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.

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.

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.