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.

Are You Listed In The Nurses Aide Registry?

The tracking of local professionals who are eligible for employment in the field of nursing is tracked through what is known as a nurses aide registry. For health care employers, this tool is a blessing as it allows them to quickly cross-check a job applicant's resume against his or her actual employment record, as well as confirm their certification status.

Getting Listed In The CNA Registry

Inclusion in the nurses aide registry is determined by whether or not a person has kept his or her certification in good standing by meeting any new standards, and continuing to show proof of their ongoing education with good test scores on periodically mandated exams.

For any CNA that is new to an area, it is absolutely vital that they take the necessary steps to get listed in the registry. This is not only important to keeping your professional record in good standing, but is also essential to your ability to secure future employment.

The CNA Registry Exam

Getting listed requires passing the registry exam at some point and then maintaining your standing going forward. Upon graduation from an accredited CNA class, you will be qualified to sit for the exam for a period of two years. Should you not take the test at some point in those two years, it will become necessary to go through another training program in order to regain your eligibility.

Why The Nurses Aide Registry Is Needed

The nurses aide registry is an important resource for the medical industry and the greater community in general because it provides a safeguard ensuring that only qualified personnel are entrusted with nursing positions. Beyond the registry's tracking of professional credentials, it also compiles information on reported abuses and other problems with the individual's job history. This additional aspect of the registry is important because it helps employers identify and weed-out potential problems before they even grant an interview.

Finding Free CNA Classes Near You

Many people are interested in careers in the nursing field, and with free CNA classes, this can become a reality quickly and at no cost.

Thanks to a month-long, cost-free program provided by the Red Cross at many of its U.S. locations, anyone who wants to receive the necessary training to qualify them to sit for the CNA certification exam may now do so - regardless of their ability to pay.

This public service is offered as a way to support the growing health care industry and help those affected by the bad economy to launch a new career.

Free CNA Training - What Is Included?

Because the purpose of free CNA classes is to prepare students for the certification test, the material presented is generally limited to those things that appear on the exam. This includes first aid, basic CPR, and other fundamentals of patient care. It should be noted that these are the exact same things covered in a standard, paid CNA class.

Free classes require their students to attend full-time. This means 40 hours per week in the classroom (usually, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a one-hour lunch) for one full month. This type of schedule is demanding and may not be for everyone, but it does allow those who complete the program to test for certification more quickly than would otherwise be possible.

Can I Take Free CNA Classes Online?

For students who are able to commit full-time to CNA training, but are unable to reach the locations where free classes are offered, there are now free nursing assistant classes offered online. Those who enroll in these courses will be exposed to the same material covered in on-site classes, but will be able to study from the place of their choosing. The amount of material that must be mastered is the same as in conventional classes so, just because this training is offered online, does not mean that it is any less demanding.

Succeeding Through Free CNA Classes

As you are probably aware, successfully completing a free CNA training program will only get you part-way to your goal of becoming a nursing assistant. Getting certified still requires you to pass the CNA exam, and doing this will require you to prove what you learned in your training. Provided that you have worked hard in your classes and followed all of the instructor's directions throughout, this should not be overly difficult however.

A Guide To CNA Training

In order to work as a CNA, you will need to enroll in a CNA training program which will give you the basic know-how on the role and responsibilities you be tasked with. The CNA training classes will have both a classroom element as well as a live applied training so you will be able to use what you have learned in real situations. Before you enroll in a CNA training course, you should contact your state board of health for a list of the requirements needed to become a CNA.

 

Free CNA Training Classes from the Red Cross

Dozens of American Red Cross chapters around the country offer CNA training programs for those looking to join the ranks as a certified nursing assistant. The American Red Cross has been fostered a strong tradition in nursing and in the last two decades have become an important educational source for those looking to become a CNA. The American Red Cross promises to train students in accordance to the rules and requirements of the state that the chapter is located. As a student you will be supervised by a registered nurse (RN) and help deliver basic care and support to patients and clients in nursing homes, hospitals or their home. This is a great way to get your necessary CNA training from a true respected professional organization in the world of nursing.

 

Questions about CNA Training Classes

 

CNA Training Programs take how long?

CNA training courses cover a wide range of topics from basic patient care, cleanliness to first aid in a quick stream-lined program. The lessons from the classroom are used extensively in the practical live training part of the program to help the student get a better understanding of how it all works together. The instructor to student ratio is kept very low so that you will have more face time with the instructor to ensure you have receive the proper training.

 

Why is CNA Training Courses Small in Size?

Since the speed of the class is so fast, normally CNAtraining classes is kept very small with no more than 14 students at one time. The benefits of such a small class are that the instructor will regularly be able to keep track of your training easier. If there are problems, the instructor in such a small class setting can take some extra time to help you get the idea or skill better than one in a larger class.

 

What is the Easiest Way to Find CNA Training Classes?

If you are interested in starting down the path of a medical career, then becoming a CNA may be the way to go. You will gain valuable experience as well as a decent paycheck which will come in handy if you decide to advance in the medical industry. If you are ready, look through the list of CNA training classes we’ve provided and make the first step towards your new career.

A Look At Certified Nursing As A Career

Finding a satisfactory answer to the question "What is a CNA?" requires a review of the position's responsibilities, and identifying where these professionals fit into the health care community. 

This article will explore these issues and help illustrate exactly why certified nursing assistants are considered to be among the most-valued members of any medical staff.

The CNA's Place In Health Care

Because the standard CNA training does not include things like taking blood, giving injections, etc., the typical certified nursing assistant is prohibited from performing many of the functions associated with nursing. This does not mean, however, that they do not handle a range of important responsibilities.

While working under either a doctor or a registered nurse, the CNA is usually in charge of handling most daily patient care functions. These include taking samples, monitoring vital signs, providing assistance with cleaning and eating, and a number of other essential tasks. For nursing assistants with specialized certifications, this list of responsibilities can grow to include more specific medical functions as well.

Certified Nursing Assistants And The Elderly

The rapidly expanding field of home health care has the greatest need for CNA nurses. Nursing assistants who work as home health aides are in charge of assisting elderly patients with everything from getting around their home or senior care center, to bathing, preparing meals, getting dressed and taking prescribed medications.

The Outlook For CNA Jobs

With the health care industry enjoying a massive period of growth, the outlook for CNA jobs is among the brightest for any position. The U.S. Board of Labor Statistics projects a better than 12% rise in the number of new CNA positions created through 2020, with the majority of these coming in home health.

Should you be interested in becoming a CNA as a way to eventually move into other positions, you'll find that your close interactions with other medical team members make this transition relatively easy. The job of certified nursing assistants lends itself extremely well to cross-training, and the range of skills that the average CNA develops while doing their own job further enhances their value to employers.

Passing The CNA Certification Exam

Preparing for any test can be a stressful experience and, given the amount of time and effort invested in studying for it, the CNA exam can be particularly so. 

Because it is not uncommon for test takers to fail the exam on their first attempt, many nursing students believe that it is impossibly difficult to pass. With the proper preparation, however, this is far from the case.

What The CNA Certification Exam Does?

The CNA exam is designed to screen recent graduates of certified nursing assistant programs for familiarity with the fundamental material one would have been expected to learn during their studies. The standards for the test are set by the National Nurses Aide Assessment Program and, while some of its content may vary as necessary to become certified in specific states, it will always be organized into two distinct parts.

Academic Section

The academic half of the test will be administered in either written form or orally, and will consist of a variety of questions intended to measure a student's ability to make decisions in standard medical situations. This is basically intended to ensure that the CNA will follow proper procedures and protocol in emergencies as well as day-to-day occurrences.

Skills Demonstration Section

The other portion of the exam involves actually demonstrating learned skills in a laboratory or other setting under the supervision of the instructor. The student will be graded on technique, adherence to instructions and displayed understanding of procedures.

A passing score on both of these sections is required in order to become certified as a CNA.

When Is The Best Time To Take The CNA Exam?

Although you'll be ready to sit for the CNA certification exam upon graduating from your CNA training classes, you may want to give yourself a little extra time to study. A wealth of study guides are available from certified testing centers, as well as on the internet. You should become familiar with sample questions and the description given of the testing environment.

An additional consideration is where you intend to eventually work. Because some students finish their training in a different state from the one where they intend to work, it is recommended that the test be taken in the same place where you will be employed. Due to differences in state requirements for certification, your score from one state may not be recognized everywhere.

Getting Ready To Sit For the Test

Familiarizing yourself with material on the test is only part of the process that you should follow in your preparation. You should also pay particular attention to how you study. Find out how the test is administered at the location where you're scheduled, and simulate this environment as closely as possible.

You should avoid cramming, and instead spread out your study over a reasonable period of time. This will not only eliminate anxiety, but will also help you to retain the material in the future. Of course, giving consideration to little things like getting enough sleep and eating well prior to taking the exam will also help you to feel more confident as you sit down to take the test. By incorporating this approach to your preparation, you'll have a much better chance of performing well on the CNA exam.

Four Easy Steps to Become a CNA

Have you considered becoming a CNA but need a little help to find the right way to join this growing profession? 

Right now you might not understand what is needed to become a CNA but put those doubts and worries aside since it is an easy four step process. 

In the following article, I will walk you through the various steps needed to get your foot in the door and to tell you what it takes to be a successful certified nursing assistant (CNA).

Step One- Gaining Valuable Clinical Experience

Before you spend money training to be a CNA, you may want some practical experience to see if this will be the job for you. You may consider applying for a job at a clinic or hospital for some hands on experience. I would also recommend checking in with your state to see if they offer a free program with on the job training. Having this experience as an intern should prove very valuable in the job market, plus you know that you made the right choice to for your CNA license.

Step Two- CNA Courses

One of the first steps on the road to becoming a CNA is taking the required training courses that are necessary to take certification exam. Before enrolling in a CNA class, make sure you contact your state's Board of Health to find the exact requirements of your state. Even though most of the requirements are very similar, some minor differences may impede your path towards your career. There are a variety of CNA programs that can be taken at community colleges, online colleges, technical and vocational schools as well as some hospitals, high schools and even the Red Cross. These classes are fast paced lasting between 6 and 10 weeks and provide you the correct information for your upcoming certification exam.

Step Three- Taking the CNA Exam

Now that you have completed your CNA courses, the next step is taking the exam. You find that the CNA exam will be split in to two parts with a written or possible oral part and live demonstration showing your ability in regular and emergency simulations. You will need to remain focused and follow the directions carefully since failing any part of this exam will mean retaking the CNA courses as well as slowing down your progress to join the job market.

Step Four- Finding CNA Jobs

You've passed your exams and now you are ready to join the world of working CNAs. Unless you have a job lined up before you passed your exam, you should create a resume that will show that you have what it takes to be a CNA including the passing of your exams and training. You should also include any other health care related experience you may have, such as the internship mentioned previously. Apply at a local clinic or hospital and make sure that in the interview process, you come off as confident to handle any situation. Once you have your new job, you will experience the rewards of your hard work both from knowing you are helping others and the paycheck you will soon receive. 

I hope that you will find these easy four steps will help you fill your life with a rewarding and very lucrative career. It may have seemed challenging when you first considered becoming a CNA but now you know you can do it easily.