No wonder, starting your first nursing assistant job can be exciting but also bring anxiety for the unknown. It must be confusing what you can expect from this role. Let’s help you out to ease your concerns.
Well, in the nursing assistant role, your typical workday will be all involved in patient care. Of course, it’ll also come with some challenges like physical and emotional demands. However, you can expect a number of opportunities for career growth and a stable salary.
Want to know in detail? Stay with us till the end to prepare for the responsibilities and challenges in the nursing role. Read on.
Sample Of CNAs Work Shift
Nursing assistants generally have different schedules. That’s because patients need round-the-clock care.
Full-time nursing assistants usually work five 8-hour shifts or three 12-hour shifts. Some CNAs work a mix of both schedules. They may cover morning, afternoon, midnight, or overnight shifts.
Check the samples of nursing assistant shifts to have a quick overview.
A sample of 8 8-hour CNA shifts:
Arrive at work | 7 a.m. |
Review patient files | 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. |
Get patients ready for their day | 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. |
Lunch Break | 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. |
Assist with lunch and mid-day meds | 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
Transport patients and/or help with daily activities | 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. |
Update patients files | 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. |
A sample of 12 12-hour CNA shifts:
Arrive at work | 7 p.m. |
Review patient files | 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. |
Get patients ready for bed | 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. |
Nighttime rounds, cleaning, and stocking | 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. |
Break | 1:00 to 1:30 a.m. |
Nighttime rounds, cleaning, and stocking | 1:30 to 6:30 a.m. |
Update patient’s files | 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. |
What Do CNAs Do on a Typical Day?
Now let’s take a closer look at what tasks and challenges your typical workday may bring for you in a nursing aide role.
Early-Morning Tasks
At the start of your shifts, you will begin your work by getting the assignment sheet from your supervisor. The assignment sheet outlines your tasks.
Generally, it is always the same for every day. But you may need to perform some additional tasks from time to time. You can start your work after revising the sheets.
What duties you may perform will differ depending on where you will work. However, below are the common early morning tasks for the nursing assistant today.
- Take and record the vital signs of your patients
- Assist your patient in serving breakfast
- You may also need to help the patient eat if necessary
- Record how much your patients have eaten
- You will have to record the input and output of the patient’s fluid
Late-Morning Responsibilities
Now you will then move to perform the late morning responsibilities after you complete your early morning tasks.
Most of the tasks of this time are related to the cleaning and the hygiene of the patients. Below is the idea of what tasks you may need to complete in the late morning.
- Change and wash the bed linens.
- Help the patients with bathing or showering.
- Help the patients with shaving, brushing their teeth, or other personal hygiene tasks.
- Help the patients dress if necessary
- Help the patients with urinals and bedpans
- Helps the patients during the exams and treatments
- Transport the patients to appointments or the common areas
- Provide the patients with fresh water or snacks
- Observe the physical condition and behavior of the patient and report it to the senior.
- You may also need to collect urine or stool samples when it is required.
Afternoon and Evening Duties
Your afternoon and evening duties will be almost similar to your morning tasks. For instance, you will need to help your patients by serving lunch and dinner.
However, there are some tasks you may need to repeat. Such as
- Record how much your patients have eaten
- Record the input and output of fluid of your patients
- Take and record the vital signs of the patients
On-Going Responsibilities
When you take on the duties of a nursing assistant, you will need to perform some extra tasks during your shifts. These tasks are regarded as ongoing responsibilities.
Here is the list of those tasks you can expect but, of course, not limited to.
- Help the patients to and from the bathrooms
- Have a conversation with them and comfort the patients
- Answer the calls of your patients
- Provide snacks and drinks to the patients
- Change the soiled bedding
- Help the patients change into clean clothes
- Help the patients with urinals and bedpans
- Change the adult’s diapers
- You may also need to run errands for the nurses
What Challenges You Might Face In Your First Job As A CNA?
When you start your career as a CNA, there are some difficulties that you can find very challenging.
Know these difficulties beforehand as it can help you to be prepared and confident in your first job.
1. Physical Demands
Honestly, the nursing assistants are always on their feet, running around to handle more than a number of physically demanding tasks.
You will have to help the patients in their daily activities, lift, and position them. It is truly physically tough, especially when you are new in this career field.
2. Emotional strain
The emotional demands of the CNA job are truly challenging. As you have to deal with patients with different difficulties, it can also make you emotionally stressed out.
That’s why in the CNAs job especially when it’s your new job, it is important to take care of yourself to feel better and manage these tough situations.
3. Patient behavior
In the CNAs career, you will come into contact with patients with different conditions. Some patients can be difficult to handle due to their challenging behavior.
It can be because of their pain, illness, or mental health issues. You will have to learn how to handle such situations to tackle your challenging first job tasks effectively.
4. Long working hours
Nursing assistants often work long hours. This can be tough for the new CNAs. That’s the fact especially when you are still trying to adjust to the demands of the job.
To tackle this challenge, you should stay organized and take breaks whenever it is possible for you.
5. Burnout risk
You know the physical and emotional demand of the nursing assistant job often leads to burnout to the new CNAs.
When you don’t manage your work properly, or don’t take steps to recharge yourself, it can lead to tiredness and can reduce job satisfaction.
How Much Can You Expect To Earn As A Fresher CNA?
Based on the data provided by ZipRecruiter, the average pay for an entry-level nursing assistant in the US is $20.06 an hour as of December 9, 2024.
However, the average pay for the fresher nursing assistant may vary greatly, it can be by as much as $6.
It suggests that you will have many opportunities for advancement and increased pay rates depending on your skill level, location, or years of experience.
Here is what the fresher CNA’s salary typically looks like based on the ZipRecruiter data.
Highest pay | $29.33 for an hour |
Lowest pay | $10.82 for an hour |
25th percentile | $16.35 for an hour |
75th percentile | $22.60 for an hour |
Career Growth And Success Opportunities
You know what’s great about being a CNA?- you can get more than a number of opportunities to grow your career.
You can become licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, or healthcare specialists. It can lead to higher income and greater job satisfaction.
Moreover, you can get additional certifications to earn credentials and gain experience. Such as
- American Medical Technologist
- Certified Cardiographic Technician
- Certified Medication Aide
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Emergency Room Technician
- Patient Care Technician
This certification allows you to advance your career in the healthcare field. You can open the door to new roles and increase your earning potential with these career growth and success opportunities.
Tips For Success In Your First Job As A CNA
Here are some tips that can help you to succeed in your first job as a CNA. Check it out below.
- Always prioritize self-care
You should take breaks when needed, always stay hydrated, and make time for relaxation. It is essential to maintain your physical and mental well-being.
- Seek assistance
The tasks and responsibilities of the CNAs can be physically and emotionally challenging. So, you should never hesitate to reach out for help from your colleagues, or supervisors.
- Stay organized
Follow effective time management techniques to stay on top of responsibilities. You can use checklists or digital apps in this regard.
- Learn continuously
Continue your learning to advance your career in this healthcare field. You can attend seminars and pursue further education to learn more.
- Celebrate your achievements
Never forget to celebrate your achievements. It will help you to stay motivated in this role and ensure your success.
Final Words
As you see, your first job as a nursing assistant can be rewarding and challenging. You can better prepare for success in this role by understanding your responsibilities, and difficulties. Take the opportunities to learn more and stay organized.
With time, you will gain experience and confidence which will pave the way for your success. So, stay focused and committed and become a valuable part of the healthcare team.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first thing the nursing assistant does after getting the work assignment is to review the assignment tasks and schedule. It will help you to understand your responsibilities and priorities. Moreover, you can get to know the specific care needs of your patients.
You should first read and understand all the listed responsibilities, required skills, and working conditions in the job description before signing it. You should also check out if there are any specific requirements of the patients and the reporting procedures.
ZipRecruiter data suggests that you can expect to earn a minimum of $45,500 per year as a beginner in nursing. However, your salary can be as high as $89,500 based on your skill and experience.
You should never take on patient care responsibilities like administering medications, inserting the catheters, or performing open wound care. Moreover, you should never make medical diagnoses, or interpret the lab results of the patients.
To be frank, there is no single shift that is considered to be the hardest for the CNAs. That’s because it totally depends on the preference of the person and the style. Some CNAs say 3 to 11 is the best shift whereas some say 1st shift is the best for them.