skin Breakdown  based on her weakness and lack of motivation to ambulate. Nursing interventions related to this diagnosis include repositioning every two hours and assisting with ambulation twice daily.

The established nursing diagnoses provide cues for prioritizing care. For example, if the nurse enters the patient’s room and discovers the patient is experiencing increased shortness of breath, nursing interventions to improve the patient’s respiratory status receive top priority before attempting to get the patient to ambulate.

Although there may be times when risk problems may supersede actual problems, looking to the “actual” nursing problems can provide clues to assist with prioritization.

Unexpected Versus Expected Conditions

In a similar manner to using acute versus chronic conditions as a cue for prioritization, it is also important to consider if a client’s signs and symptoms are “expected” or “unexpected” based on their overall condition.  Unexpected conditions  are findings that are not likely to occur in the normal progression of an illness, disease, or injury.  Expected conditions  are findings that are likely to occur or are anticipated in the course of an illness, disease, or injury. Unexpected findings often require immediate action by the nurse.

Let’s apply this tool to the two patients previously discussed in Scenario E. As you recall, both Patient A (with acute appendicitis) and Patient B (with weakness and diagnosed with osteoarthritis) are reporting pain. Acute pain typically receives priority over chronic pain. But what if both patients are also reporting nausea and have an elevated temperature? Although these symptoms must be addressed in both patients, they are “expected” symptoms with acute appendicitis (and typically addressed in the treatment plan) but are “unexpected” for the patient with osteoarthritis. Critical thinking alerts you to the unexpected nature of these symptoms in Patient B, so they receive priority for assessment and nursing interventions.

Handoff Report/Chart Review

Additional data cues that are helpful in guiding prioritization come from information obtained during a handoff nursing report and review of the patient chart. These data cues can be used to establish a patient’s baseline status and prioritize new clinical concerns based on abnormal assessment findings. Let’s consider Scenario G in the following box based on cues from a handoff report and how it might be used to help prioritize nursing care.

Imagine you are receiving the following handoff report from the night shift nurse for a patient admitted to the medical-surgical unit with pneumonia:

At the beginning of my shift, the patient was on room air with an oxygen saturation of 93%. She had slight crackles in both bases of her posterior lungs. At 0530, the patient rang the call light to go to the bathroom. As I escorted her to the bathroom, she appeared slightly short of breath. Upon returning the patient to bed, I rechecked her vital signs and found her oxygen saturation at 88% on room air and respiratory rate of 20. I listened to her lung sounds and noticed more persistent crackles and coarseness than at bedtime. I placed the patient on 2 L/minute of oxygen via nasal cannula. Within 5 minutes, her oxygen saturation increased to 92%, and she reported increased ease in respiration.

Based on the handoff report, the night shift nurse provided substantial clinical evidence that the patient may be experiencing a change in condition. Although these changes could be attributed to lack of lung expansion that occurred while the patient was sleeping, there is enough information to indicate to the oncoming nurse that follow-up assessment and interventions should be prioritized for this patient because of potentially worsening respiratory status. In this manner, identifying data cues from a handoff report can assist with prioritization.

Now imagine the night shift nurse had not reported this information during the handoff report. Is there another method for identifying potential changes in patient condition? Many nurses develop a habit of reviewing their patients’ charts at the start of every shift to identify trends and “baselines” in patient condition. For example, a chart review reveals a patient’s heart rate on admission was 105 beats per minute. If the patient continues to have a heart rate in the low 100s, the nurse is not likely to be concerned if today’s vital signs reveal a heart rate in the low 100s. Conversely, if a patient’s heart rate on admission was in the 60s and has remained in the 60s throughout their hospitalization, but it is now in the 100s, this finding is an important cue requiring prioritized assessment and intervention.

Diagnostic Information

Diagnostic results are also important when prioritizing care. In fact, the National Patient Safety Goals from The Joint Commission include prompt reporting of important test results. New abnormal laboratory results are typically flagged in a patient’s chart or are reported directly by phone to the nurse by the laboratory as they become available. Newly reported abnormal results, such as elevated blood levels or changes on a chest X-ray, may indicate a patient’s change in condition and require additional interventions. For example, consider Scenario H in which you are the nurse providing care for five medical-surgical patients.

You completed morning assessments on your assigned five patients. Patient A previously underwent a total right knee replacement and will be discharged home today. You are about to enter Patient A’s room to begin discharge teaching when you receive a phone call from the laboratory department, reporting a critical hemoglobin of 6.9 gm/dL on Patient B. Rather than enter Patient A’s room to perform discharge teaching, you immediately reprioritize your care. You call the primary provider to report Patient B’s critical hemoglobin level and determine if additional intervention, such as a blood transfusion, is required.

2.4. CRITICAL THINKING AND CLINICAL REASONING

Prioritization of patient care should be grounded in critical thinking rather than just a checklist of items to be done.  Critical thinking  is a broad term used in nursing that includes “reasoning about clinical issues such as teamwork, collaboration, and streamlining workflow.”[ 1 ] Certainly, there are many actions that nurses must complete during their shift, but nursing requires adaptation and flexibility to meet emerging patient needs. It can be challenging for a novice nurse to change their mindset regarding their established “plan” for the day, but the sooner a nurse recognizes prioritization is dictated by their patients’ needs, the less frustration the nurse might experience. Prioritization strategies include collection of information and utilization of clinical reasoning to determine the best course of action.  Clinical reasoning  is defined as, “A complex cognitive process that uses formal and informal thinking strategies to gather and analyze patient information, evaluate the significance of this information, and weigh alternative actions.” [2]

When nurses use critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills, they set forth on a purposeful course of intervention to best meet patient-care needs. Rather than focusing on one’s own priorities, nurses utilizing critical thinking and reasoning skills recognize their actions must be responsive to their patients. For example, a nurse using critical thinking skills understands that scheduled morning medications for their patients may be late if one of the patients on their care team suddenly develops chest pain. Many actions may be added or removed from planned activities throughout the shift based on what is occurring holistically on the patient-care team.

Additionally, in today’s complex health care environment, it is important for the novice nurse to recognize the realities of the current health care environment. Patients have become increasingly complex in their health care needs, and organizations are often challenged to meet these care needs with limited staffing resources. It can become easy to slip into the mindset of disenchantment with the nursing profession when first assuming the reality of patient-care assignments as a novice nurse. The workload of a nurse in practice often looks and feels quite different than that experienced as a nursing student. As a nursing student, there may have been time for lengthy conversations with patients and their family members, ample time to chart, and opportunities to offer personal cares, such as a massage or hair wash. Unfortunately, in the time-constrained realities of today’s health care environment, novice nurses should recognize that even though these “extra” tasks are not always possible, they can still provide quality, safe patient care using the “CURE” prioritization framework. Rather than feeling frustrated about “extras” that cannot be accomplished in time-constrained environments, it is vital to use prioritization strategies to ensure appropriate actions are taken to complete what must be done. With increased clinical experience, a novice nurse typically becomes more comfortable with prioritizing and reprioritizing care.

Prioritization of patient care should be grounded in critical thinking rather than just a checklist of items to be done.  Critical thinking  is a broad term used in nursing that includes “reasoning about clinical issues such as teamwork, collaboration, and streamlining workflow.”[ 1 ] Certainly, there are many actions that nurses must complete during their shift, but nursing requires adaptation and flexibility to meet emerging patient needs. It can be challenging for a novice nurse to change their mindset regarding their established “plan” for the day, but the sooner a nurse recognizes prioritization is dictated by their patients’ needs, the less frustration the nurse might experience. Prioritization strategies include collection of information and utilization of clinical reasoning to determine the best course of action.  Clinical reasoning  is defined as, “A complex cognitive process that uses formal and informal thinking strategies to gather and analyze patient information, evaluate the significance of this information, and weigh alternative actions.”[ 2 ]

2.7. LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Learning activities.

(Answers to “Learning Activities” can be found in the “Answer Key” at the end of the book. Answers to interactive activities are provided as immediate feedback.)

The CURE hierarchy has been introduced to help novice nurses better understand how to manage competing patient needs. The CURE hierarchy uses the acronym “CURE” to help guide prioritization based on identifying the differences among  C ritical needs,  U rgent needs,  R outine needs, and  E xtras.

You are the nurse caring for the patients in the following table. For each patient, indicate if this is a “critical,” “urgent,” “routine,” or “extra” need.

II. GLOSSARY

Airway, breathing, and circulation.

Nursing problems currently occurring with the patient.

The level of patient care that is required based on the severity of a patient’s illness or condition.

A staffing model used to make patient assignments that reflects the individualized nursing care required for different types of patients.

Conditions having a sudden onset.

Conditions that have a slow onset and may gradually worsen over time.

A complex cognitive process that uses formal and informal thinking strategies to gather and analyze patient information, evaluate the significance of this information, and weigh alternative actions.”[ 1 ]

A broad term used in nursing that includes “reasoning about clinical issues such as teamwork, collaboration, and streamlining workflow.”[ 2 ]

A strategy for prioritization based on identifying “critical” needs, “urgent” needs, “routine” needs, and “extras.”

Pieces of significant clinical information that direct the nurse toward a potential clinical concern or a change in condition.

Conditions that are likely to occur or anticipated in the course of an illness, disease, or injury.

Prioritization strategies often reflect the foundational elements of physiological needs and safety and progr ess toward higher levels.

A staffing model used to make patient assignments in terms of one nurse caring for a set number of patients.

A nursing problem that reflects that a patient may experience a problem but does not currently have signs reflecting the problem is actively occurring.

A prioritization strategy including the review of planned tasks and allocation of time believed to be required to complete each task.

A feeling of racing against a clock that is continually working against you.

Conditions that are not likely to occur in the normal progression of an illness, disease, or injury.

Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .

• Cite this Page Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Management and Professional Concepts [Internet]. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2022. Chapter 2 - Prioritization.
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In this Page

• PRIORITIZATION INTRODUCTION
• TENETS OF PRIORITIZATION
• TOOLS FOR PRIORITIZING
• CRITICAL THINKING AND CLINICAL REASONING
• LEARNING ACTIVITIES

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