How much anatomy do CNAs need to know?

[aaron_j_sutter]

I am preparing to start my CNA training in the fall and I am trying to start preparing now by studying human anatomy on my own. Are there spacific areas of anatomy I should focus on learning over others?

[northernguy]

What little bit you are expected to know, you learn in CNA class, so its not like you need to be studying up for the class. I learned more A&P in my highschool health class.

Still, it certainly wouldnt hurt to learn as much about Anatomy and physiology as you can, it will make you a better CNA, especially if you work in a hospital.

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

I'm an RN student as well as I tutor A&P. There are two separate classes for general A&P 1 and 2 as well as Human A&P usually designated for CNAs and LPNs at my college. The Human A&P is more basic than the latter. The Human A&P book doesn't go nearly in-depth as the A&P 1 and 2 that I took for the RN program. So, the course shouldn't be too difficult for you. However, I would encourage you delve into the A&P as much as you can. It couldn't hurt. While the Human A&P isn't as in-depth, I would also encourage you to continue to learn more A&P and take a general A&P someday. The more knowledge you attain in theory will transfer over into your practice. Furthermore, the more knowledge you have, the better your communication will be when you feel like something isn't right. You'll be able to describe specifically what is the problem. I rely on CNAs and LPNs on a regular basis for communicating abnormal findings. It's a big team effort. :) Love the CNAs, NAs, and LPNs!

[tara1245]

I worked for a very brief time as a cna. The hardest part is just learning how to lift and position people. I really learned that on the job after I took the class. The class and final test -very easy imo. The job itself? In a snf? Omg, that is a hard job. I have so much respect for good cnas.

[Compassion_x]

There isn't really much anatomy. They should teach you what is normal, how to properly transfer people with certain conditions, ROM, perineal cares, etc.

[ctmed]

The only real anatomy a CNA gets into is the location of the frontside and backside and how to cleean this :) /hides from flames.

More seriously, the vast majority of CNA is more bed making, transferring folks all kinds of ways, and dealing with bio waste. You will get a few medical terms and abbreviations in just in case they allow you to look at or write on a chart like they do some places. You will also get CPR even though most places will not let you use it.

That said, all good knowledge is valuable. You will eventually need to know A+P on some level regardless of where you go in allied health. Do everything you can to learn new knowledge regardless of position in life.

[pnkgirl25]

very very basic. The only anatomy I remember is where to find pulse points.

[IHeartNursing321]

Not very much at all! Perineal area (for perineal care obviously), brachial artery (where most BP readings are taken) are a couple I can think of. Not anything like an A&P class for sure. You will learn abbreviations too, like NPO: nothing by mouth.

[realitycheck2013]

Watch a season of Grey's Anatomy or do some google searches on youtube and you will be alright. You can also go the library and check out an anatomy book.

You will need to know about medical terms, abbreviations, the metric system, 24 hour clock, measurements, and dietary terms. Memorize the principles of care too.

Knowing anatomy is the least of your concerns unless you're going for an LVN or RN program.

You don't need to know anything else until you start jobs and knowing what is needed to be said on the Interview.