Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training: What is a CNA?

Are you looking for a new career path, but need help figuring out where to start? If you have a passion for helping others and a desire to work in the healthcare industry, CNA training may be perfect for you! If you’re wondering, “What is a CNA?”, don’t worry. You’ve come to the right article.

This career training program is perfect for anyone looking for job stability throughout the future. The available number of positions as nursing assistants is expected to grow by 4% from now through the year 2033. On top of that, working as a CNA promises to be fulfilling, as you’ll be directly improving the lives of the patients you will be caring for.

If this career interests you, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll explore the basic job duties of a CNA, how to get trained as one, and other important details to help you decide if this is the right path for you.

What Is a CNA?

So, what is a CNA exactly? Although CNAs are not licensed nurses, they are essential members of healthcare teams. As their title implies, Certified Nursing Assistants provide crucial support to nurses and doctors, particularly in hands-on patient care and early detection of health issues.

Even though this is an entry-level position, you can expect plenty of growth opportunities within the healthcare industry. After you complete your job training and get certified, you’ll have the chance to work closely with trained professionals who can teach you even more about potential career paths in the future. This is especially beneficial if you find that working closely with patients suits your skills and abilities.

Remember, you will not only be providing patients with physical care but also offering them and their families advice and emotional support. Let’s keep exploring what this role entails in further detail.

CNA Job Duties

CNAs are responsible for a wide range of tasks, which can evolve from day to day. Many of these revolve around supporting patients with daily activities and ensuring their overall well-being. Since CNAs often spend the most time with patients, they are in a unique position to observe and identify health issues early on.

You will also be responsible for:

• Assisting with daily living activities: CNAs assist patients with eating, bathing, dressing, and using the toilet. They ensure that patients maintain dignity and comfort while completing these tasks.
• Monitoring patient conditions: CNAs closely observe patients and report any changes in behavior, mobility, or pain levels to healthcare providers.
• Answering call buttons: Quickly and effectively responding to patient needs is a key part of their role.
• Ensuring comfort: Responsibilities include changing bed linens, refilling water jugs, and ensuring items are easily accessible.
• Assisting with mobility: CNAs reposition patients in bed and help them transfer between beds, wheelchairs, and other surfaces.
• Vital sign measurement: CNAs take and record vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels, alerting the medical staff to any concerning changes.

Expect to fulfill these responsibilities consistently when working as a CNA, regardless of the work environment, whether in-home or hospital-based. Be prepared to adjust your work-related expectations based on the organization that hired you. In essence, the answer to "What is a CNA?" is simple: they are whatever they need to be for the sake of their patients.

Becoming a CNA Could Just Be the Beginning‍

‍This position provides a fantastic opportunity to lay the groundwork for improving patient outcomes and launching a career in the healthcare field. The flexibility of the CNA role allows for employment in a wide variety of healthcare settings.

Your first position as a CNA will depend on your career goals and patient population preferences. Each work environment brings its own set of challenges and rewards.

For those seeking a stable, fulfilling career in healthcare, becoming a CNA can also open doors to other opportunities. With experience, CNAs can pursue advanced roles such as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). Additionally, CNAs have the flexibility to specialize in different types of care, such as pediatric, geriatric, or rehabilitative care due to the variety of work environments.

Take your time to explore what long-term options are available for your chosen career path. Be willing to talk with your Career Coach about these options, too - we’re here to help!

The Tulsa CNA Course Through WorkAdvance

Let’s discuss our CNA training program, which is held at Tulsa Technology Center. The class schedule offers both morning and evening options, so please inquire about the available slots for enrollment. As it's a healthcare program, there are a few important points to consider:

• Ability to pass a background check with no felonies. (Misdemeanors are considered on a case-by-case basis.)
• Pass a drug screening currently and in the future.
• Maintain up-to-date immunizations, including Flu, Covid-19, etc.

The great news about becoming a CNA is that the specific educational requirements are not as in-depth as other healthcare roles. That’s why it is a great starting point to enter the field. 

There are no specific college degrees required to become a CNA. The requirements for becoming a CNA vary by state. In Oklahoma, you only need to complete an approved training program, such as our Tulsa CNA course, and pass the state's competency exam.

Despite the relatively minimal requirements, CNAs are still held to high standards. They are meticulously tested, needing to pass written and oral hands-on examinations to prove they know their stuff.

Perhaps you're interested in other healthcare-related training programs similar to that of a CNA. If that's the case, we encourage you to explore our other available training programs to see which might be the best fit for you.

Start Your CNA Journey 

Whether you're drawn to working in nursing homes, hospitals, or specialized care facilities, becoming a CNA might be the perfect career path for you. This role offers abundant opportunities for those interested in hands-on, patient-focused work.

Now that you know the answer to "What is a CNA?", are you ready to move forward? If so, we're here to help with that process! We encourage you to fill out our application form so someone can reach out to you regarding an upcoming Tulsa CNA course that may be available.