The Importance of Certified Nurse Aides in Patient Care: Dispelling Negative Stereotypes

Google File

There are many types of patient care specialists, there are the medical physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, practical nurse, and medical assistant. As well as, the physical therapist, patient care tech, certified medical technician and nurse assistant, just to name a few.

All these professionals pay an important part in making sure you get well and go home to continue your activity of daily living. Yet some patients may require extended care, but the goal is to see that it is a comforting level of care.

I have seen so many rude and derogatory posts about Certified Nurse assistants, and or nurse aides, on my time line. With comments like “They walk around in scrubs like they are really professional.” “Why do they think they are nurses?” or “They don’t make any money wiping a%&.”

In the late 80’s, there was a need to train more Certified Nurse Assistant, who in turn got at least half the training of a Practical nurse, if not close. Because there was a shortage of nursing professionals in long-term care facilities, homes, hospitals and clinics, across the country.

 As a result, R.N’s were working extra shifts just to keep up with the demands. In turn, it kept them from doing other crucial work, like tending to trauma patients, medical records and other vital protocols that they were trained to do.

With that being the case, the nurse aide became a partial need in most facilities, especially long-term care facilities and patient’s homes. In addition, Certified Nurse had a better opportunity to receive a better salary.

You are correct, a Certified Nurse Aides/Nurse Aides are not Nurses, but they can get the opportunity with their experience to become Certified Medical Technician to Registered Nurses, with the right training.

Furthermore, Certified Nurse Aides can also make just as much as an R.N., if they find the right home health client, on a private level. Most agencies hire these aides as home health care workers, and then after two years, the client may want to hire them privately.

I have known some seasoned C.N.A’s, that brought home at least $25 an hour, just providing companionship to patients on convalescent, or total bedrest. There is also CDS, this is when a non-CNA or nurse aide, can take care of their own family member, per the patient’s request.

The opportunities for Certified Nurse Aides are plentiful important, so do not look down on them. Just know that they are still part of the home health care field, and are an integral part of seeing that the patient is comfortable and well provided for.

More: Google

What does CNA do?

Certified nursing assistants may also be called a nursing assistant, a nurse’s aid, or a patient care assistant. CNAs work directly with patients and nurses, helping with the many physical and complex tasks for patient care. Some of their responsibilities include: Turning or moving patients.

What is the difference between a CNA and a nurse?

A CNA provides basic healthcare by working directly with patients as they carry out daily activities. When comparing an RN and a CNA, the scope of work varies. RNs have more autonomy to do their jobs compared with CNAs, who are assistants to RNs and other medical providers.

Is being a CNA harder than being a nurse?

For instance, a CNA job in a long-term care facility is often a more physically demanding role than a nurse because you’re frequently lifting patients as you help them go the bathroom, get changed, or move from their bed to wheelchair and back.