Hospitals may also require Certified Nursing Assistants to do extra training to assist with certain tasks like assisting with EKGs. Why become a Certified Nursing Assistant? Becoming a CNA comes along with great benefits besides good insurance and good pay. Giving back to the community and helping others is one of the best perks of being a nursing assistant. Other perks include job stability, flexibility, affordability, continuing education, variety, and opportunity to travel.
One of the perks is job stability. Recently there has been an increase in demand for CNAs in the workforce. Another great perk is flexibility. As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of different CNA shifts available to fit different schedules. Nurses have the ability to choose what shifts they want when applying. Affordability is another awesome perk of becoming a CNA. There are education advancement programs offered to nurses through tuition assistance programs.
This is a great way to build experience and skills for a resume. Continuing education is the other perk worth mentioning. There are a variety and numerous online nursing programs online and at colleges or universities. Besides there being a variety of work shifts and hours, there is also a variety in an everyday work shift. There are awesome days that make us glad we chose to become CNAs. Like when a patient learns to eat with a spoon again or take a step after a stroke.
When we make a patient feel happy to return to their perfectly made bed. When a family thanks us for being so attentive. Little moments, little successes. But they mean the world, and we treasure them. Great question! First, you should be at least 18 years old, although a few states allow or year-olds who have parental consent. A high school diploma or the equivalent is required. Next, you will need to find a CNA training program that is approved by your state.
You will take courses in the classroom and in a clinical lab setting. After you pass the training program, you will be eligible to take the certification examination. CNA training programs are 4 to 12 weeks long.
The American Red Cross also offers training in many states. This is when things get exciting! Now you can apply for your certification. Each state has its own requirements for the examination: how to apply, what the cost will be, where the exam will be, and what to bring.
Your school will tell you what to do. Go over each area of basic skills , patient care, safety, and ethics. Rehearse every skill, from handwashing to vital signs to bedpan hygiene. Talk your way through each skill as if you were speaking to the patient and the proctor who grades your demonstration. Take our practice tests at cna. Plus, the site will give you an explanation for every single question to help you understand and remember the answer.
Learn more. How to become a CNA. CNA skills test how-to. CNA certification requirements. Preparing for your CNA exam? We do. Pass using our fast and efficient method, or your Premium membership is free. More help for you CNA practice test. The U. CNA job prospects are expected to be strong in home health care and community-based care. CNAs also work in hospitals and assisted living facilities.
Home health care: CNAs care for a person in their home. The schedule is less frenetic than in other settings, but you may find the pay is slightly lower. Hospitals: CNA jobs in hospitals are highly sought after because they typically offer good benefits, higher pay, and the opportunity to work with a wide range of medical staff.
You may also find opportunities to work in different departments, which helps broaden your skill set. Nursing and long-term care facilities: The need for certified nursing assistants is expected to grow in these settings, especially as baby boomers age and live longer.
One of the benefits of working in a nursing home or long-term care facility is getting to know your patients. Many CNAs say this is one of the most satisfying parts of the job.
Many certified nursing assistants enjoy forming relationships with patients and stay with their jobs. But others go back to school to become nurses or other healthcare professionals. If you decide to move out of the role but want to work in a similar career, consider these options:. They also provide patients with basic care. Because of their additional schooling, LPNs have a bit more responsibility than CNAs and earn a slightly higher salary. Occupational Therapy Assistant. OT assistants work with patients to help them regain and improve physical skills necessary for daily life.
They work under the direction of an occupational therapist. Personal Care Aides. You may work alongside other healthcare workers in the home of one patient. Healthcare is a field in which having the most up-to-date knowledge is essential. Federal law mandates at least 12 hours of continuing education annually for CNAs.
States have the authority to require additional hours or specific topics for ongoing training. Some common topics for continuing education courses include:. Check with your state board to find out how many hours of continuing education it requires—and whether you can do any of the work online.
Some employers may pay for your continuing education or provide the courses themselves to ensure that you remain properly certified. To retain active status, federal regulations require that CNAs work at least eight hours every two-year period in a paid position in which they provide services consistent with the role of a CNA.
If you allow your certification to lapse, you must apply for recertification. Depending on where you live, this could be a costly proposition. Some states allow you to retake the competency exam, but others require that you retake both the required training and the exam.
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