Role of CNA in Pediatrics

Child care involves the responsibility of providing complete care to the children and monitoring their health condition. The age of the children ranges between 0 to 13 years of age. In order to specialize in pediatrics or child care, the CNAs need to fulfill the same requirements as that of a regular CNA. Candidates need to go through the state-approved CNA training and clear the CNA certification examination in order to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

The pediatric nursing assistants are responsible for assisting the pediatricians as well as pediatric nurses in the treatment of children, and in the process of comforting the children while they undergo various medical procedures and different kinds of medical tests. The pediatric nursing assistants need to be patient as well as very empathetic towards children. The nursing assistants also need to possess good bedside mannerisms to be able to comfort the child and make them feel relaxed.

The pediatric nursing assistants have to report to the nursing supervisor or at times to the clinical unit manager for the various kinds of nursing assignments. These nursing assistants have to assist the children while dressing and grooming. They also have to check schedules as well as carry out certain types of clerical duties as and when required.

In order to perform the duties of a pediatric nursing assistant, candidates need to undergo an accredited CNA training course and clear the CNA examination to obtain the CNA certificate. There are several community schools as well as colleges that offer CNA training courses that are for a duration of about two years. The contents of the examination as well as other important details vary according to the state. Additional programs as well as certifications should be considered by candidates aspiring to become pediatric nursing assistants. Obtaining certifications in First Aid, Blood borne Pathogens as well as CPR would increase the chances of employment.

The CNA training programs are offered by many community schools and colleges as well as various health-care facilities. These training programs are approved by the state and consists of 75 hours of training including theoretical as well as practical or clinical sessions. CNAs who specialize in child care or pediatrics are known as CPNA, that is, Certified Pediatric Nursing Assistants. These pediatric nursing assistants are responsible for taking care of children in the health-care facilities and monitoring the health condition of the children.

While taking the formal CNA training, these candidates can also take part in various kinds of internship programs. This internship is likely to be conducted in a pediatric unit of a hospital or any day care center. Internships will help the pediatric nursing assistant to get familiar with their job responsibilities and get accustomed to the medical environment as well as to the duty of handling children.

Dealing with children is not very easy, and hence the pediatric nursing assistants need to possess excellent communication skills to be able to interact with the small children and understand their needs and requirements. The nursing assistants need to be composed at all times and handle the children in an effective manner. Children may hesitate or be reluctant to undergo the medical procedures. It is the duty of the pediatric nursing assistants to convince the children to take the treatment so that they are able to recover fast. These nursing assistant need to have a positive and cheerful attitude while interacting with the children so that the children feel good in their company.

The pediatric nursing assistants are also responsible for taking care of the daily needs of the children. They have to help the children with bathing, feeding, dressing and moving around. They also have to assist the children in performing various kinds of exercises. They have to measure and record the vitals of the children and carry out CPR testing. They have to maintain all the necessary records and document all the essential information and report the same to the senior nurses or the pediatricians. The children are sensitive, and hence the pediatric nursing assistants have to be very careful in dealing with them.

Hence, if you wish to pursue your career as a pediatric nursing assistant, you can start your search for employment in a pediatric unit of a hospital or any other health-care facility. The salaries earned by these nursing professional are quite decent. The average salary for pediatric nursing assistants ranges from $11-$12 per hour. The demand for these professional is also on the rise and hence it is an attractive career option.

The role of CNAs is pediatrics is quite challenging and needs to be fulfilled with great care and passion. You need a lot of patience while dealing with the small children which can be difficult at times. However, if you love children and are inclined towards the medical field, then becoming a pediatric nursing assistant may be the right job for you.