How Long Does It Take To Become A CNA?

For students who have chosen to follow the career path of Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA; they will need to attend state approved classes in order to fulfill their educational and training requirements. Only when these prospective students have taken in the information and have fulfilled their training obligations through a certified program can they go on to find employment as a CNA. 

One of the first questions students should ask is how long does it take to become a CNA? Once they do this, they have a realistic time frame within which they can work toward achieving their goals when they would like to.

The duration of time it takes to achieve certification as a nursing assistant may vary, depending on many factors. Some variables that may determine the time it takes to become a CNA include factors such as what type of facility the student is taking courses. Some facilities may offer accelerated courses that last a few weeks to fulfill the standard state approved requirements. 

Some of these facilities may include local chapters of the American Red Cross or a nursing home whereas students may find a longer and more in-depth program at a local community college or technical school. The information and training that students receive will be the same but the time frame in which they go through the program will vary.

Another step that students need to take in order to become a CNA is in taking the nurse aide competency test as soon as possible once finishing the CNA program. Once the CNA candidate has passed the certification test, they will automatically become certified and receive their certificate within two weeks to a month so they can begin their search for a job as a CNA. 

The next step involves taking the certification and finding the right facility in which to work and feel most comfortable. Candidates should consider what atmosphere works best with their own personality.

What Does A CNA Do?

When students and prospective students are exploring careers in the medical field, it is important to look at all of the possible professions to understand what is best for them. 

For each profession in the field, it is important to understand precisely what each profession entails. In order to help in making the selecting to pursue a career as a CNA, or certified nursing assistant, it is important to ask the question, what does a CNA do?

One of the first answers to the question of what does a CNA do would be that the certified nursing assistant is readily available to assist the nurse or nurses on staff. A CNA acts to alleviate daily pressures of licensed professional and registered nurses with full to overflowing schedules and patient lists. Whether working in a hospital or an assisted living facility, the role of a CNA is vital to keeping the work flow of the nursing staff on schedule, efficient and in ensuring that patients' needs are quickly and thoroughly attended to.

Each time the CNA begins a work shift, the first and foremost task on their list is to review the reports on patients that nurses and CNAs have provided from the previous shift. With this, the CNA understands the status of each patient under their care. A further and more thorough answer to what does a CNA do is that the CNA checks each patient's vital signs and statistics to make sure all of the numbers are as they should be.

The CNA also attends to the general care and comfort of patients throughout their shifts. These types of duties range from rearranging pillows, helping patients to the restroom and other daily tasks.

Additionally, the CNA needs to ensure that they keep proper records by updating charts and keeping the duty nurses posted on each patient's condition and status.

Once all of these duties have been done, the CNA's status is on standby, as needed.

How Long Are CNA Classes?

Among the most frequent questions people have about enrolling in CNA classes relates to the topic of program duration: How long are CNA Classes? The answer to that question depends on where and how you take your classes.

Most conventional CNA curricula deliver 75- to 120- hours of classroom instruction and clinical experience. Full-time students can take classes during the day and complete the course in four weeks. Part-time students can take classes during the evening and complete the course in six- to eight-weeks.

Bear in mind, these estimates are based on the average length of programs offered nationally. Some CNA classes run three months and others run nine months to a year. Community colleges may blend CNA courses with core courses and spread the program over two years. The length of each program may be shorter or longer, depending on the agency or institution.

State requirements also affect the length of CNA programs. Certain states offer multiple levels of CNA certification. For instance, Oregon offers CNA I and II designations. Oklahoma offers CNA I, II and III. Achieving the highest level of certification in these states tacks on additional time to your studies. Also, if you relocate to one of these states, you may need to go back for additional training to meet state requirements.

Now, if you want to know how long it takes to become a CNA, the answer depends entirely on the individual. From initial enrollment to course completion, students can reasonably expect to exit a CNA program within three to six months. Beyond that, students must factor in the time it takes to register and sit for exams, job hunting and interviews. If offered employment, students must complete background checks, physical exams and orientation. Students who meet their requirements in a timely matter will be well on their way toward the goal of becoming a CNA.

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Four Traits That Every CNA Must Have

In the following article, we'll take a quick look at the four CNA skills and traits that generally separate the truly exceptional nursing assistants from their average peers. As you go through the list, you'll probably note that not all of these skills are acquired through the training you'd receive when learning how to become a CNA. Nonetheless, each of them can be learned and honed through practice.

Four Traits That Every CNA Must Have

Concern for Others

If you are already familiar with the typical duties of a CNA, you're probably aware that they spend almost their entire day observing and caring for patients. With this being the case, a strong sense of empathy and concern for the well-being of others is essential to performing their duties effectively.

Be a Team Player

Because nurses aides are just one member of the large team of professionals employed by most health care facilities, it is vital that they work well with other people. This means that a CNA must be good at following directions, dealing with different personalities, and also knowing when to bring issues to their superior's attention.

Be Detail-Oriented

There is no shortage of details that must be followed when working in health care, and certified nursing assistants are exposed to many of them. From following a physician's orders to the letter, to sticking to procedures, to noting changes in patient moods, behaviors and vital signs, a good CNA must be highly detail-oriented in order to effectively support the treatment of their patients.

A Sense of Ownership

In many professions, workers are able to get through the day without feeling a personal sense of ownership about their job. The nursing profession is not one of these, however. Being effective in your role as a CNA requires you to treat your duties and patients as if they're the most-important thing in the world at that moment. Nursing assistants are responsible, in some cases, for helping others to overcome life-threatenting conditions. This is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly.

CNA Skills Learned In Training

The training courses that certified nursing assistants complete prior to becoming certified provide students with a variety of skills that will be required in their jobs. While the natural assumption may be to assume that these acquired skills are the most important things needed to succeed as a CNA, it must be pointed out that having the traits listed above is every bit as necessary. In fact, without the aforementioned qualities, you may find it impossible to effectively master the skills taught in school.

Where to Look for a CNA Job

For newly-certified nursing assistants, the prospect of finally venturing out into the workplace in search of their first CNA job is often an intimidating one. Armed with the right tools and a sound strategy, however, it is often far easier to land an entry-level position than one might otherwise think. This article takes a quick look at a few basic steps you can follow in order to find work as a certified nurses aide.

Where to Look for a CNA Job

Start With the Newspaper

Yes, we all know that print media doesn't quite have the circulation and power that it once did, but when it comes to looking for a job, it's still a good place to start. Many local-level health care employers continue to use help wanted ads in the newspaper as a way to advertise job openings, so be sure to include a quick look through the local fish wrap in your daily search process.

Use the Internet

People tend to search online for almost everything these days, and jobs are no exception. While well-known sites like Craigslist and Monster do provide a wealth of information about employment opportunities around the country, using them effectively to find a CNA job near you requires a focused approach. Use specific search terms as much as possible that describe the position you require (e.g. "nursing assistant") and pare down the results from there by using local search parameters, etc.

School-Sponsored Employment Services

Assuming that you have recently graduated from an accredited training program, you are probably aware that most CNA schools offer job placement services to their students. This is often your best bet if you're looking for your first job in the nursing industry because these institutions usually have close relationships with most health care employers in their area. Not only can your school help you apply for a CNA job, but the staff and administrators can often also put in a good word for you.

A Final Word on Getting a CNA Job

Thanks to the dramatically growing need for new CNAs at virtually all of the nation's health care facilities, the current number of job openings greatly exceeds the number of available applicants in many areas. This presents a tremendous opportunity for anyone interested in breaking in to the nursing profession right now. Despite the appearance that your job search may resemble "shooting fish in a barrel", it is still important that you approach your quest with professionalism and diligence. Employers may need help, but certified nursing assistants are entrusted with a lot of responsibility, so be sure to show you can handle the position's demands while applying and interviewing for your CNA job.

Six Questions About Becoming a CNA

This article covers the top six things that you may want to consider if you're trying to decide whether or not to enroll in CNA classes.

There are certainly many more that could be added to this list as well, of course, but the six mentioned below should give most prospective certified nursing assistants a good idea if they'll be a fit for the job.

Top 6 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Becoming A CNA

Do I Like Helping Other People?

Because the CNA is essentially a person who supports other medical personnel and takes care of patients all day long, the first question you should ask yourself is "Do I like helping others?" If the answer is "yes", then you'll probably love the fact that a typical workday as a certified nursing assistant involves helping patients improve their physical, mental, and often emotional health.

Do I Like Making Friends?

If you're the social type and enjoy forming new relationships, working as a certified nurses aide will give you a number of opportunities to do just that.

You'll work side-by-side with not only other nursing assistants, but professionals from throughout the health care field - not to mention with your patients.

 Most CNAs find this part of the job to be the most-rewarding as the bonds built can lead to lifelong friendships and even opportunities to advance their careers.

Can I Work Flexible Hours?

Almost all nursing professionals are required to work varying hours at times.

 If this is something that sounds like it would be a problem for you, then you may want to rethink working in nursing.

 On the other hand, many certified nursing assistants see this aspect of the job as a benefit since most employers will work with them to give them the shifts that fit best into their personal lives.

Do I Like To Be Challenged By My Work?

People who enjoy multi-tasking and being constantly challenged by their work tend to do well in nursing.

When you're working as a CNA, you'll often be charged with providing support to doctors and other nurses, as well as attending to patients and performing a number of other duties.

The benefit of this is that the experience you gain by doing this makes you very attractive to hiring managers in a variety of other fields.

Do I Want To Move Up Quickly In My Career?

The majority of individuals who become nurses aides do so to get their foot in the door in nursing, and to use the position as a springboard to other jobs.

The job of the CNA is ideally suited for this purpose, thanks in large part to a few of the factors mentioned above.

Networking with other health care professionals, developing a diverse skillset and proving yourself under fire all help you advance quickly into other positions if that is your goal.

Am I Worried About Job Security?

With the difficult job market of the past several years, many workers are worried about layoffs and other cutbacks in their industries.

The health care industry has gone in the opposite direction during this time, however, with shortages for qualified personnel in many areas and a great need, in particular, for nurses.

 If you choose to become a CNA, this means that you'll face an employment landscape that is full of opportunity and security for many years to come!

How To Get Started As A CNA

So, after asking yourself these six questions, have you decided to become a CNA? If so, the first step you'll need to take is to enroll in an accredited training program.

 CNA courses are available from a variety of institutions and can provide you with the education you'll need to get started in nursing in as little as six weeks!

Reasons to Consider Traveling CNA Jobs

If the job market has got you down, and you wouldn't mind a change of pace, you may want to look into becoming a traveling CNA. 

Not only will you have the opportunity to work in different places, but you'll also get the chance to build relationships and continue to develop your nursing skills. 

With that said, there are some drawbacks that come with the benefits of traveling nursing assistant jobs. 

Here's a quick rundown of both.

The Pluses of Traveling CNA Jobs

For most certified nursing assistants, the primary attraction of traveling positions is, of course, travel. Getting the chance to go to other states, or even other countries, and have your employer cover all of your expenses is quite appealing to some. You'll undoubtedly still spend a good amount of time caring for your patient, but that doesn't mean that you won't still enjoy the benefits of travel along the way.

Another benefit is the opportunity to work on a short-term contract. This is often seen as a positive because it allows the CNA the opportunity to determine whether or not he or she likes working for the client before committing to a longer-term work commitment.

The Negatives to Working as a Traveling Nurse

The biggest drawback to working as a traveling CNA is probably the fact that, as a short-term contractor, you won't receive health coverage or retirement benefits. This is fairly standard with contract work and may not be a big deal to some people. Then again, dependent upon your own personal situation, this could very well dissuade you from taking such a position.

Another common negative aspect of working as a traveling nurse is the fact that your current CNA certification may not be recognized in the other states, provinces or countries where you'll be working. This is usually fairly easy to remedy either by enrolling in CNA classes online that offer the credentials needed in the desired area, or by attending a quick night course at a local school.

What Kind of Pay Can Be Expected?

On average, traveling nurses aides are paid very well for their services in comparison with standard certified nursing assistants. They generally work a lot of overtime during their assignment, and their base salary is also often significantly higher than what most of their peers receive. Naturally, you will have to keep in mind that this increased pay is off-set by the lack of benefits when evaluating your compensation as a whole.

Are You Ready to Pack Your Bags Yet?

There you have a brief breakdown of the standard advantages and disadvantages of working as a traveling CNA. If travel and the flexibility to change your path at will are important to you, this is certainly a nursing position to consider. On the other hand, the limitations of these jobs are certainly not something that everyone can live with. For those who do enjoy traveling nursing work, it often seems like they have the best of all worlds.

Becoming and Remaining Licensed as a CNA

In order to pursue a career in certified nursing, you will need to first acquire a CNA license. 

Becoming licensed is necessary regardless of the type of health care facility you ultimately work at. 

To get the ball rolling, so to speak, the first thing you'll need to do is pass a series of basic CNA classes offered by an accredited institution. 

Staying licensed requires additional steps as well - each of which is detailed in the following article. 

Becoming Licensed as a CNA

As mentioned, the initial step in earning your CNA license is to sign-up for formal training. On average, most nursing assistant programs can be completed in less than six months (it is sometimes possible to finish your training in as little as six weeks), and require students to complete roughly 120 hours of study. Successful completion of one of these programs enables the graduate to take the exam for licensure.

Sitting for the CNA Exam 

Before you're allowed to actually take the CNA examination, you must turn-in an application to the testing organization that proves your eligibility. Fortunately, assuming that you've recently completed a training program, your school will usually handle this for you. It is also possible to take care of this by directly submitting your application to the CNA registry in your area. Once approved, you can schedule your date for the exam at the closest authorized testing center.

As soon as you've been approved to sit for the test, you'll next want to start preparing for its contents. The CNA exam consists of a written half, and a hands-on skills half, so you'll want to be sure that you prepare for both. It is crucial that you not only review theory learned in your classes, but also be ready to physically demonstrate acquired skills during the test. A passing score on both parts of the test is necessary in order to become certified.

Once you've passed the exam, you'll be ready for the final step required to become fully licensed as a certified nursing assistant. As a new CNA, you'll be required to complete a pre-determined number of hours of of on-the-job training before receiving your license. After this requirement is met, however, you need only to wait for your license to arrive in the mail.

Maintaining Your Licensed Status

Unlike some professions, certified nursing assistants must participate in ongoing education in order to remain licensed to work. In the case of the CNA, every two years you will be required to renew your license and, at that time, prove that you have continued to meet any changing local or national requirements (e.g. passed tests on new procedures, regulations, etc.) for nursing professionals. At this time, your personal background will also be checked for criminal activity or professional complaints that could cause you to have your license revoked.

CNA Education Basics

Many people are interested in the nursing profession, but quite a few are reluctant to invest years into school. 

It is for that reason that entry-level positions in nurse assisting (CNA education usually consists of just a few months of classes) have become increasingly popular. 

These personnel may be at the bottom of the totem pole in the nursing hierarchy, but their contributions are vital to the success of any health care facility. 

The following is a quick rundown of the material covered in the standard CNA courses one would find at nursing schools, community colleges, or even the Red Cross.

CNA Education Basics

First Aid and CPR

 Because nurses aides work directly with patients in hospitals and other settings where they may experience emergency situations, it is mandatory that they be certified in CPR and be able to demonstrate an advanced proficiency in first aid procedures. All certified nursing classes will include this material and expect students to prove an aptitude in it before graduation.

Medical Theory and Terminology

 Since certified nursing assistants work side-by-side with physicians and nurses, it is important that they have at least a basic understanding of common medical terminology and theory. For this reason, CNA education tends to include a fair amount of time dedicated to helping students memorize and understand terms and their basic meanings.

Physiology

 Being able to accurately follow directions and make useful observations when monitoring patients requires a strong knowledge of human physiology. Over the course of CNA training, a good amount of time is dedicated to learning the function of different organs, where they are located within the body, and the different ailments and conditions that can affect them.

Basic Patient Care

 It should come as no surprise that the greatest portion of class time in CNA programs is devoted to basic patient care procedures and techniques. Certified nursing assistants spend a tremendous amount of their workday doing things like moving patients, bathing them, feeding them, changing their sheets, and monitoring their moods and vital signs. Therefore, CNA education is largely based on how to perform these duties properly.

The Importance Of Nursing Assistant Certification

You have not finished your nursing assistant training and think that you should be able to find a job, but you should first get your nursing assistant certification before you apply anywhere. 

In this post, we will be looking at the nursing assistant certification exam and why this certification is not only recommended but vital to your employment.

 

Nursing Assistant Certification Prerequisites

Before you can qualify to take the nursing assistant certification exam, you will need to enroll and pass a nursing assistant program. Your training can be completed through any accredited program such as online, community colleges, vocational or technical schools and even some healthcare facilities like nursing homes, assisted living homes or the American Red Cross (which offers free CNA classes, to name a few. Your training program will take upwards of a year including the required clinical practicum of trailing a certified nursing assistant in an on the job training. The combination of learning techniques will be a major help when it comes time to take the nursing assistant certification exam which you will need to start your career.

 

Exam for Certification of Nursing Assistants

The nurse assistant certification exam is divided in to two sections, the written and the clinical demonstration. The written portion of the exam is normally composed of multiple choice questions covering most of the key information learned during the training program. It is to prove to the staff that you have a good comprehension and memory skills. The clinical demonstration is the second part of the exam which will allow you to show your hands-on competency by completing five randomly selected tasks that are common for nursing assistants.

It is important to know that you must pass both the written and clinical portions of the nursing assistant certification exam in order to be employed. You may retake the exam up to three times before needing to go back to a training program. Also, completion of the exam must be done within two years of graduation or, once again, you would need to go back to a training program.

 

The Importance of Nursing Assistant Certification

Once you have successfully met the examination requirements, your name will join the certified nursing assistant register. The CNA register is kept by your states Board of Nursing and will be a record of your employment as a certified nursing assistant including the places you have worked, any problems of note, your certification status and anything else that is needed for public safety. The major benefit would be that potential employers can look at your status in the CNA registry while making decisions on employment. So you can see, nursing assistant certification is a necessary component to being gainfully employed and letting others know that you have the skills and knowledge to get the job done.

What You Should Know About CNA Schools

With the number of CNA schools currently offering programs, it is important to know exactly what you're getting into before choosing to enroll in one. 

This article covers a few of the things that students should look for before signing their name on the dotted line.

School Accreditation Status

One of the most-important things to check out about a CNA school is its accreditation status with the NLNAC and CCNE. Being accredited by one, or both, of these national governing bodies signifies that the program meets the highest standards in nursing training. Furthermore, any certification a student earns from a school holding these accreditation's will qualify him or her to take the CNA exam, and tell employers that he or she meets the minimum requirements for working in certified nursing.

Choosing the Right Type of CNA School

Because there are such a wide variety of CNA schools to choose from, it is important that you pick the type that will best fit your own personal learning style. Classes are offered at institutions ranging from vocational schools to community colleges and even at community centers (e.g. the American Red Cross).

In addition to considering the learning environment offered by each school, you should also think about issues like job placement assistance and financial aid. Some schools differentiate themselves from their competition in these two areas so, if either of these factors are important to you (which they should be), you'll want to at least add them into your evaluations.

Taking CNA Classes Online

With the rise of distance learning in recent years, taking CNA classes online has become an appealing approach for many students. As with other types of online classes, web-based CNA courses allow pupils to earn their certifications from the comfort of their own homes at a reduced cost from what they would expect to pay for a traditional program.

It is worth pointing out, however, that online certified nursing training still requires students to go to a physical location in order to complete certain parts of the curriculum. Every program must include a set number of hours in a clinic or hospital in order to be recognized by the accrediting bodies. The majority of online programs arrange these hours through relationships with local institutions.

Getting the Most Out Of CNA Schools

No matter how you eventually decide to approach your CNA training, the level of success you achieve will depend entirely on how hard you work. Staying focused and disciplined is extremely important since you'll surely find that your classes are accelerated and very demanding. In the end, however, this type of training will get you into the workplace quickly and allow you to start your nursing career.

A Day On The Job With A CNA

Regardless of whether he or she works for an assisted living facility or a traditional hospital, the typical nurse’s assistant will perform many of the same fundamental duties of a CNA. 

With this vital health care profession's increasing popularity, however, many people decide to pursue this career without a clear understanding of what they're getting into.

What Are The Duties Of A CNA?

The duties of the typical certified nursing assistant can usually be broken down into the areas of bedside care and observation. While certain employers may require their CNAs to also perform other tasks, the following tasks will usually be included in their day-to-day job description.

Bedside Care Duties

For all of the time that CNA classes spend teaching students about how to monitor patients and perform low-level medical activities, the vast majority of their workdays will ultimately be spent providing bedside care. Some prospective nursing assistants may view this as a letdown of sorts, but the truth is that it is an absolutely vital responsibility.

Helping the sick to maintain good hygiene, eat well, and keep their living quarters clean is crucial to their speedy recovery. Therefore, helping them to bathe, providing them with meals, changing out their bedding and clothes, and assisting them with getting back on their feet and regaining their mobility should all be viewed as sources of pride for the CNA. Not only do these activities provide just as much value to the patient as their medications in many cases, but they also assist greatly in building the trust required in order to be effective in the other half of the certified nursing assistant's job - observation.

Observation Duties

Many of the observation duties of a CNA are traditional nursing tasks such as monitoring vital signs, watching for fluctuations in weight, recording bodily functions and other things that may indicate a change in the patient's condition. Of equal importance, but less well-known however, is the responsibility of watching for mood swings and actually talking to the patient regularly to find out how he or she feels. As mentioned above, the prerequisite for being successful in this area is establishing trust.

Because the CNA is essentially the conduit between the physician and the patient throughout most of the day, it is of utmost importance that a personal relationship be established. There is much more to a person's recovery from illness or injury than just their blood pressure and body temperature. Of equal importance is their psychological condition, and supporting the health of this part of a person requires a nursing assistant who is willing to listen, provide emotional support and help the person to remain optimistic.

What Else Do CNAs Do?

Depending upon where a person works, a CNA may be asked by an employer to fill roles outside of those discussed above. Working in an assisted living home may entail spending time playing games with seniors or serving as a guide on afternoon trips to the mall. Being employed in a small, physician's office may require the nursing assistant to answer phones and occasionally run errands. The possibilities are really as varied as are the types of employers themselves.

No matter where a nurse’s aide winds up working though, it can safely be assumed that priority number one of his or her job will be to help patients recover and feel good about the people who are caring for them. This unique angle on health care is what makes the duties of a CNA not only important, but often so rewarding for the health care provider as well.