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Just because it has the word “nursing” in the title doesn’t mean that you have to have any real medical experience to become a CNA. If you aren’t already a CNA, the process is pretty simple.
To become certified, you must meet the following requirements:
Earn your high school diploma or GED
Complete a state-approved CNA training program
Complete in-person clinical training
Pass a state-approved CNA certification exam
Once you’ve officially become a CNA, here are the daily duties you will likely perform, especially if you decide to work in a home-care setting.
This may go without saying, but as a CNA, you may be the most constant caregiver for your patient or client during their home-healthcare journey. CNAs must have an excellent bedside manner and the ability to exhibit patience in difficult situations is key, as well.
CNAs are responsible for measuring vital sign–blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rates are a few common examples. CNAs also administer certain treatments to the patient like changing bandages or dressings and wound care.
If a patient comes home on oxygen, it is vitally important that their supply is monitored closely. CNAs are responsible for managing a patient’s oxygen supply and equipment to ensure the patient has access to the proper treatment that was prescribed by their physician.
Throughout your time with the patient, you will be responsible for keeping notes and records of the patient’s conditions. You will often document things like vital signs or any behavioral or physical changes that you observe while in the patient’s home.
CNAs play an important role in helping patients keep up with basic hygiene. As a CNA, you may help patients with bathing, getting dressed, or even assist them at meal time.
It is so important for a patient’s family to be notified if their loved one experiences an emergency, such as a heart attack or a fall. A CNA is generally the first one to report any medical emergencies to a patient’s family. CNAs are also trained in CPR and may have to administer it if an emergency happens in a patient’s home.
In addition to general medical responsibilities, CNAs can act almost like a personal assistant to the patient. This could include light cleaning, cooking, and even shopping for groceries. CNAs may also be responsible for making a patient’s bed, changing bedpans, sheets, or maintaining catheters.
CNAs are the first line of defense to prevent infection and create a safe environment in the patient’s home. As a CNA, you may be responsible for keeping the home environment clean and free from hazards that could cause a fall.
From light cooking to assisting a patient with eating their meals, CNAs play an important role in ensuring a patient’s specific dietary requirements. Because they spend a lot of time with the patient in their home, a CNA may often be the first person to notice any notable changes in a patient’s appetitie or their ability to eat.
Most patients who recover in a home environment often have a fair amount of medical equipment. CNAs are responsible for items like wheelchairs, bed lifts, portable toilets, walking devices, or even a feeding tube pump. Patients may need help using this equipment, which CNAs help with, but they also n ensure the equipment stays clean.
Performing the duties of a CNA can be hard work, but incredibly rewarding. The relationships you will develop with your patients can provide a meaningful impact on your career.
If you are considering becoming a CNA or are looking for a new role, we encourage you to check out all the CNA career opportunities we have to offer at Interim.
Whether to enroll in Part B or use FEHB as primary coverage is a personal decision, based on your individual circumstances. You should look at the costs and benefits of each insurance plan and make the choice thats best for you.Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)Cover current and retired government employeesAdministered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)Can be:Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): Have networks of providers that you usually must see. Out of network costs may be lower.Fee-for-service (FFS) plans: Allow you to see any medical provider, but you may have higher costs.When you become Medicare-eligible, you have a few options:Keep FEHB and turn down Medicare.Even if you have FEHB retiree coverage, it will continue to provide you with primary coverage if you dont enroll in Medicare. In this way, FEHB retiree coverage is different from most other retiree coverage.If you choose this option, consider turning down Medicare Part B but still enrolling in Part A. Part A is usually premium-free, meaning that you can have this additional coverage at no cost to you.Keep FEHB and enroll in Medicare.The two will work together to cover your health care costs, but you will owe premiums for both.Disenroll from FEHB and enroll in Medicare.You might not be able to enroll in FEHB again in the future if you change your mind.For a full list of questions to ask yourself when choosing the option that is best for you and more on identifying billing errors download this helpful handout by the Medicare Rights Center.Who to contact for more information: Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) if you want to discuss your Medicare enrollment options with a Medicare counselor. Contact your Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) if you may have experienced Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse. In Southwest Florida it is 866-413-5337 or email shineinfo@aaaswfl.org. Contact the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) if youre a federal employee or retiree and want to learn more about FEHB. You can call 317-212-0454 or visit www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance. Contact United States Postal Service (USPS) if you are a USPS employee, retiree, or eligible family member and need more information on PSHB. Current employees can visit www.liteblue.usps.gov and retirees can visit www.keepingposted.org.The Medicare Rights Center is the author of portions of the content in these materials but is not responsible for any content not authored by the Medicare Rights Center. This document was supported, in part, by grant numbers 90SATC0002 and 90MPRC0002 from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy. [April 2024]
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time to recognize older Americans contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.This years theme, Powered by Connection, focuses on the profound impact that meaningful connections have on the well-being and health of older adults a relationship underscored by the U.S. Surgeon Generals Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.Its not just about having someone to chat with, its about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being. By recognizing and nurturing the role that connectedness plays, we can mitigate issues like loneliness, ultimately promoting healthy aging for more Americans.How can community groups, businesses, and organizations mark OAM?Spread the word about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection through professional and personal networks.Encourage social media followers to share their thoughts and stories of connection using hashtag #PoweredByConnection to inspire and uplift.Promote opportunities to engage, like cultural activities, recreational programs, and interactive virtual events.Connect older adults with local services, such as counseling, that can help them overcome obstacles to meaningful relationships and access to support systems.Host connection-centric events or programs where older adults can serve as mentors to peers, younger adults, or youths.What can individuals do to connect?Invite more connection into your life by finding a new passion, joining a social club, taking a class, or trying new activities in your community.Stay engaged in your community by giving back through volunteering, working, teaching, or mentoring.Invest time with people to build new relationships and discover deeper connections with your family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors.For free local events and services, visit our event calendar. For more information, visit the official OAM website and follow ACL on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth.
Many people assume that their family members would automatically be able to make decisions about medical treatments if they were to become incapacitated. However, rules vary greatly from state to state:Your family may have to go through a costly and time-consuming court process to get the legal right to make medical decisions for you.Your family members may disagree on who should make medical decisions on your behalf, which could lead to legal disputes.Someone unfamiliar with your preferences may be placed in charge of your treatment choices.Its important to have a plan ahead of time to avoid disagreements around treatment issues and to ensure your wishes are honored if you are incapacitated. Advance directives, living wills, health care proxies, and powers of attorney can help ensure that decisions made on your behalf meet your needs and preferences.Important documents to have include:Health care proxy Names someone you trust as your proxy, or your agent, to express your wishes and make health care decisions for you if youre unable to speak for yourself.Living will A written record of the type of medical care you would want in specified situations.Advance directive Often refers to a combination including both a living will and health care proxy documents.Power of attorney Names someone you trust as your agent to make property, financial, and other legal decisions on your behalf.For detailed tips on preparing these documents download the Preparing for Future Health Care Needs handout by the Medicare Rights Center. To understand how Medicare covers hospice and for answers to other Medicare coverage questions, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). You can visit www.shiphelp.org or call your local SHINE Medicare Counselors at 1-866-413-5337.
Interim HealthCare of Fort MyersPersonalized support, a holistic approach, and clinical excellence all in the comfort of home.Located at 1500 Colonial Blvd, Suite 234, Fort Myers, FL, Interim HealthCare of Fort Myers provides compassionate, individualized care designed to meet the unique needs of each client. With over 50 years of experience, we offer a range of services, from short-term assistance after a hospital stay to long-term support with everyday tasks. Our HomeLife Enrichment philosophy ensures that clinical excellence is paired with personalized care plans, fostering optimal outcomes for our clients.Services We OfferHome HealthcareMedical StaffingVeteran CareCompanion CareTransportationSkilled NursingPhysical TherapyOccupational TherapyNot sure what type of care you need? Were here to help. Contact us today at (239) 689-1427, and well guide you through your options.Serving the Fort Myers Area:Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs, Sanibel Island, Captiva IslandAccreditationsCHAP AccreditationAHCA Home HealthMember of the National Association of Home Care and HospiceThe Partnership for Quality Home HealthStaffing Industry AnalystsAt Interim HealthCare of Fort Myers, we are proud to be a trusted partner in the community, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those we serve. When it matters most, count on us.
Interim HealthCare of Fort MyersPersonalized support, a holistic approach, and clinical excellence all in the comfort of home.Located at 1500 Colonial Blvd, Suite 234, Fort Myers, FL, Interim HealthCare of Fort Myers provides compassionate, individualized care designed to meet the unique needs of each client. With over 50 years of experience, we offer a range of services, from short-term assistance after a hospital stay to long-term support with everyday tasks. Our HomeLife Enrichment philosophy ensures that clinical excellence is paired with personalized care plans, fostering optimal outcomes for our clients.Services We OfferHome HealthcareMedical StaffingVeteran CareCompanion CareTransportationSkilled NursingPhysical TherapyOccupational TherapyNot sure what type of care you need? Were here to help. Contact us today at (239) 689-1427, and well guide you through your options.Serving the Fort Myers Area:Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs, Sanibel Island, Captiva IslandAccreditationsCHAP AccreditationAHCA Home HealthMember of the National Association of Home Care and HospiceThe Partnership for Quality Home HealthStaffing Industry AnalystsAt Interim HealthCare of Fort Myers, we are proud to be a trusted partner in the community, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those we serve. When it matters most, count on us.