The oncology CNA offers support to health care staff members and patients.
The oncology certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a health care worker certified as a nursing assistant and working in the oncology department of a hospital or medical facility. The oncology department treats patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. CNAs must complete a Certified Nursing Assistant program at a community college or private CNA training facility, then pass the state certification test to practice as a certified CNA working in an oncology department. According to Payscale.com, as of June 2010, a CNA made between $19,853 and $27,349 per year.
Cleaning & Organization
Hospitals and other medical buildings must maintain a sterile and clean environment at all times. Patients in an oncology ward are very susceptible to illness due to the effect medication and treatment can have on the immune system. The oncology CNA cleans medical equipment that is used in a patient's hospital room and any other items not cleaned by the building's housecleaning department. The oncology CNA organizes the supplies used regularly in the department, taking inventory and notifying his supervisor when items are low. While cleaning and organizing may not seem important from a medical standpoint, they are necessary tasks and, when done by the oncology CNA, allow the nurses and other staff members to focus on caring for patients.
Communication
The oncology CNA frequently checks on oncology patients, often making her the individual the patient comes in contact with the most. The oncology CNA explains basic medical care procedures to the patient, checks vital statistics and helps prepare the patient for any cancer treatments he will receive. If a patient has questions the oncology CNA cannot answer, she lets the patient know that she'll speak to the nurse in charge to get the appropriate answer. By doing this, the oncology CNA reassures the patient he is being listened to and will receive answers. Communication is important as the oncology patient faces a great deal of uncertainty.
Basic Patient Care & Treatment
The oncology department is a high-stress department and nurses are often overloaded with work. The oncology CNA supports the oncology nurses by tending to the basic needs and treatments of oncology patients. The oncology CNA assists patients with bathroom needs, bathing and shaving, eating and moving around the hospital room. She checks the patient's vital statistics regularly and documents them in the patient's chart. When an oncology patient needs to go to another area of the hospital or facility for cancer treatment, the oncology CNA will prepare the patient and may help transport the patient to the appointment.
Tags: oncology department, certified nursing, certified nursing assistant, health care, hospital room, nursing assistant, oncology patient
