Work Environment

The work of CNAs can be physically demanding. They spend many hours standing and walking, and they often face heavy workloads. CNAs must guard against back injury because they may have to move patients into and out of bed or help them stand or walk. It is important for CNAs to be trained to follow the proper procedures for lifting and moving patients. CNAs also may face hazards from minor infections and major diseases such as hepatitis, but they can avoid infections by following proper procedures. They also perform tasks that some may consider unpleasant, including emptying bedpans and changing soiled bed linens. The patients they care for may be disoriented, irritable, or uncooperative. Most full-time CNAs work about 40 hours per week, but because patients need care 24 hours a day, some aides work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. In 2008 about 24 percent of CNAs worked part time.