If you are an individual that enjoys the chance to help others, thrives in the fast-paced environment, and wants to make a difference in the lives of people every day, then a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) may be the career that you have been looking for. CNAs are the heart and the soul of healthcare - delivering much-needed care and compassion to patients and supporting nurses and doctors at the front line.
And the best thing is that to become a CNA you don't need years of school or a massive student loan. With the right NA program, you can be certified and start your work in the healthcare industry within a few months.
We want to help you get started on this rewarding career - and how to set yourself out for long-term success in healthcare.
What a CNA Really Does
Before you begin training your dog, you need to know what he will be doing. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) - also known as nurse aides - work directly with patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other medical care facilities.
They are responsible for helping patients in their daily task of bathing, dressing, feeding, and moving. Nursing Assistants (CNAs) also measure vital signs, assist with the use of medical equipment, record patient information and provide emotional care to the sick or recovering.
In other words, CNAs are the people who are in the most contact with patients. They provide comfort, stability and dignity to the people who need it most. If you are caring, patient, and have good communication skills, this would be a good career choice for you.
Choosing the Right Nursing Assistant Program
All successful careers in CNAs start with good training. A state-approved CNA (certified nursing assistant) program should include classroom training along with practical clinical training in order to get certified.
When researching nursing assistant programs, keep a few key things in mind:
- State Approval: Make sure the program is approved by your state's Department of Public Health. Without it, you will not be able to take the certification exam.
- Flexible Scheduling: Many programs now provide hybrid or evening classes, which are ideal if you have work or family commitments.
- Experienced Instructors: The best programs are taught by professionals who are able to take fresh perspectives on pertinent topics by drawing on real-world healthcare experience, and by bringing it into the classroom.
- Clinical Practice: Include clinical hours (supervised), which will give you confidence in working with actual patients.
- Reputation and Success Rates: Research schools with good student pass rates for the CNA exam.
A great example is CNA School, which offers hybrid online and in-person training. Their programs for busy adults help make it easier for them to complete their certification while still getting the same practical experience as traditional programs. You can explore options at CNA School if you need to find a program that meets your goals, schedule, etc
What You’ll Learn During Training
CNA training isn't solely about technical abilities, but also about learning to care for individuals with empathy and professionalism.
Throughout your program you have the option to learn topics like:
- Control of infection and safety measures
- Dynamics in healthcare communication and collaboration.
- Basic Anatomical Sciences and Physiology
- Nutrition and hygiene of the patient.
- Capturing and reporting vital signs.
- Helping patients to move and be comfortable
You will also spend time working in a clinical setting where you will implement all that you have learned under the supervision of licensed nurses. This hands-on experience is how you will be prepared for real-world patient care and gives you the confidence that you will need on the job.
Most courses run for between 4 and 12 weeks, depending upon whether you attend part- or full-time.
Taking and Passing the CNA Exam
After you are done with your training, the next big moment in your life is your state's CNA certification exam. This normally has two parts:
- Written (or oral) exam: A multiple-choice examination to assess your knowledge of the major concepts of nursing.
- Skills evaluation: A hands on assessment in which you complete certain CNA skills in front of an examiner.
Nerves are natural but majority of students who attend approved institutions pass effortlessly with proper preparation. Study your class notes, practice your skills and seek instruction from your instructor. As soon as you pass, you will be certified and you can immediately work as a CNA.
Getting Certified and Finding a Job
Once the exam has been passed, you will have to apply for your official CNA certification with the health department in your state. Once your application is approved the state nurse aide registry is notified of your name and confirms that you may work in licensed healthcare facilities.
From there you can start applying for positions into:
- 1.Hospitals
- 2.Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers
- 3. Assisted living facilities
- 4. Home healthcare agencies
- 5. Hospice care
CNAs are always well sought after, especially with the ageing population continuing to increase. You will have lots of opportunities to find stable and meaningful jobs.
Growing Your Career Beyond the Basics
To become a CNA is usually only the start of a lengthy and satisfying career in healthcare. Many CNAs consider this experience as a stepping stone to roles of higher-level nursing professionals such as Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN). The hands-on patient care experience that you obtain as a CNA is an invaluable experience for any healthcare career.
Also, it is important to remain certified. For instance, in the state of California, CNAs need to renew their certification every two years. If you’re already working in the field, here’s a great guide on CNA certification renewal.
It provides a step-by-step guide to the process. It discusses how to submit renewal forms, check hours of work, and how to complete continuing education (CEUs) to keep your license active without ever having to worry about it.
What It’s Really Like to Be a CNA
Being a CNA is more than a job - it is a calling. You will spend time with people from all walks of life, care for patients during their most vulnerable moments, and witness the power of compassion to transform a day for someone. It can be hard work, physically and emotionally, but it is also very rewarding.
You'll never have a dull day and you'll constantly learn new things. Most CNAs report that their patients teach them as much as they take care of them -- lessons of patience, gratitude and strength.
Final Thoughts
One of the fastest and most rewarding ways to get into the field of healthcare is by starting a career as a certified nursing assistant. With a proper nursing assistant program, commitment, and heart, you will be able to save the lives of others in a matter of months.
Whether you're fresh out of school, making a career change or in search of a stable and rewarding career, becoming a CNA is a gateway to boundless possibilities.
If you’re ready to begin your journey, explore accredited nursing assistant programs today. Your next patients are waiting - and your healthcare career can begin today.
