Individuals interested in becoming certified nurse assistants need to complete a class that teaches the skills required to pronounce, spell and understand medical terms. This class enables a CNA to look at the prefix, root and suffix of a word to determine its meaning. For example, "gastr(o)" is of, or pertaining to, the stomach and "itis" is inflammation; therefore, gastritis means inflammation of the stomach.
Vital signs include blood pressure, temperature, respiration and heart rate. Certified nurse assistants must be able to manually take blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, visually measure respiration and determine heart rate by palpating patient pulse points. Instructors teach students proper techniques and monitor them while they practice. During the certification process, students must demonstrate proficiency in these skills.
Proper training in body mechanics and patient care is required of nurse assistants. Students must learn to change bed linens while patients are in a bed, feed and bathe patients, and assist them in using the toilet and ambulating. A course teaching proper body mechanics and the use of assistive devices, such as gait belts, is helpful.