subject: How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant [print this page] How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
How To Become A Certified Nursing Assistant Anyone who feels compassion and likes helping people should think seriously about choosing this as a career; after receiving your high school diploma or GED you can sign up for CNA Training towards your CNA exam. While it is possible to work as a nursing assistant without the accredited course, earnings will be a lot less, as will the possibilities of advancement.
The CNA's main job description is basic patient care, which includes their bathing and grooming as well as helping them with their meals, controlling vital signs and helping nurses with any equipment needed. Emotional support as well as social support for patients are crucial requirements in the duties of a CNA.
A certified nursing assistant job is a great place to start on a nursing career; once you have finished your 6 to 12 week programme of CNA training and passed your CNA exams, you will go straight into direct patient care, giving you a great basis if you wish to become a fully qualified nurse.
The CNA training programs are run at community colleges or medical facilities, where classroom instruction usually includes basic nursing skills, physiology and anatomy, as well as nutrition and infection control, while clinical activities give students plenty of hands-on experience; everything you need to know before patient care is put into your hands.
Certification of nursing assistants is different from one state to another; each state has its own regulations, but most will take you through to the CNA exam. Home health aides can receive National certification from the National Association for Home Care. Check out different training programs in each state, and look into how they compare with your choice of work environment. The State Licensing Board or State Nurse Aide Registry will supply you with specific information.
There is much demand for Nursing Asisstants, particularly home health aides, with more people nowadays choosing treatment at home over hospitals or nursing homes, for comfort and economy. Career growth rate for CNAs in hospitals and nursing homes is growing remarkably; much faster than most other careers. Finding out what to do to become a certified nursing assistant is your first step, beyond deciding this is your chosen career. The emotional stress, heavy workload and fast pace are all part of this rewarding career and you will discover the CNA training and exams were well worth the time and energy spent getting you there.
