Skills every CNA should have

The skills required of a certified nursing assistant to be successful include a strong understanding of the body, knowing how to take and record vital signs, and assessing a patient’s condition. These skills are essential for providing a safe environment in all care settings for both patients and staff equally. With the many skills needed to meet the job requirements, we’ve decided to focus on the top five most desirable CNA skills.

 

Excellent Verbal and Written Communication

Communication is a crucial skill for any healthcare professional who provides direct patient care. Nurses and certified nursing assistants must effectively communicate with patients, including explaining symptoms and medical procedures, as well as communicating with other medical professionals caring for the patient. Clear and concise written communication is also necessary for the role of a nursing assistant. CNAs are responsible for documenting patients’ vitals, medications, and responses to treatment when information that is shared incorrectly could lead to unsafe misinterpretations, which may put the patient in danger.

Attention to Detail / Astute Observation Skills

CNAs monitor a patient’s condition by checking in on patients frequently. The job requires a high level of vigilance which is vitally important for patient safety. CNAs must keep a sharp eye on their patients to watch for potentially dangerous changes in the condition. It is often up to a CNA to notice even the slightest changes in their patient’s condition to alert other members of the medical team.

Time Management and Organizational Skills

The job of a nursing assistant is extremely busy, and CNAs need to know how to prioritize tasks, manage their time, and follow through with assigned responsibilities. CNAs need to have the ability to work independently with limited supervision and should know how to make the most out of every minute they are working. Inability to stay on task can risk the safety of their patients.

People Skills – Empathy and Compassion

People skills are an essential quality for a nursing assistant. For example, CNAs must navigate sensitive relationship dynamics with compassion, empathy, and grace. They spend most of their time interacting with patients, families, nurses, and other medical team members. If a CNA is unable to show a compassionate and caring bedside manner, they will struggle to build rapport with their patients and the rest of the medical team.

 

Patient Care Skills

Nursing assistants must be able to provide basic hands-on patient care such as re-positioning, bathing, and grooming. They must also know how to properly move their patients in order to prevent injury to the patient and themselves and position the patient properly to promote healing. The more hands-on patient care skills a nurse assistant has, the better they will be at their job.

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Jennifer Powers