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My name is Katie, and I have been a nurse for 10 years. My healthcare journey began in 2013 when I started as a CNA, eventually progressing through school to achieve my BSN. I specialize in Emergency Medicine and have worked as a Travel ER RN since the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing has been life-changing for me. I strive to be the good in difficult situations and provide the best care possible to my patients.
Many aspiring healthcare professionals become CNAs because they are natural empaths. They intuitively know that their ability to show compassion can make a difference in their patient’s life.
But showing compassion is just one part of the job. To be a successful CNA, you have to develop core skills that lead to excellent patient care.
Let’s get to know the most important skills that a CNA should master during training.
Fundamental patient-care skills serve as the foundation of your service to your patient.
During training, you will learn how to bathe, dress, feed, care and assist your patients as they move from point A to point B. As you perform your tasks, you have to take into account their safety and comfort. Additionally, you need to ensure that you always maintain their privacy and dignity.
Take every interaction with your patient as an opportunity to build trust. Use gentle and reassuring language to ease them into tasks that might make them feel vulnerable.
It will take some time to build rapport but the additional effort that you put in will eventually bear fruit.
Effective communication greatly impacts the quality of patient care that you provide.
As you serve on the frontlines, you will be the link between the healthcare team and your patients. This means you have to be able to convey information without missing crucial details.
Also, having the ability to listen to non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions can give valuable insights into a patient’s emotional and mental state, allowing you to respond to their needs.
It’s not always easy to give your undivided attention when you’re exhausted but make it a habit to do so. One day, it will become a natural part of your service.
Accurate documentation can be the difference between life and death and those who have been in the service know that the statement is not an exaggeration.
You will be responsible for maintaining detailed patient records. You will be expected to document key health indicators such as vital signs, daily activities, and notable changes in a patient’s affect or condition.
Also, having the ability to distinguish what details to report to the nursing staff is just as important. Changes such as abrupt mood changes, confusion, or spikes in pain levels must be immediately reported.
Clear and concise communication can help other members of the healthcare team come up with timely changes to your patient’s treatment plan.
Maintaining a safe space free from bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms should be high on your list of priorities.
Infection control is for everyone’s welfare, especially in a setting where it does not take much for patients to get sick and contract complications.
You can protect yourself and your patient by practicing proper hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, and following safety guidelines. In addition, you will be required to regularly clean medical equipment, dispose of waste properly, and notice potential hazards.
You will get up close and personal with patients, so it is essential to create a safe environment for everyone.
When you become a CNA, a big part of your day will be consumed by performing basic clinical skills such as taking vital signs, measuring weight, and assisting with other tasks.
Although these skills may seem rudimentary, they require practice and precision. Your careful attention is required as a small mistake can lead to serious consequences.
Practice these skills regularly or better yet, get feedback from your instructors or superiors. Their suggestions can help you build confidence in your clinical skills.
Healthcare is a team effort, and as a CNA, you’ll play an integral role in the healthcare team.
Collaborating effectively with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals is essential for providing holistic care to patients.
Building rapport with your colleagues fosters a supportive work environment, where everyone can contribute to the best patient outcomes. Be open to feedback and be willing to share your observations.
Your ability to work with your colleagues can significantly impact the quality of care that your patient receives.
Your mastery of basic CNA skills will be naught without ethics and professionalism.
Having a good grasp of ethical considerations when dealing with patients helps you perform your job with integrity. You must always maintain patient confidentiality and dignity as the people under your care will likely be at the stage of their life when they’re most vulnerable.
Meanwhile, showing professionalism by dressing appropriately, coming in on time and communicating with respect helps create a positive workplace atmosphere that focuses on providing the best patient care possible.
Focusing on the core competencies mentioned above will set you up for success in your training and future profession as you take the first steps on your journey to becoming a CNA.
By honing your patient care skills, communication abilities, and clinical expertise, you’ll be equipped to provide exceptional care to the person under your care.
Embrace every training opportunity, seek out additional learning experiences, and strive for excellence.
The impact of your competencies extends beyond your personal success. You can be a shining example of how one person can help reshape healthcare into a more compassionate field.
Ready to kickstart your healthcare journey?
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