Pediatric Nursing Assistant (PNA)
Pediatric Nursing Assistant (PNA)
What is a Pediatric Nursing Assistant (PNA)?
A Pediatric Nursing Assistant (PNA) is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing care and support to pediatric patients, typically ranging from newborns to adolescents. PNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in various healthcare settings, such as pediatric clinics, hospitals, and children’s wards.
What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Pediatric Nursing Assistant?
- Basic Patient Care: PNAs assist pediatric patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting, adapted to the age and development level of the child.
- Feeding and Nutrition: PNAs help with feeding pediatric patients, ensuring they receive proper nutrition, and may assist with preparing special diets or administering medications, as directed by a nurse or healthcare provider.
- Vital Signs Monitoring: PNAs monitor and record patients’ vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate, and report any abnormalities to the supervising nurse.
- Growth and Development Monitoring: PNAs may assist in tracking the growth and development of pediatric patients, documenting changes and milestones, and reporting any concerns to the healthcare team.
- Emotional Support and Comfort: PNAs provide emotional support and companionship to pediatric patients, helping to create a nurturing and comforting environment during their medical care.
- Patient Safety: PNAs ensure the safety of pediatric patients, adhering to strict safety protocols and helping to create a secure and hazard-free environment.
- Infection Control: PNAs follow strict infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infections among pediatric patients and staff.
- Play and Activities: PNAs may engage pediatric patients in age-appropriate play and activities, helping to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of normalcy during their medical care.
- Patient Education: PNAs may provide basic patient education, such as teaching children how to use equipment or explaining procedures in an age-appropriate manner.
Communication and Collaboration
PNAs must effectively communicate with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physicians, and therapists, to ensure pediatric patients receive appropriate care. They also provide updates on patients’ conditions and relay any concerns to the healthcare team.
Work Settings
PNAs work in various healthcare settings, including pediatric clinics, hospitals, children’s wards, and specialty care facilities. Their work may be physically demanding, requiring them to be on their feet for extended periods and to lift or move pediatric patients.
Certification
To become a PNA, individuals first need to complete a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program and obtain their CNA certification. Following this, they must complete additional pediatric-specific training, which may include classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Some states or employers may require PNAs to obtain a specific pediatric certification, while others may accept a general CNA certification with pediatric experience.
Continuing Education
PNAs work in various healthcare settings, including pediatric clinics, hospitals, children’s wards, and specialty care facilities. Their work may be physically demanding, requiring them to be on their feet for extended periods and to lift or move pediatric patients.