subject: 4 Skills That Will Make You An Effective Cna [print this page] Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) takes technical skill, most of which you will learn during CNA training. A CNA's job is a very challenging one, requiring you to be mentally, physically and emotionally tough. Even with training, it will take a while for you to use these skills to maximum potential, and how you adapt these skills will be the difference between becoming a good CNA and an excellent one. The following are some of the common skills you will need if you are planning on pursuing a career as a CNA:
*Intellectual skills
As a CNA, you will need to retain a lot of information and your intellectual skills will have to be strong so that you can execute your duties correctly. You will need to quickly grasp both written and verbal instructions from the doctors and other senior staff, so you will have to learn to think on your feet. Knowing other languages is an added advantage.
*Communication skills
Communication is very important. You have to learn to be clear while communicating verbally, or otherwise, with your fellow-workers and, more importantly, with the patients. You will have to learn the difference in communicating with patients and other medical staff. For example, most patients are afraid of needles, so you need to soothe them. You cannot tell patients that you are going to give them a 'shot' or a 'poke'.
*Emotional skills
Constantly being around sick people can be emotionally draining. CNA's have to deal with terminally ill patients, and that can be depressing. While you need to be caring and sympathetic, you still need to keep your relationship with patients impersonal. Getting emotionally attached may deter you from doing your job properly.
*Physical skills
Emotional strength has to be accompanied by physical strength. As a CNA, you will need to be healthy and strong because the job is very demanding on the body. Besides the fact that you will be on your feet for long periods, you will need to be strong enough to help patients in and out of bed, bathe/wash them, and help them use the bed pan and so on. For this, you will also have to take care of yourself by eating and sleeping well, and exercising.
As much as your technical and clinical skills as a CNA need to be good, you need to have the above-mentioned skills as well. Along with your knowledge of correct procedure, these skills will help you have a successful career.
