What does CNA do, exactly?

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I'm looking to start a career in healthcare. I want to begin as a CNA because the training is short. I know they provide personal care for patients, but what exactly do they do all day? I have no experience in healthcare or hospitals, not even as a patient.

And what's the usual starting salary per hour? I'm in south Florida, by the way. Thanks.

I used to work in a Nursing home and similar to what kay91 said that was a typical shift. I would have 10 (patients when fully staffed) but often 15 because we were short a lot. It can be physically hard work in a nursing home because you may have a lot of what they call total care patients. I'm working in the ER now and on top of what I used to do at the Nursing home I also do EKGS, stocking, blood draws, wound cleaning, splints and transporting. When I started my wage was $13 per hour and I'm now paid around $15 . Typically you get paid anywhere from $13-$15 (depending on where you live). I really recommend working as CNA, especially if you're considering a job in healthcare. I've meet many nursing students who've had no real healthcare experience prior to their first clinical and sometimes they get a bit of a shock. They had no idea what nursing was going to be like. Last note - usually entry levels jobs for CNA's are in Nursing homes or Assisted Living facilities. Hospitals usually require 6 months to 1 year experience prior to applying. However, if you volunteer in a hospital they might hire you once you have your CNA. Good luck.

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Um, run?;)

I run/walk a lot. Yesterday my pedometer clocked over 7 miles for a 12 hour shift.

Call lights

Vitals

Catheter care

Showers

Linen changes

Feeding

Assisting the nurse

Toileting

Oral care

Incontinence care

Chart

Feeding

I do think it's a good idea to start as a CNA, especially if you're considering nursing. I became a CNA to get my feet wet to decide if I wanted to go into nursing, and while I am still a little on the fence I think I've decided nursing school isn't for me and I am going to go into radiology. I'm so glad that I became a CNA first. I've been one for about a year.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

As a CNA in a nursing home I did a lot of total care assistance, ADLs, bathing, toileting, feeding, helping with activities, changing their positions in bed, changing their briefs/clothes/bedding, emotional and spiritual support, chart, etc.

In the emergency department, I draw blood, do EKGs, help toilet as needed, collect stool and urine specimen, assist with pelvic exams, sometimes I have to sit and watch patients at risk of falling/suicidal and homicidal ideations, I bring patients back to rooms, I get vital signs and chart them, report changes to the nurse, splints, dressings, etc.

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I'm not going to sugar coat it for you. The job sucks. I was a Cna for a little over three years while in school. I would say my average day consisted of mostly butt wiping, bathing, butt wiping, vital signs, more butt wiping, possibly feeding and then again yes, more butt wiping.

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