Nursing assistants must undergo different state-approved training programs to get certification. Aside from the required 50 hours of theory and 100 hours of supervised clinical training, CNA training also involves a mastery of different nursing assistant skills These skills involve helping patients with their daily activities and as well as providing bedside medical care. The ability to make quick observations about the patient’s condition and provide a detailed report to the nurse is required aside from performing basic medical procedures. It is the part of a registered nurse’s duty to do rounds and take care of different patients. Since they don’t spend too much time with one particular patient, unless absolutely necessary, it is the duty of the nursing assistant to keep a close watch on the patient they are assigned to

Since nursing assistants are the ones who stay with patients for most of the time, they are required to have proper expertise in emergency procedures. CPR and resuscitating a patient suffering from cardiac arrest are two emergency procedures included in CNA training.The basic rights of the patient must be observed by a nursing assistant at all times especially when they are hired to stay at home with the patient. The right to privacy, right to be informed about medical procedures and the right to accept or refuse a procedure are just some of the basic rights of patients.

CNA training also includes Ambulation, which constitutes a set of techniques to help patients walk. Sufficient knowledge in the application of antiembolic stockings is also a requirement for nursing assistants. Antiembolic stocking is a device used in the observation of patients suffering from circulation problems. Pressure is applied to the legs to prevent blood clotting.

Aside from the aforementioned basic medical procedures, a nursing assistant is also responsible for duties like oral care, dressing, feeding, hair care, nail care, bathing, positioning, and bed making. The nursing assistant is responsible for ensuring that the patient practices proper hygiene. A lot of attention also has to be given to feeding. In addition, it is also part of CNA training classes to train nursing assistants to administer range-of-motion exercises that would help patients exercise their joints to help in circulation. Nursing assistants are required to take and record vital signs at least once a day. This is an important factor in ensuring a patient’s stability and it will also make it easier for nurses and doctors to keep track of the patient’s vital signs for reference.