These are some of the skills CNAs develop in order to be effective and provide good patient care:

• The communication skills they need include listening, responding and taking note of what patients tell them about themselves and their individual needs. CNAs need to practice “active listening,” which means that they avoid making judgments or being preoccupied with their own thoughts and give patients their full attention.
• It is essential for them to remain calm in situations that cause stress and be familiar with emergency medical procedures. To prepare for this, a CNA is trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and is also capable of initiating what medical professionals refer to as a “code blue.”
• To avoid injuring their patients or themselves, CNAs learn the correct procedure for lifting and transferring a patient whenever the need arises, and they often bring them to another area in the facility for medical tests and other purposes.
• A CNA also plays a significant role in helping people with personal care that they find difficult to perform on their own, including eating, bathing and toileting. He or she has the responsibility of ensuring that both their patients and their surroundings are kept clean, and they also learn how to handle and dispose of bodily fluids and other bio-hazardous materials.
• In many situations, CNAs have the responsibility of taking patients’ vital signs routinely, recording them for future reference and providing documentation of the care that is given. They document all interventions and various measurements that were taken on the patient’s record or chart, and notify the supervising nurse of any reactions to the interventions or significant changes in the patient’s condition. It is often said that because of various time constraints, a CNA acts as a busy nurse’s “eyes and ears.”

Career Advancement

CNAs have many options for expanding their skills, and they can take the initiative by obtaining additional certifications in areas of health care that interest them. The State Board of Nursing can provide the information they need, including any prerequisites that may be required prior to testing.

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Here are just a few of the possible careers you might eventually move into:

• Registered Nurse

  This is one of the most natural transitions for a CNA, as they work so closely with RNs on a daily basis.  As CNAs assist with many of the daily living activities of patients (getting dressed, bathing themselves, etc), Registered Nurses tend to the daily medical needs of patients.  They give medication, draw blood, administer IVs, give shots, and assist in other medical procedures.

• Medical Assistant

  Some people find that they are not really cut out for the physical demands required of CNAs.  In those instances, a CNA may consider staying in the medical field in a more clerical capacity.  Depending on the place of employment, some medical assistants are responsible almost entirely for office work — scheduling patient appointments, processing insurance information, answering phones, etc.  The experience that CNAs have make them ideal candidates for these positions.  While not necessarily a career advancement, this is still a pretty common transition.

• Ultrasound Technician

  With some additional schooling, a CNA could move into a more technical position, such as an ultrasound technician or an x-ray technician.  These roles involve less direct patient interaction and require more familiarity with advanced electronic equipment, but many medical professionals find the job to be very rewarding.

Some other popular career transitions include to EMTs, paramedics, nurse practitioners, or physicians assistants.  No matter what your desired career path, starting out as a CNA should serve you well as you consider new positions within the medical field.

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By acquiring Red Cross CNA training, an individual can prepare himself or herself to provide the appropriate care for those who are transitionally needy, such as hospital patients, or those who live in long term care facilities. Those who reside in nursing homes are referred to as residents rather than patients, as the skilled nursing facility is their permanent home.

CNAs may also obtain jobs in the private duty facet of the nursing industry and provide care to people in their homes. These job openings are steadily increasing, as more people look for ways to keep loved ones in their homes for as long as possible before a skilled facility is necessary. CNAs can help families to accomplish this goal.

Red Cross CNA training is an excellent way for one to acquire the appropriate education in order to get started in his or her new career. The cost of certified nurses assistant training is quite reasonable in most cases, and typically takes only three to nine weeks to complete. The time frame largely depends on the requirements of the state in which the education will be pursued. As the general population ages, there will be an increase of job openings in this field for qualified candidates.

Many registered, as well as practical nurses, began their careers as certified nursing assistants. Acquiring Red Cross CNA certification is an ideal stepping stone for the individual whose objective is to become a LPN or RN.

American Red Cross CNA training is offered in 36 cities throughout the country. Training provides the skills, as well as the theory education that is necessary to become certified. Requirements with regard to certification vary from state to state and Red Cross training is designed with these requirements in mind.

Two parts are involved in CNA certification. The prospective nurses assistant must complete a written exam which covers responsibilities and skills necessary to become certified. After the written test has been passed, a performance exam will be given. Students learn to be proficient in 25 specific skills during the course of their CNA training, and will be tested on no less than 5 of these when completing the second part of their exam.

The Red Cross has over 100 years of experience in the field of nursing and has offered quality CNA training for over twenty years. A students who puts trust in such an organization for his or her education needs is making a logical and intelligent decision.

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The CNA certification test is divided into two parts: the written exam and the skills exam. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering most of the skills and procedures you will have covered in your clinic and courses. You will also probably be asked several ethical questions, as well as questions about job requirements and limits. Although the number of test questions varies from state to state, most states require at least 60.

After the written exam, those taking the CNA certification test will need to pass a skills exam. In this part you will have to perform several of the 25 skills CNAs must know how to do. You will be given the opportunity to demonstrate that you know how to do at least five of these skills. Typically, the skills chosen can include washing hands before and after patient contact, recording some sort of measurement (weight, temperature, etc.), patient communication, assisting a patient in ambulation, and others like these. If circumstances allow, this part of the exam will be done in a hospital-like simulated setting and you will be evaluated by both exam officials and staff.

Preparing for the CNA certification test begins long before the test is coming up. From the moment you decide to embark on this course of study you should be prepared to study hard and work hard in class and clinic. You will prepare best by constantly learning and practicing the things you need to know. Work with your fellow students to help each other catch mistakes and do the things necessary to succeed not only on the exam, but in the career as well. Take good notes and follow procedures, making sure you understand why all the steps are in place. Practice the skills required until you can perform them perfectly and routinely. While you do this you will find that you are preparing for your CNA certification exam without having to cram or study at the last minute.

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Certified Nursing Assistant Program

A person interested in becoming a CNA can take courses online. An online course, or distance learning course, is a great way for a person to obtain a degree or certificate in a discipline as the coursework can be completed at his or her convenience. There are several quality, accredited schools providing CNA training programs.
Most states require a minimum of 75 hours of classroom training to become a CNA. The CNA student must then complete a minimum of 16 hours working in a medical setting such as a hospital or clinic. Online training schools will generally assist the student in obtaining an appropriate working placement to complete the hands-on training.

CNA Training Coursework

The role of a CNA is very demanding. The coursework that is offered by CNA programs include anatomy and physiology, psychology, first aid, physical therapy, nutrition, infection control, and dispensing medication. Most states will require that the student pass a competency examination before being licensed as a certified nursing assistant.

Career as a Certified Nursing Assistant

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that CNAs are expected to experience job growth of 19 percent by 2018. Due to the aging population, hospitals discharging patients into their homes quickly, and technology in medicine prolonging life, CNAs will be in great demand for long-term care of patients. Growth of CNA jobs is projected to be faster than average during the next decade.

Average salaries for certified nursing assistants range from between $24,000 for entry level, up to over $32,000 for an experienced CNA.

CNA Training Online

When seeking a CNA online training program it is important to ensure that the program is accredited by a licensing organization for medical assistants. The student wanting to continue their education to obtain further degrees will be able to transfer all credits from an accredited CNA training program. If possible, get references of other students who completed the degree program to ensure that the program and career will be a rewarding, satisfying career choice.

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While training programs are extensive and certification testing is thorough, the rewards of engaging in CNA Training Programs are many and varied. Certified Nursing Assistant are able to work in either short-term or long-care environments, working directly with patients and assisting nurses with their daily care regimes.

Short-Term Care

CNA Training Programs equip individuals to work in emergency rooms or less urgent care wards of their local hospitals. Some of the standard training provided in certification programs includes blood pressure administration, vital sign protocols and stool and urine collection. Registered nurses depend on CNA’s to provide skilled patient care in both urgent and non-urgent situations, in which professionalism is of the utmost importance.

Long-Term Care

Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice programs and in-home care all require nursing assistants that are trained to carry out daily duties in order to assure the proper care of patients. CNA programs equip students to perform grooming and personal care duties, as well as various lifting, turning and patient mobilization techniques that will keep patients at their highest possible level of comfort at all times.

The CNA Training Program

CNA candidates are required to pass both a written exam as well as a performance exam before being approved for certification. Federal standards currently dictate that certification candidates undergo 91 hours of CNA training, plus a full 16 hours of hands-on training in an approved (clinical) setting. Various programs range anywhere from 6 weeks to one year, depending on the specific venue in which certification candidates wish to secure employment after they have successfully completed their respective programs.

Students will be trained by highly skilled professionals to assist nurses and provide direct patient care. They will learn to operate the standard equipment utilized in hospital settings and will be trained in patient ethics as well as specific patient protocols.

The Opportunities for CNA’s

While many paid CNA Training programs currently exist, many hospitals are also offering free CNA training programs to meet their growing need for trained professionals to assist on-duty nurses. These courses are often contract-based, requiring students to work in the hospital that paid for their education for a set period after certification.

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The Basics

Whether a Certified Nursing Assistant spends their days as a nurse’s aid or a patient care technician, it is essential that they be able to perform certain primary responsibilities with excellence. Every CNA should be able to check a patient’s vital signs, perform personal care duties (such as bathing, feeding and toileting) and operate the standard medical equipment in any given ward.

The Details

While nurses handle all of the strictly medical care in hospitals, Nursing Assistants are responsible for most of the non-medical care. Hospitals are liable for the care of their patients and as such, CNA training includes very important training on some of the small details that are likely to comprise the majority of a CNA’s typical work day.

Proper lifting and turning techniques must be mastered before certification is awarded. Patient assistance while mobile must also be learned, including the safe assistance of patients utilizing walkers, wheelchairs and other supportive devices.

Stool and urine collection is a standard responsibility that every Certified Nursing Assistant must be able to carry out with excellence. In addition, a nursing assistant must possess the skills required to administer First Aid in cases of emergency.

The Testing

Thorough testing must be accomplished by every prospective Nursing Assistant before certification is awarded. Standard certification requires two separate testing phases. The first phase is carried out via a written test that is designed to adequately gauge a candidates grasp of work-related ethics, procedures and responsibilities.

The second phase of testing includes a performance exam, in which Nursing Assistant candidates must perform 25 of the essential duties that fall into a Certified Nursing Assistant’s purview. This phase of testing requires candidates to demonstrate proper patient protocol knowledge, blood pressure administration, equipment safety adherence and the ability to successfully carry out a number of other non-medical hospital duties.

The Rewards

Nursing Assistants enjoy the rewarding work of directly improving patients’ quality of life while under medical care. Nursing Assistant that gain certification are in high demand throughout the entire country and CNAs enjoy a high degree of job security in a well paying field. Nursing Assistants have a challenging and rewarding position that is integral to the success of our modern day health care system.

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The health-care system requires the completion of a training program for nursing assistants. Training for CNA Certification can be performed in several different ways. There are many online accredited schools that can train students for a career as a CNA. Community colleges as well as some specialty schools also offer the necessary coursework. Courses are usually offered more than once per semester, giving the student scheduling choices that fit in with almost any lifestyle.

There are also several ways to pay for CNA Certification training. Most schools offer a variety of financial aid packages and government loan options as well. Many learning centers also make grants available to students based on certain criteria. Some social programs also offer reduced or free tuition for prospective students who want to move up and better their circumstances. Occasionally payment plans can be worked out for qualifying individuals.

It is important to remember that requirements for CNA Certification training vary by state. Students should check out the requirements for their state and desired school and plan accordingly. A student should always verify with the health-care facilities in their cities how much schooling is required for employment. Those wanting the option of working in another state should take into account what the requirements are for any other locations so that no extra training is needed.

There is a wealth of information available regarding CNA training. This site will help the prospective student by offering information on requirements and pricing as well as any possible free training available in your area. Signing up for a career as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant can be a rewarding step to a new life.

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The CAN certification exam is divided into two separate parts. The first section of the exam makes sure prospective CNAs are qualified and posses the skills and knowledge of the responsibilities being a certified nursing assistant come with. The first part of the exam is the written exam, and must be passed in order to gain legitimate CNa certification.

The second part of the CNA certification examination is the performance part. It is to make sure individuals are prepared for how to do some of the common tasks commonly performed by CNAs. Some frequently covered topics in this section of the examination include: use of protective equipment—like gloves, gowns and masks, properly dressing patients, washing hands before and after patient contact, taking patient’s blood pressure, taking patient’s temperature, etc. In total there are twenty-five specific skills covered on the test. Individuals with the most knowledge about what to prepare for have the best chances of passing the exam. However, if an individual should fail a section of the test, then they are allowed the opportunity to take the section they failed up to three more times.

In addition to passing the CNA certification exam, individuals must successful perform seventy-five hours of state approved training, basically an internship. CNAs, like all healthcare professionals, are required to be in good physical health. So they must have a physical exam performed. The physical is to make sure individuals do not unknowingly have any contagious diseases, like tuberculosis. CNAs are also required to be in good physical shape because they often are required to perform heavy lifting—when they move an immobile patient.

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The written portion of the test contains a series of questions about the skills that a CNA needs to have in order to perform there duties. It is important to have a good idea of what these skills are in order to be prepared. Whether or not you pass the CNA certification test will hinge upon whether or not you are properly educated about these particular skills. For this reason, sample questions are a great way of informing yourself about what needs to be understood in order to receive the certification.

The first section of the exam consists of a series of multiple choice questions. If you are taking a CNA exam with the American Red Cross, through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, you will be asked a series of seventy multiple choice questions. The exact questions that will be found on the exam will vary depending on when the test is administered. However, there are some questions that you can expect to find in the majority of the tests that you may encounter. Here are some of the most common questions:

• How is an ombudsman used and what is it used for?
• If a patient is in a state of confusion, what is the most appropriate way to communicate with them?
• When a patient is hearing impaired, what is the proper way to enter a room?
• What is the definition of the phrase: Fowler’s position?
• What units are used in the measurement of urinary output?
• At what times is it important for a nursing assistant to wash their hands?
• What is the name of the exercises that are used to move each joint and muscle?

After the written portion of the test, there is also a hands on section. During this portion of the exam you will be asked to demonstrate specific skills. Some of these include:

• Properly washing a patient’s hair
• Performing mouth, foot, or hand care
• Feeding patients
• Recording a patient’s pulse

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