A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a valuable asset to any healthcare facility. As part of the patient care team, CNA’s help provide basic and necessary services to those in need. Becoming a certified nursing assistant requires training, both in classroom settings and in clinical environments. In today’s article, we will break down the essential elements that are required for CNA certification so you can decide if this career path is right for you.
What Is A Certified Nurses Assistant?
A certified nurses assistant, or CNA, is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. CNAs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities. They may also work in home health settings or provide personal care to patients in their own homes.
CNAs perform a variety of tasks to ensure that their patients receive the best possible care. These tasks may include taking vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature; assisting with personal hygiene, such as bathing and dressing; and helping patients eat and exercise. In addition, CNAs often serve as a liaison between patients and their families and the healthcare team. They may also provide emotional support to both patients and their loved ones.
The Training Required To Be A Certified Nurses Assistant
CNAs must complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam before they can be certified. Most CNA programs take about eight weeks to complete, but the timeline varies according to state and most programs last between four and twelve weeks.
These classes generally include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Once they are certified, CNAs must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the competency exam.
To become a certified nursing assistant, the training program must be approved by your state’s Department of Health, and applicants might have to recertify in each state they wish to work.
During your training, you will learn about basic patient care, infection control, and safety procedures. You will also have the opportunity to gain clinical experience by working with patients in a healthcare setting. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a state-administered certification exam before you can begin working as a certified nursing assistant.
The Benefits Of Being A Certified Nurses Assistant
If you are considering a career in healthcare, becoming a certified nurses assistant (CNA) is a great place to start. CNAs provide basic care and support to patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other settings. Although the job can be challenging at times, there are many benefits to being a CNA.
Five of the top benefits of being a CNA include:
- Job stability – Healthcare is one of the few industries that is recession-proof. As long as people get sick and need medical care, there will always be a demand for CNAs.
- Good pay – CNAs typically earn an hourly wage that is above minimum wage. In some states, CNAs can earn up to $20 per hour.
- Flexible hours – Many CNAs work part-time or have flexible schedules that allow them to choose when they work. This can be beneficial for those who need to balance work with school or other responsibilities.
- Opportunities for advancement – Many CNAs use their position as a stepping stone to become registered nurses or pursue other healthcare careers. There are also opportunities to advance into management positions within nursing homes and other facilities.
- Helping others – One of the most rewarding aspects of being a CNA is knowing that you are helping others who are going through difficult times in their lives. You can make a real difference in the lives of your patients by providing them with compassionate care.
How To Become A Certified Nurses Assistant
There are a few different ways that you can become a certified nurses assistant. The first way is to take a training program that is offered by a community college or vocational school. These programs typically last around three months and will cover all of the necessary topics to help you pass the certification exam.
The second way to become a certified nurses assistant is to take an online course. There are many different online courses available, but not all of them are created equal. Make sure that you choose a reputable course that is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC). These courses typically last around four weeks and will also prepare you for the certification exam.
The third way to become a certified nurses assistant is to take a course through the American Red Cross. The Red Cross offers both classroom-based and online courses, so you can choose the learning style that best suits your needs. Classroom-based courses typically last around eight weeks, while online courses can be completed in as little as four weeks.
Once you have completed one of these training programs, you will then need to take and pass the Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) exam. This exam is offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and consists of two parts: a written examination and a skills demonstration. You will need to score at least 70% on both parts of the exam in order to receive your certification.
Get A Job As A CNA Today
To become a Certified Nurse Assistant, you must complete both the classroom and clinical requirements of an accredited nursing assistant program. You will gain valuable knowledge through theoretical studies and skills training to provide safe patient care with dignity and respect in a variety of settings.
Once these courses are completed, some states require you to pass an exam before earning your CNA certification. With the right education, commitment and dedication, becoming a Certified Nurses Assistant can be a rewarding career choice that offers job security and flexible work hours. And if you’re looking for work at a CNA, give us a call (321) 353-8310 and we can help find you a position.