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.