Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing basic nursing care and support to patients under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. The history of CNAs can be traced back to the early 20th century when there was a growing need for trained healthcare workers to assist nurses in providing care to patients.
Here is a brief overview of the history of CNAs:
Early 1900s. The concept of nursing assistants began to emerge as the demand for healthcare services grew. Hospitals and long-term care facilities started to employ entry-level workers to help with basic patient care tasks.
1940s-1950s. With the increased demand for healthcare workers during and after World War II, the role of nursing assistants became more formalized. Training programs for nursing assistants began to appear, and the term “nursing assistant” started to be used more widely.
1960s-1970s. The 1960s brought about significant changes in the healthcare industry, including the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid. These government programs increased the funding available for healthcare services, leading to the expansion of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. As a result, the need for certified and trained nursing assistants grew.
1980s. The 1980s saw the formalization of certification and training requirements for nursing assistants. Many states began to establish regulations and requirements for individuals working in this role. The title “Certified Nursing Assistant” became common as a way to distinguish trained and certified individuals from untrained workers.
1990s-Present. The role of CNAs continued to evolve, with an increasing emphasis on proper training and certification. Many states established CNA training programs and competency evaluation programs to ensure that CNAs had the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care to patients. The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) was developed to standardize CNA competency testing across the United States.
Today, CNAs are an integral part of the healthcare workforce, working in a variety of settings, including long-term care centers, assisted living communities and home healthcare. They provide activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, dressing and monitoring vital signs, all while offering emotional support to patients. CNAs also play a crucial role in helping healthcare facilities meet regulatory and quality of care standards.
The history of CNAs reflects the evolving nature of healthcare and the recognition of the importance of trained and certified nursing assistants in providing quality patient care. The role has become more formalized and regulated over the years to ensure that CNAs are well-prepared to meet the healthcare needs of patients.
Please take a look at our upcoming CNA training classes for Whatcom County citizens—those looking to work in the long-term care industry—and consider whether becoming a CNA might be a great career choice for you.
