Is a Career As a Certified Nursing Assistant Right For You?
It definitely is if you like a fast paced job that provides you with plenty of security as well as a chance to enter the lucrative heath care industry. You may have the traits of a successful nursing assistant if you:
- Desire to help people, and make an impact in their lives.
- Have the ability to make correct judgements
- Like communicating and interacting with people
- Can stay calm under pressure
- Have a reassuring manner
- Desire to help people who are in need
- Are energetic and have a good sense of humor
- Are in healthy physical condition
As a nursing assistant you will help out in hospitals, hospice centers, clinics, home health environments, and in private duty and doctors offices. Going through CNA training can be a life changing event that sets you on the rewarding path as a health care professional with a great paying career. In order to ensure you are a good fit for a health care occupation, we’ve listed some of the top skills you’ll need as a CNA.
Helpful skills of a nursing assistant:
- Communication skills
- Observation skills
- Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology
- Understanding of medical terminology
- Observance of safety regulations
- Following disease processes
- Maintaining correct Infection control
- Attention to safety regulations
- Knowledge of patient and resident rights
- Competency in following state and federal medical guidelines
What is it like working as a nursing assistant?
You’ll be working closely with patients to provide needed care such as checking vital signs and assisting nurses with medical equipment. In addition, many nurses aides provide help with grooming, feeding, bathing, and other housekeeping duties to assist the hospital staff. Read more about CNA duties here.
The work hours of a CNA generally can be full or part time. In most health care facilities there are three shifts available. CNA’s are required to be able to walk and stand for long periods as well as help lift patients and equipment.
What’s the average salary of a nursing assistant?
Right now since the nurses aide position is an entry level occupation the median annual salary ranges from $20,600 to $34,580. Many CNA’s go on to become registered nurses.
What CNA training is required to get a job as a certified nursing assistant?
You will need to complete CNA classroom training which is usually a 6 to 12 week program that prepares you for the exam. The CNA certificate program is conducted at an accredited community college or health care facility. To ensure you do not sign up with a class that will not help you receive your certified nursing assistant certification it’s important that you select an accredited school or health care center training program. To check if a program is accredited in your state you can contact the National League for Nursing Accredited Commission, or your states CNA registry list.
What can you expect when taking CNA classes?
The steps you need to take vary from state to state with each CNA training facility or health care center program providing you with the necessary environment catered specifically to the area you are in. During your classroom training you will receive experience set in a clinical setting. With these CNA classes you will receive both classroom and hands on experience in a hospital like setting to prepare you for taking the certification and your new job. You can read more about how to be a Nursing Assistant at this link.
How do I get my CNA certification?
After successfully completing a certified nursing assistant training program you will be eligible to take a written exam issued by your state. Certification requirements and exam testing varies from state to state. However, generally this exam will cover your basic nursing competency, infection control, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition knowledge. Find out more about CNA testing here. If you have already taken the state exam and need to get re-certified, click this link for information about a CNA refresher course.
Becoming a CNA is a great way to get the experience necessary to prepare you for an excellent career in health care. With an aging population and the rising demand for medical professionals, a health care career is an excellent career choice. Now is the right time to get your CNA training, you can find a CNA class in your city right now and get the personally fulfilling health care career you’ve always wanted.