A much in demand profession, certified nursing assistants (CNA) are a critical part of a medical team. A CNA works under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or a doctor. They use their education and healthcare skills to assist the nurses in a hospital, nursing home or other care facility. The CNA helps with daily tasks such as helping patients to bathe and dress, serving meals and making beds. CNA's also gather basic patient health information such as taking blood pressure, temperature and pulse rates and report those findings to their nursing supervisor or to the doctor him or herself. A CNA may also assist with medical procedures, report on the status change of a patient or escort a patient within the medical facility for medical tests. CNA's often have more contact with the patient than other medical personnel, as they help them live more comfortably for the duration of their medical stay, and usually develop a strong bond with them.
Typically, CNA programs are offered at community colleges or technical schools and can be completed in a short period of time, usually less than a year. A prerequisite is a high school diploma. The student can expect to be challenged to determine if they can handle the mental and physical demands of such a career. Educational and certification requirements vary from state to state but a typical course of study might include medical terminology, structure and function of the human body, CPR, first aid, basic computer operation, basic patient care and a clinical internship. Students learn how to take vital signs, dress, bathe and feed a patient and provide catheter care. These skills age practiced during a clinical internship at a hospital, nursing home or other care facility. The internship is supervised by a licensed health care professional. Before you enroll in a program, make sure it is approved by whatever state agency approves CNA programs and curriculum in your state.
In order to become certified, a student must also complete 75 hours of nursing assistant training along with a comprehensive examination. Some states have additional requirements and graduates should check with the local registration board for a complete list of requirements. In order to maintain certification, CNA's might be required to complete continuing education programs every year or perhaps every two years. If you move to another state after being certified you will most likely need to become certified in your new state.
Once certified, a CNA can expect to find employment in a nursing home, hospital, assisted care facility, hospice, doctor's office, urgent care center, day care centers and schools or medical clinics. CNA's should have a desire to help people of all ages and abilities and be willing to work hard. A CNA should be responsible, compassionate, patient, emotionally stable and cheerful. CNA's should also be tactful, honest, willing to take orders and comply with all the rules and regulations regarding patient confidentially. If these are qualities you posses and you have a desire to help people, a career as a CNA might just be your calling.
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