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.

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!

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.

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.