How To Become a Private Duty CNA: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a private duty CNA, including education, skills, salary and more.
A private duty CNA is a certified nursing assistant who works in a private home rather than a hospital or nursing facility. This type of position offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. If you are interested in becoming a private duty CNA, it is important to understand the duties, responsibilities and qualifications associated with this position. In this article, we will discuss what a private duty CNA does, the qualifications needed and the average salary for this position.
What Does a Private Duty CNA Do?
A private duty CNA is a certified nursing assistant who works in a patient’s home rather than in a hospital or long-term care facility. The duties of a private duty CNA are similar to those of other CNAs, but they may also include additional tasks such as light housekeeping, running errands and providing transportation to appointments.
The specific duties of a private duty CNA may vary depending on the needs of the patient, but they typically include:
- Providing personal care assistance, such as bathing, dressing and grooming
- Helping with ambulation and transfers
- Taking vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature and pulse
- Assisting with toileting and elimination needs
- Preparing meals and feeding patients
- Performing light housekeeping tasks, such as laundry, vacuuming and dusting
- Running errands, such as grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions
- Providing transportation to doctor’s appointments and other outings
- Monitoring patients for changes in condition and reporting any changes to the supervising nurse
Private Duty CNA Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a private duty CNA is $54,075 per year. This figure can vary based on the number of hours worked, geographical location and type of employer.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job prospects for CNAs will grow much faster than average over the next decade. The aging Baby Boomer population is one of the main reasons for this expected growth. As people live longer and require more medical care, there will be an increased demand for CNAs.
How to Become a Private Duty CNA
Here are several steps you should take to become a private duty CNA.
1. Complete a certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program
The first step to becoming a private duty CNA is to complete a certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program. There are many different types of CNA programs available, including in-school and online courses.
In-school CNA programs are offered through vocational schools or community colleges. These programs typically last between 12 and 18 weeks and teach students about basic healthcare concepts as well as how to perform patient care tasks under the supervision of a nurse.
Online CNA programs can be completed at your own pace. However, these programs may not provide you with hands-on experience that an in-school course provides.
2. Pass the state certification exam to become a licensed CNA
Once you complete your training, you must pass the state certification exam to become a licensed CNA. The test covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient care and safety and nutrition. You must be at least 18 years old to take the exam.
Some states require additional testing or certifications in order to work as a private duty CNA. For example, some states require CNAs to have CPR certification. Be sure to check with your state’s nursing board for any additional requirements.
3. Gain experience working in a long-term care facility or hospital
After you have earned your CNA license, consider gaining experience in a long-term care facility or hospital. Long-term care facilities provide medical and non-medical care to patients who are unable to live independently due to illness or disability. Hospitals also offer long-term care services to patients recovering from surgery or other procedures.
Working as a CNA in either of these environments can help you develop the skills needed to work as a private duty CNA. It can also give you valuable experience working with patients who require more attention than those typically provided in a nursing home or hospital setting.
4. Develop strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a team
As a private duty CNA, you will work with other healthcare professionals and members of the patient’s family. It is important to be able to communicate well with everyone involved in the patient’s care. You should also be able to work as part of a team with the rest of the patient’s medical staff. This means being able to follow instructions from the patient’s doctor and nurses and working together with other members of the patient’s care team.
5. Be patient and compassionate when caring for patients
Patients who require private duty care may be suffering from a serious illness or injury. They may have to adjust to living in a new environment and interact with unfamiliar people. As a private duty CNA, you must be patient and compassionate when interacting with these patients. You should treat them with kindness and respect, and do your best to make them feel at home.
6. Have good communication skills
Communication is an important part of the job as a private duty CNA. You must be able to clearly communicate with your patients and their families, as well as other members of the healthcare team. This includes being able to listen to and understand what others are saying, as well as speaking in a way that makes it easy for others to understand you.
You should also be able to explain procedures and instructions to your patients and answer any questions they may have. It’s also important to keep everyone updated on the patient’s progress and inform them about any changes or developments.
7. Be able to lift heavy objects
As a private duty CNA, you may be required to lift and move patients who have difficulty moving on their own. For example, if a patient is bedridden or has limited mobility due to an injury, you may need to help them move into different positions throughout the day.
You should be able to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds without straining your back or causing other injuries. You also need to be careful when lifting patients so that you don’t injure yourself.
