Certified Nurse Aide Training
With certified nurse aide training you can make a start in a career in nursing and feel a sense of achievement in your job.
But what do certified nursing assistants do? A certified nursing aide or assistant (CNA) provides assistance to patients in their daily living tasks. They always work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (LPN or RN). A number of people are opting for a certified nurse aide training program in order to serve the society and get a sense of fulfilment. The training is usually for two to three months.
The main factor that is emphasized in CNA programs is for the aide to learn and understand the meaning of patience taught to them on the very first day. The aide will come across a number of patients on different days with different disabilities. Patience with the patient is thus required so that the aide's attitude and behavior does not hamper the recuperation of patients.
This page has further details fo the training programs, where they can be taken, what the career prospects are, and more. You might also want to consider a Patient Care Technician program.
What does a typical CNA program cover?
In a certified nurse aide program, the student receives training on basic and a few advanced nursing skills. Initially, the aide is taught basic skills such as hand hygiene, checking the vital signs, giving a bath, changing bed covers, grooming and feeding patients. More theoretical aspects such as anatomy, physiology and nutrition are also introduced in the program.
Once the aide becomes comfortable with the practical hospital duties during the program, he or she may be asked to perform advanced skills. Lifting the patients to and from the bed or wheel chair in the best possible manner; helping the patient use urinal facilities; assisting in moving to bed or chair or walk; rules to follow these activities are taught by the RNA.
As the aide nears completion of the course, he or she is taught about collecting blood or urine or stool samples. First aid training to handle critical situations is also included. The other skills could be in the use of catheter or dealing with patients with extreme conditions like dementia, autism, spastics. Later in the program, the aide is made aware about the common physical therapy and simple motion exercises required for patients.
At the end of the certified nurse aide training program, a test is conducted on a written and clinical basis to evaluate the performance and competency of aide. After he or she is certified, the aide can join the league of CNAs to cater to the needs of the society. The certified nursing assistant exam can be different for each state or school.
Finding a suitable school and program
Find a certified nurse aide training program or school near you
Certified nursing assistant training programs can be provided online or offline. Use the search boxes provided here to find suitable schools and programs. Request information from several schools and then compare program content and admission requirements. Consider applying for more than one program so as to increase your chances of an offer.
Online Courses
Online courses are inexpensive and various modules are provided to students to understand the theoretical aspects of nursing. It is not always essential that hands on experience is a part of the course. However, there are a few schools which recommend CNAs to hospitals for gaining practical knowledge.
On Campus Courses
On campus certified nurse assistant training conducted by universities or colleges can more easily impart both theoretical and practical knowledge. The fees for the course vary for different universities and different states, but are relatively high compared to online courses.
On Campus Nursing Schools in the US
You can find out more about the location of campuses in the US and find one near you by clicking on the relevant links in the US universities and colleges web page.
On Campus Nursing Schools in Canada
You can find out more about the location of campuses on the Canadian universities and colleges web page. Also, check the following selected schools and programs.
- Vancouver Career College
- Practical Nursing
- CDI College
- Nursing Assistant
What are the career prospects after certified nurse aide training?
There is always a need for people in nursing. A CNA training course can help those who wish to start a career in nursing. It can be pursued further with advanced courses to hone skills at serving and caring for the people in hospitals, community or during emergencies. The CNAs can be absorbed by the hospital where they worked. NGOs and community facilities that need their services can also be a souce of jobs. A certified nurse assistant salary is typically $23,000 to $32,000 per year.
For more information about certified nurse aide training
Use this link to find certified nurse aide training near you.
Use the search facility on this site to find more programs and schools.
Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.
