Have you ever thought about becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA)? This is one approach to entering the medical field. CNA’s are a vital part of a medical team, providing routine medical assistance to patients. Continuing education in this field may be paid for by Federal Workforce dollars and you may be eligible.
To determine eligibility for this free continuing education, call your county employment office. This information may also be available through your local library or Area Agency on Aging. If accepted in a federal workforce program, they typically provide employment assistance after program completion.
What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?
CNA’s always work under the direction of a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or doctor. A CNA’s main duties include providing hands-on nursing care to patients in a variety of health care settings.
One of the first people you may see when you go to your doctor’s office is a CNA. They are the ones who collect vital signs, weights, and height measurements. You may also find a CNA when you visit a specialist, enter a hospital, or are a hospital patient.
Certified nursing assistants must complete a state-approved training program. To do this, they must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training and pass a competency test. Then, they are placed on a state registry of certified nursing assistants. Each state has its own registry and application is required when moving to a new state.
One thing to remember when choosing a program is to make sure it is approved by the state board of nursing or whatever state agency is charged with approving CNA curriculum. This is important to know, because you do not want to enroll in an unapproved program. Also, most states do not accept online or correspondence training courses.
Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program
Certified nursing assistant programs are usually led by a registered nurse. The length of training can vary. Many times, schools offer night or weekend classes for people who already possess a full-time job or have children.
Plan on anywhere from 3 weeks of full time classes and clinical hours to 8 weeks part time. You can expect to be challenged to determine if you can handle the physical and mental demands to become a CNA. Programs are typically offered at community colleges and technical schools.
Some of the topics typically covered in a CNA course include:
- Helping patients with grooming, bathing, and dressing
- Patient care such as vital signs, moving patients, oral care, infection control, and more
- Serving meals and helping patients eat
- Keeping rooms neat and making beds
- Assisting with range of motion exercises
- Escorting patients within the health care facility
- Assisting with medical procedures
- Reporting on changes in patient status
- Legal issues for nursing staff pertaining to the CNA
- Medical terminology
- Medical unit environment and safety
- Emergencies and CPR
- Communication and documentation skills
Students also participate in a minimum of 16 hours of clinical training. This training provides hands-on experience assisting nurses and patients.
Employment Options for Certified Nursing Assistants
Once a CNA certification is received, typical employment opportunities exist in:
- Nursing Homes
- Home Health Care Agencies
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Hospitals
- Hospices
- Doctor Offices
- Day Care Centers and Schools
- Medical Clinics
- Urgent Care Centers
Continuing education as a certified nursing assistant is one approach to entering the medical field. There are plenty of opportunities to advance in the medical field as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse with additional continuing education.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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