Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Things to Know on Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant

Because of the high demand of nurses, there are more job opportunities for a nursing aid, especially when one is a certified nursing assistant (CNA). It is because a certified nursing assistant his proven to be competent to perform her duties in providing efficient health care to patients.

Categorically, they works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Being directly associated with the patient while working, CNAs answer both the physical and emotional needs of the patient. They are responsible for taking the vital signs, monitoring the patient's condition, looking after the patient, encouraging them to recover, and other nursing duties as well as administering medications if they are licensed to do so.

How to Become a CNA

One must undergo a training program to become a CNA. This consists of classroom lessons on the fundamentals of biology, anatomy, and physiology, as well as other nursing skills such as infection control, personal care, and the effective communication to patients. Meanwhile, the greater percentage of the course is the practical training where a student will learn actual nursing care on training centers.

There are different institutions where a student can enroll on a CNA program. There are community colleges, vocational colleges, and training centers. Medical institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, and the Red Cross also offer CNA training. There are also online CNA classes for individuals who have day job. This gives them the opportunity to take CNA courses at their convenient time and place, yet still completing the required time for practical classes. For interested parties, make sure that the school possesses the state accreditation, entitling them to provide trainings.

Upon the completion of the program, a graduate must pass the certification exam conducted by the Board of Nursing licensing unit. This state licensure gives him or her the eligibility to work as a certified nursing assistant. Qualified CNAs are given certification to work on every medical institution of their choice.

Career Opportunities

Because of the country's shortage of health care givers and the increasing figure of the aging population, being a licensed nursing assistant can help you find a job immediately. Depending on the circumstance, a CNA can work on hospitals, nursing homes, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, and private residences. And a CNA can earn an approximate of $24,620 a year.

As long as a certified nursing assistant possesses the necessary attitude for effective patient care, she will surely last on the medical industry, thus earning more experiences for career advancement.


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