subject: Getting Your CNA Certification [print this page] Getting Your CNA Certification Getting Your CNA Certification
The recession is still with us and, even though there are growing signs of recovery, it seems that the end of the road is still far off. Unemployment is still one of the problems facing most people. One area in which there has been no recession and which continues to grow is the health-care industry. The demand for qualified personnel to take care of the aging population and also to do the routine jobs in hospitals is rising. Certified Nursing Assistants or CNAs are one group of professionals that are in constant demand.
The job of the CNA is vital in any hospital or other health-care facility. He or she has to do the basic, routine jobs that are necessary in patient care such as bathing or dressing a patient who is not capable of fending for himself. More clinical duties include taking a blood pressure reading, measuring blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, heartbeat and other vital signs that will help in diagnosing illnesses.
In order to carry out his duties adequately a CNA needs to possess a high level of emotional and spiritual maturity. He should also be compassionate and able to develop a level of empathy with the patients who will depend on him. A good deal of patience is also a good quality to have in order to withstand the daily stress of working in a hospital.
The CNA exam is given by the State Nursing Board and tests both the practical aspects of nursing as well as theory. There are many organizations that offer classes to prepare you for the exam. The Red Cross offers a six week course that includes both the practical training as well as classes in medicine that are a requirement for taking the exam. You can also take advantage of the free CNA classes that are offered by some health-care organizations. The recipient of the free classes will usually have to work for a certain period of time in the organization after being certified.
Another way in which you can prepare for the CNA examination is by taking online classes. You will be taught using multimedia at your own convenience. This is perfect for a working person who would like a change of jobs. You will still have to do the clinical training at a hospital or nursing home in order to satisfy the practical and classroom learning requirements.
After certification the novel CNA will often find work at the same place where he did his training. Nursing homes and hospitals usually prefer their own graduates since they have been trained following the in-house procedures and know how to work in that environment.
Hospitals and similar institutions are always on the lookout for qualified personnel and so the job market for CNAs is always open.
Even though the job of a CNA is stressful and is not well paid, the rewards can be measured in more than monetary terms. Someone who loves helping other people or caring for the sick will find that their job satisfaction is more than adequate compensation.
