Certified Nursing Assistants and Medical Terminology

This blog will discuss the importance of certified nursing assistants being aware of Medical Terminology

Checkout this video:

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides basic nursing care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities. They help patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, and dressing. CNAs also take vital signs such as blood pressure and temperature, and chart them for doctors and nurses. Some CNAs work in hospice care, providing comfort and support to patients who are terminally ill.

Duties of a CNA

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a medical professional who provides basic care and support to patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. The CNA job description includes a variety of duties, such as bathing and dressing patients, transferring them to and from bed, providing meals, taking vital signs, and more. In addition to these basic tasks, CNAs may also be responsible for charting patient progress, answering call lights, and keeping the nursing station clean.

To become a CNA, one must complete an accredited program and pass a state-approved exam. Many programs can be completed in as little as eight weeks, though some may take up to six months. Once certified, CNAs must renew their license every two years by completing continuing education credits.

Importance of CNAs

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide basic patient care and perform many important tasks in hospitals and nursing care facilities. Because they are often the first Health Care professionals to interact with patients, they play a vital role in the delivery of quality patient care.

CNAs must have a working knowledge of medical terminology in order to effectively communicate with patients and other health care professionals. They may be responsible for taking patient vital signs, documenting patient medical history, and providing information to patients and families about their condition. In some cases, CNAs may also be responsible for administering medications and treatments.

Medical terminology can be complex, but it is essential for CNAs to have a basic understanding of common terms so that they can effectively communicate with patients and other health care professionals.

How to become a CNA

If you’re interested in working in the medical field, but don’t have the time or money to pursue a more intensive degree, then becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) might be the right option for you. In order to become a CNA, you will need to complete a certification program, which can typically be completed in a few weeks. In addition to completing a certification program, you will also need to pass a state- administered exam. Once you have become certified, you will be able to work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

CNA training

Many certified nursing assistants (CNAs) find that having a basic understanding of medical terminology can be helpful in their daily work. Although CNAs are not required to have a complete understanding of all medical terms, knowing some of the basic terms can be useful when talking with patients, families, and other health care professionals.

There are many ways to learn medical terminology. One option is to take a class or course offered by a community college or other educational institution. Alternatively, there are many books and online resources that can provide an introduction to medical terminology.

Once you have a basic understanding of medical terminology, you will be able to better communicate with patients, families, and other health care professionals. In addition, having a basic understanding of medical terminology can be helpful if you decide to pursue further education in the health care field.

Certification

There are many certification options for nursing assistants, but the most common is the certification offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA). To be eligible to take the NHA exam, candidates must have completed an accredited nursing assistant program and have a minimum of 100 hours of clinical experience. The NHA offers three levels of exams — basic, intermediate and advanced — so candidates can choose the level that best suits their skills and experience.

Medical terminology can be a difficult subject for many students, but it is essential for anyone working in the healthcare field. A certified nursing assistant should have a basic understanding of medical terms in order to properly communicate with patients and other members of the healthcare team.

Job outlook for CNAs

Job opportunities for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are expected to be good. The aging Baby Boomer generation will need more medical care, and CNAs will be needed to help provide this care. In addition, some CNAs may find employment in Home Health Care services, as the demand for these services is expected to increase. However, competition for jobs may be strong in some areas, especially in areas with a large number of nursing facilities.

Medical Terminology

Medical terminology is the language used to describe the human body and associated medical conditions. It is used by healthcare professionals to communicate effectively with each other and with patients.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are not required to have a complete understanding of medical terminology, but learning some of the basics can be helpful in performing their job duties. For example, CNAs often need to know the meanings of common abbreviations used in charting. In addition, understanding basic anatomical terms can help CNAs locate specific body parts when providing care to patients.

Below is a list of some common medical terms that CNAs should know:

Anatomy-related terms:
Anterior- located in front of
Posterior- located behind
Superior- located above
Inferior- located below
Lateral- located to the side
Medial- located in the middle

Common abbreviations:
BID- twice a day
TID- three times a day
QD- once a day
PRN- as needed

Importance of Medical Terminology

Medical terminology is an important part of the certified nursing assistant’s (CNA) job. Being able to understand and use medical terminology correctly can help CNAs provide better patient care and communicate more effectively with other members of the healthcare team.

Learning medical terminology can be challenging, but there are a number of resources that can help. Many community colleges offer courses in medical terminology, and there are also many books and online resources that can be used to learn the basics. Once you have a basic understanding of medical terminology, you will need to keep up with new terms as they arise. The best way to do this is to stay current with your reading in the field of healthcare and to ask questions when you come across a term you don’t understand.

How to learn Medical Terminology

There are a few basic steps to learning medical terminology. First, start by familiarizing yourself with the most common prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Next, practice using these terms in context by reading medical texts or participating in online forums. Finally, continue to expand your knowledge by keeping up with new developments in the field of medicine.