The Certified Nursing Assistant training (CNA training) is important if you want to start a career in the medical field as a nursing aide. Even though not the best of job titles within the sector, at least it will place you in the front line of patient care.
Job Description
Otherwise known as nursing aide, patient care technician, orderlies, or home health aides, a CNA works under the supervision and authority of a nurse, doctor, or director of care and at the basic level, your job description includes – checking of vital signs of patients, assisting with the use and maintenance of medical equipment, grooming, bathing, and feeding patients among other duties. Remember as a CNA you are the facility’s representative closest to the patient as you will be by their side the entire of your shift. As such, you will be responsible for giving the patients the much needed company and emotional support. Needless to mention, you will be responsible for keeping the nurse in-charge abreast of the patient’s condition.
As a CNA, you can opt to work with nurses and doctors in a hospital setting in the emergency room or floor, in a mental health facility, or in a nursing long-term care facility where you will be giving care to the elderly. Normally, the working hours of a CNA are flexible where you can opt to take the job on a full-time or part-time basis.
Training and Certification
CNA certification is a mandatory requirement if you want to undertake a career in this noble profession. Certification regulation however will vary from one State to another but generally, most CNA programs offer a CNA examination. In case you will be working as a home health aide, you will be expected to get national certification from the National Association for Home Care. To undertake CNA training, you need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and must complete a 6-12 week certificate program (class and clinical training inclusive) at a medical facility, a community college, and even online. Generally, the basis of CNA classes is on anatomy, nutrition, physiology, infection control and nursing skills.
There are very many institutions today offering CNA training classes, most of which have online accelerated programs. You should research about the school you plan to join, which you do by contacting your local State Board of Nursing. There are also online resources that can help you locate schools providing training and certification for CNAs. A career as a CNA can be the starting point of a lucrative and very rewarding career, and form the basis of your career as a registered nurse or LPN. It is therefore important that you consider undertaking formal training from a recognized facility or institution to ensure you gain the necessary skills and competence to work as a CNA, and more importantly, to ensure you get licensed to practice in your local state.