C.N.A. Certified Nursing Assistant
So You Want To Be A CNA, Certified Nursing Assistant
Click thumbnail to view full-sizeYou Can Quickly And Easily Train To Become A CNA
Certified Nursing Assistant
If you're thinking of becoming a certified nursing assistant you need to research your state to see what type of qualifications you will need to meet to become a CNA. You will want to learn what type of classes you will need to take in order to be able to take your states test to become a certified nursing assistant. In almost all states you will need to take CNA Training Classes. In these classes you will be taking classes to learn how you should care for your patients, what you can and can not do as a CNA , and basic medical knowledge.
In most areas of the United States you'll find many different companies and the American Red Cross offering classes to become a certified nursing assistant. Nursing assistant training isn't that hard. But you need to pay careful close attention to the instructor because a lot of what they tell you is going to be on the state exam to become a certified nursing assistant.
A CNA works on a close personal basis with their patients. Certified Nursing Assistants are responsible for basic care like feeding the patient, bathing the patient, and taking their patients vital signs. They are also responsible for recording and reporting information about their patients to the patients heath care provider. If you are doing private duty nursing you should have a person you should contact about any questions or concerns you have about your patient or patients.
CNA Training Class
If you decide to take a CNA Training Class you should check out the class thoroughly and make sure you know what is included with your tuition cost and what is not included. You are always better off to find a class that offers one price and includes everything.
Cities In The USA Where There Is A High Demand For Certified Nursing Assistants
In Houston Texas, Chicago Illinois, New York City, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Los Angeles, Boston, St Louis, and Baltimore there is a high demand for certified nursing assistants and the salary in those cities is higher than it is in other areas of the United States. If your a certified nursing assistant your almost assured of finding a CNA job in one of these cities. You'll also find that CNA's are in high demand in the state of Florida though the rate of pay is not as good as in other areas of the country.
There is a great demand for certified nursing assistants in Charlotte North Carolina. If your cross trained and certified as a Phlebotomist in Charlotte NC your almost assured of getting a job with a great salary.
The Veterans Health Care System is also a great place for certified nursing assistants to look for employment. You can check out your local newspaper for CNA jobs that are open in your area. You'll find that the Suday issue of the newspaper will have the most jobs.
Plan Ahead For Caregiving As A CNA
1. Find out what medicines your patient is taking, what the side effects are expected to be, and if there are medicines or foods your patient should avoid. You should take care to make notes about the needs of your patient so you can remember exactly what you should do.
2. Ask the health care provider or your patients doctor how the patients illness is being treated, what to expect from the treatment, and what will happen if the illness gets worse.
3. Talk to your patients relatives about end of life issues. Be sure you know what is expected from you. This may be hard but its the best way to make sure your patients needs and wishes are met.
4. Empower. Let your patient make as many decisions as possible, such as what to wear, what to eat, or when to go to bed.
5. Encourage independence for your patient. You may be able to do something better or faster, but there are real benefits to letting the person do it alone. Help he person feel good about doing things with out your help.
6. Learn to be a good listener. Sometimes your patient needs someone to listen to them vent. Encourage your patient to tell you their concerns and problems.
7. People who have problems with walking or balance can use walkers, wheelchairs and scooters. Helping your patient to have some independence is important.
8. Always respect your patients privacy. Never discuss private issues about your patient with your family or friends. You should never reveal any private issues about your patient to anyone but their doctor or their family members and only then when it is necessary for their well being.
9. You should ask your patient if there are things they like to do. It may be that your patient may want to visit a loved ones grave, go to the zoo or visit a favorite place.
In most settings a CNA will work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or a Director of Nursing. In a rest-home or nursing home setting you may have a certain number of patients and you should be told your expected duties.
While your going to class to become a certified nursing assistant you will be trained in infection control, basic nursing skills, nutrition, anatomy, and you should get plenty of hands on experience. If you are to become a qualified nursing assistant its important its very important that you pay careful attention to your nursing assistant training.
Ready To Start Your Career As A Certified Nursing Assistant
If your ready to start your career as a CNA you need to learn everything you can about classes available in your area for CNA Training Classes. Explore the CNA training classes available in the area you live in and write down the costs for each and what is and is not included in the cost of your CNA Classes.
keep in mind that you'll need to be a high school graduate or have a GED. In most cases you'll need to be at least eighteen years of age and your CNA classes can last from 1-2 days up to 4 - 8 weeks. I believe the American Red Cross offers the best classes.
You'll probably need to buy a book and possibly more than one book. You should take careful notes in class and if you have questions write them down so you can ask them of the CNA class instructor when you get a chance.
In the best situation your CNA class instructor should be willing to answer all your questions. Be sure that you study your CNA book or books so you can pass the state exam when it is given.
What Is A CNA , Certified Nursing Assistant
Typically as a CNA ( Certified Nursing Assistant ) you will perform everyday living tasks for the sick, elderly, rehabilitation patients and people who are not able to care for themselves. You will find hat in most areas that the American Red Cross provides classes that people can take to prepare for the state test to become a certified nursing assistant. In some states and in some areas you'll find that its possible to take a one or two day class to become a CNA.
The Red Cross classes to become a CNA are in depth and provide training in how to provide basic health care and will also provide you with the basic knowledge you will need to take and pass a state test to become a CNA.
While the duties of a CNA can vary from state to state they usually include.
1. Helping the patient or patients you are assigned to with their bath and personal hygene.
2. Helping your patient or patients with meal planning and meal preparing.
3. Collecting specimens for medical tests.
4. Transporting your patient or patients to their doctor appointments.
5. Provide emotional support and other help to your patient or patients.
6. Take and record the blood pressure, temperature and other vital signs of your patient.
7. Observe, record and report the treatment and clinical care of your patient including how your patient is behaving and observing and reporting on any changes to their health or behavior. You must learn to observe your patient and know when something is not right.
8. Assist your patient with getting around, using a wheelchair, and in some cases helping them with a cane or walker. In some cases you may be required to help your patient with range of motion exercises.
9. You will need to help some of your patients with eating their meals.
10. You will have to assist some patients with getting into and out of the bed and you will need to help them with staying dry and clean. You may also have to assist or help some patients with going to the bathroom or using a bed pan.
11. In some cases especially if working with a patient who is a diabetic you will need to learn everything possible about diabetic care and may need to learn special skills for dealing with a diabetic patient. In some states a CNA may give insulin shots while it is not permited in other states. You will have to learn the rules and regulations for your particular state. I you attend CNA training classes you will usually learn this information there.
12. You will learn basic medical knowledge in your CNA class. You will learn to take blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar, count respiration's and etc. You will be tested on this information when you set for the state CNA test to become a certified nursing assistant.
Those are most of the things you will do as a CNA. In some areas you will do things that CNA's in other areas will not do. In most states you will have to take classes before you can take the state exam to become a certified nursing assistant.
What Are The Basic Requirements To Become A Certified Nursing Assistant?
In almost all states in the United States you will need to take classes before you can take the state test to become a CNA. In almost all states you will need to have either a high school diploma or a GED. Most states also require you to be 18 years of age. You can check out the classes offered by the American Red Cross by looking in your local telephone book for the American Red Cross and give them a call. Ask them if they offer CNA classes in your area. You should also take the Red Cross CPR Class and the Red Cross First Aid Class. These are two great classes to have on your resume as a certified nursing assistant. In most areas in the United States the CNA class offered by the American Red Cross is four weeks long but it is a great class and will prepare you to be a certified nursing assistant.
At this time it usually costs around $1300 for the Red Cross CNA class but you can get financial assistance with the tuition in a lot of cases. You should ask the person you are talking to at the Red Cross what type of financial assistance is available to help with the cost of your tuition.
Most CNA's after graduation from the CNA class and passing the state certified exam will work in doctors offices, rest homes, nursing homes or on private duty jobs. You may also choose to go to work for a company that provides CNA's to private patients in their homes. In most areas of the United States a new CNA should expect a salary of around $28.000 a year. The more training you get will result in higher salries. As will experience. New CNA's will almost always make less money than CNA's who have worked three to five years or longer.
Phlebotomists
In addition to being a CNA you should also consider taking classes to become a phlebotomist. If you do you will find yourself in more of a demand than a regular CNA and you should expect a higher salary. You can take classes and become a state certified phlebotomist while you are working as a certified nursing assistant. In case you don't know a phlebotomist is trained to draw blood from a live person. Certification in the United States is through taking a state exam and in order to be able to become state certified as a Phlebotomist you must take classes and work a certain number of hours to be qualified to take the state exam.
Certified Medication Technician
In most states some form of certification as a certified medication technician is possible. In most states you are required to have 60 - 100 hours of classroom study and in most you will be required to have been a CNA for 6 months to a year. It is often referred to as a CMT program. If you can become a CNA, a Phlebotomist, and a Certified Medication Technician then your career and employment opportunities will be much greater than someone who is only a certified nursing assistant. Most CMT's are taught all about giving mediciene including the use of insulin and how to give insulin shots. State rules on what a CMT can or can not do vary from state to state. If your interested in this program you can do your own research in your particular state and find out what you must do in order to become a state certified CMT in your state.
In most states in the United States you will be required to pass a criminal back ground check before you can become a certified nursing assistant. If your working as a private duty CNA you may be required to have a valid drivers license for the state you are working in with no history of driving violations as you may need to provide transportation for the person you are caring for.
In Addition To Becoming A CNA You Should Become A Phlebotomist
Where To Find CNA Practice Tests
So your at the point where you've finished your CNA training and your ready to take your state exam and become a certified nursing assistant. Are you asking yourself if you need a little practice first. Don't worry because most people feel exactly the same way.
Google Is Your Friend
What I suggest you do is to go to Google and put in the search term " CNA Online Practice Test " with out the quotes. That should bring up plenty of pages with CNA practice tests. If you take those practice tests and pass them guess what? You'll more than likely pass the state exam when you take it.
Be Sure Your Prepared When You Take Your CNA Test.
I suggest getting a real good nights rest the night before the test and go prepared. Slow down and take your time and if the test is multiple choice which it most likely will be be sure that your marking down your answers in the right place.
And your probably going to do a lot better on your test than you think you will. In the time leading up to the test read your book over several times and take several practice tests to see what you know perfectly and what do you need to work on.
What Type Of Job Do You Want As A CNA?
You'll find after you become a certified nursing assistant that there are all kinds of jobs available to you. Some people want to work in a structured setting like in a rest home or nursing home while other people enjoy working as a private duty nurse. You should check out different types of CNA jobs to see what you think your favorite type of job as a CNA would be.
Once you become a certified nursing assistant and have some experience you can advertise in your local newspapers classified ads section for a job as a private duty nursing assistant.
As the population in the United States ages the demand for qualified certified nursing assistants is going to increase greatly. Private duty nursing is a great field for a CNA to get into. Usually you'll have only one client that you'll be responsible for.
Some Nursing Homes Will Pay For Your CNA Training Classes
Yes some nursing homes and rest homes will pay for your CNA Training Class if you sign an agreement or contract that once you complete training and pass your CNA state test that you will work for them. Usually you will be required to work for them for 6 months to two years.
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Click thumbnail to view full-sizeCertified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistant training programs prepare canidates to provide routine basic care for the elderly, sick, and infirm patients either at nursing homes or rest homes or in private care in the persons home.
The US economy and current trends say that the certified nursing assistant field is a great field to get into right now. If you want a more structured job then you might want to work in a nursing home or rest home but if you want more freedom in your job you would be advised to go to work for an individual as a private duty nurse.
If you want to succeed and move up the career ladder then you should stay in school and continue your education in the nursing field and related fields while you work as a CNA. If for instance you also become a certified phlebotomist you will have many more opportunities than if you were just a CNA. But please don't get me wrong. Many persons work all their lifes as a CNA and they are perfectly happy doing that.
But by being dual certified as both a CNA and a Phlebotomist you would have many more career opportunities. Some people even go on to become a certified radiologist. You can become all three in a very short time.
CNA Jobs Pay More In Some Parts Of The USA
CNA jobs pay more in some parts of the USA than in other parts of the USA. Most of the state of Florida pays a average of $3-$5 higher per hour than the state of Virginia or West Virginia. So if you are going to make being a CNA a career choice then you might want to consider moving to a part of the country with higher pay. This is where you will need to do your own research.
Certifications Easily Transfer To Another State
If you get cetified as a CNA in one state you can usually get your certicication transferred to another state rather easily. You can usually call the state nurses registry in another state and ask about transfering your resistration to that particular state. In most cases it can be done by mail and a phone call or two. Let your fingers do the walking and make the telephone your first point of contact.
Questions Are Welcome
If you have a question, tip, or suggestion about being a CNA feel free to post it below in the comment section.
Have You Decided You Want To Be A Certified Nursing Assistant
If so then you will want to first check to find out how many CNA jobs are available in your area. The best way to do this is to check out the local newspaer especially in the Sunday classifieds to see how many CNA jobs are available in your area.
Next you'll want to find out who offers CNA classes in your area and how long does it take to finish the CNA classes. In most areas of the United States you'll find that the American Red Cross offers the best CNA classes.
You'll need a high school diploma or a GED in most cases before you can take a CNA training class. And in most cases you'll have to be at least 18 years of age.
If there are not a lot of CNA jobs available in the area where you live will you consider moving to a area of the country where here are a lot of CNA jobs available.
Becoming and being a certified nursing assistant can be a fullfilling and exciing job. But it can also be emotionaly drainingand physically demanding. Your attitude is very important especially when working with people who are already sick. You need to be sure to get plenty of rest and go to work each day with a good attitude.
When you first start out as a CNA you can expect a salary of $28.000 a year. Contine to educate yourself and get further certifications and your salary will go up. Once you complete your CNA Training Class you will be able to take the state test and then if you pass it you will be a certified nursing assistant. I think you'll find that you've chosen an exciting and interesting career. CNA's will always be in demand. You will now need to decide if you want to work in a rest home, nursing home, or do you want to do private duty nursing. You can of course work as a CNA and continue with your educatin until you become a registered nurse. At this point you'll have a great job with a wonderful salary.
Thanks For Reading My Hub Page
I appreciate you taking the time to read my Hub Page on becoming a CNA- Certified Nursing Assistant. I hope you found this information helpful.