Becoming a certified nursing assistant, or CNA, can give you a good foot in the door to becoming a nurse or other healthcare professional.
Are you wondering how to get started as a CNA? Curious about the specific steps you'll need to take?
We have you covered. In this article, we'll talk about what certified nursing assistants do, the important skills they need to have, and the pathway to pursuing this entry-level healthcare career.
What Is a Certified Nursing Assistant?
A certified nursing assistant is a healthcare provider who works under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or licensed vocational nurse.
CNAs are primary caregivers who are tasked with meeting a patient's basic needs within their scope of practice.
Common tasks they perform can include helping patients get dressed and use the bathroom, bathing patients, changing bedding, cleaning bedpans, and helping patients eat.
Other job duties may include:
- helping patients sit up and move
- checking vital signs
- listening to patient concerns and getting them the help they need
- assisting nurses with patient care
- administering medications
Certified nursing assistants can work in a variety of healthcare settings. Most of them work in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
CNAs typically work full-time hours with plenty of opportunities for overtime. Because their skills are needed round the clock, they may have to work days, nights, weekends, or holidays.
What Qualities and Skills Do Certified Nursing Assistants Need to Have?
Certified nursing assistants must have a general understanding of the human body and various care procedures.
They should be kind, empathetic, patient, and willing to treat patients with respect and compassion.
They must be physically fit and strong since they may spend long hours on their feet and often have to move or reposition immobile patients.
They must have strong critical-thinking and decision-making skills to handle any emergency situations that come up. They should be highly observant to understand the needs of their patients.
They should be well-organized and skilled at managing their time since they are often responsible for multiple patients at once.
Finally, they should be dependable because they often work independently and must be trusted to carry out their part of a patient's established treatment plan.
So, do you want to become a certified nursing assistant? Follow the steps below to get started.
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED
If you are still in school, it's important you finish your secondary education and graduate with your high school diploma. If you are no longer in school, you'll want to obtain a GED.
Having a diploma or GED is a prerequisite of entering any CNA training program, so it's an important part of the process.
What's more, you can use your time in high school to prepare for your future career. Take classes such as anatomy, physiology, biology, and other sciences to develop a strong foundation in the sciences.
You might also consider taking a first aid and CPR course to begin learning the basics of patient care and how to handle an emergency situation.
Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Training Program
After high school, you'll want to enter a CNA training course approved by your state. The state laws governing CNAs can vary, so you'll want to make sure you get your training in the state you plan to work.
CNA training programs are available through community colleges and vocational schools, as well as hospitals, nursing homes, and professional organizations such as the Red Cross.
These programs will teach you basic principles of nursing care, safe lifting techniques, and other skills you will utilize as a certified nursing assistant. They also include hands-on skills practice.
Some programs may be available in a hybrid format, allowing you to complete classroom portions online and clinical portions in person.
Some CNA programs can be completed in just a few weeks, while others can take as long as a few months.
Step 3: Get Certified
Once you complete your training program, you'll need to get certified and added to a state registry before you can begin working as a nurse assistant.
Certification requirements vary from state to state. In most cases, you will need to complete some sort of competency test, which may consist of both a written exam and skills test.
Your state-specific training program should prepare you for whatever type of competency test you will face after graduating.
If you pass your state's exam, you will receive your nursing certification, and your name will be added to your state's registry of certified nursing assistants.
Step 4: Apply for Jobs
At this point, you are free to begin looking for your first job.
CNAs are in high demand, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a wealth of job openings. Check with hospitals or care facilities in your area to find out if they are hiring.
You can also explore online job boards, attend hiring events, and check with program instructors or peers to find out about other openings.
Begin Your Healthcare Career as a Certified Nursing Assistant
Becoming a certified nursing assistant is a great way to get started in healthcare, especially if you plan to become a nurse and want to gain some practical clinical experience first.
To pursue this career path, follow the steps outlined in this article.
