Are you looking to get started in the medical field without spending a lot of time in school? Are you interested in working closely with patients and learning patient care techniques?
If so, becoming a certified nursing assistant may be a great career move for you.
In this article, we'll talk about what CNAs do, the skills and education they need to have, and the steps you can take to become a CNA.
What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant Do?
A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, is an entry-level healthcare professional. CNAs are sometimes called state-tested nursing assistants, patient care assistants, and nurse aides.
CNAs provide basic patient care and assessment under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse, or licensed vocational nurse, or registered nurse.
Common CNA job duties may include:
- checking vital signs
- helping patients eat, bathe, move, and use the bathroom
- performing housekeeping tasks as needed
- assisting with medical procedures as needed
- providing emotional support for patients
CNAs typically work in hospitals, nursing facilities, clinics, long-term care and urgent care facilities, and for home health agencies.
They often work long and irregular hours. They may be required to work overnight or on weekends and holidays.
What Skills Do You Need To Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?
Being a CNA is hard work; it can be both physically strenuous and mentally and emotionally draining.
Those who work as a CNA must be physically fi since they often have to move immobile patients, and they spend much of their time on their feet.
They must also be mentally tough and emotionally stable to endure the trials of working with suffering or unhappy patients.
At the same time, CNAs must be compassionate, kind, and supportive of the patients they care for. Some lonely patients may see them as a companion or friend.
CNAs must be able to communicate effectively whether they are speaking with patients or other caregivers.
Finally, they must be highly organized and detail-oriented since they may have to juggle multiple tasks or patient needs at once.
So, do you think you have what it takes to enter this challenging profession? Read on for a step-by-step process to become a certified nursing assistant.
Step 1: Get a High School Diploma or GED
Most medical professions require at least a bachelor's degree in nursing to get started in the field. CNAs are an exception to the rule.
That said, you do need to have at least a high school diploma or GED. This is the most basic level of education required to enter a CNA training program.
If you're interested in a healthcare career, you can take classes in high school to prepare you for this. Consider taking anatomy and physiology or advanced classes in biology or life science.
Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Training Program
There are federal guidelines in place regarding CNAs, but each state sets its own standards in accordance with federal laws.
This means that CNA training programs are specific to the state in which they are offered. If you take a CNA training course in Texas, for example, you'll be trained to work as a CNA in Texas.
With this in mind, it's important to decide which state you plan to work in and receive your training through an organization in that state.
You'll also want to make sure the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Most CNA training programs take anywhere from four weeks to four months to complete.
Step 3: Complete Clinical Training
The vast majority of training programs will include a clinical component. This is an on-the-job portion of training that allows you to develop hands-on skills and find out what it's really like to be a CNA.
Federal law states you have to have at least 16 hours of clinical experience before you can obtain certification. However, some states may require up to 100 clinical hours.
Make sure you are aware of the clinical requirements in your state. You will most commonly gain this clinical experience at a hospital or other care facility.
If it is not included as part of your training program, or you need to gain additional hours, you may have to seek out these opportunities on your own.
Step 4: Get Certified
Once you have graduated from your training program and gained the necessary number of clinical hours, it's time to obtain your professional certification.
Since each state sets its own CNA standards, you will need to pass a state-specific exam to become certified in your state.
Though exams will vary somewhat from state to state, they will test your general knowledge of medical practices and procedures.
As soon as you pass the exam, you will be considered a certified nursing assistant.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs
At this point, it's time to find your first job.
Many hospitals and care facilities are understaffed and always looking for new help. Check with local healthcare agencies to find out if they're hiring or explore local job boards.
You can also attend job fairs and other hiring events to meet with HR representatives of various facilities.
Become a Certified Nursing Assistant Today
Working as a CNA can be quite difficult, but it is also a rewarding profession for those looking to break into the medical field.
If you want to become a certified nursing assistant, follow the steps outlined above.
