Certified Nurse Aide Training

What does a typical Certified Nurse Aide Training 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 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.

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.