subject: Certified Nursing Assistant Training-the Basic Information [print this page] All over the world, CNAs or certified nursing assistants are known by many names. For example in the United Kingdom they are known as health care assistants, clinical support workers, nursing technician and many other titles. In the United States, a CNA can be referred to as a nurses aide, patient care technician, orderlies, home health aides and a list of other references.
Just because they have many titles does not mean that their roles and responsibilities change and this involves assisting their seniors in the medical profession like doctors, veterinarians and nurses among others. A nursing assistant must possess a number of personality traits like compassion, unbiased patient emotional support and patience, just to name but a few. One must also take time in CNA training.
CNA training requirements, like any other courses, can change depending on the location. There are colleges and learning institutions that offer nursing assistant and medicine courses. In order to gain a certificate that shows completion, one needs to attend theory classes for at least 75 hours and a minimum of 16 hours of practical sessions. A full-time student can complete the CNA training in at least two weeks while a part-time student can manage to complete it within 6 months.
In order to practice as a nursing assistance, one needs to be registered in their home state by the relevant boards. This is possible after attending CNA training and getting a certificate of completions and also passing the national exams. In addition to the mandatory training, it is a good idea to get more training in an actual working environment which could build on your skills. This experience, which should last for at least a year, can also let you in on the non-textbook ropes of the CNA field.
Having the necessary documentation when required is going to make getting employment after CNA training that much easier. A CNA must be able to show skills in applying dressing, administering medication, injection administering and other therapeutic methods like baths, wound cleansing and many others. There are a number of responsibilities that a CAN must be proficient in and this includes assistance during equipment usage and maintenance, surgery, record keeping, dietary care and so on.
