In today’s booming healthcare industry, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s) are in high demand. This is a rewarding career that not only involves basic level nursing skills, but also requires hands on direct patient care, which is invaluable of you are interested in becoming a registered or licensed practical nurse. CNA’s are involved in the daily care of patients most often more than any other person in the medical professions. They are responsible monitoring vital signs, assisting with the administration of some types of medications, as well as assisting with their patients basic needs.
Bathing, grooming, feeding and making beds are also among their top responsibilities. Although this field can be demanding, it can be among the most gratifying of careers. General employment opportunities are found in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Many positions are available in the home health field as well.
If you are interested in becoming a CNA, you must enroll in a state approved certification program. These are offered by colleges, medical facilities and the American Red Cross.The length of the program varies and is usually taught by a team of registered nurses. There are 6-12 week programs as well as courses that are a semester long. As with any certification program, competency test will be administered at the end of the session where both written and clinical skills will be tested. The written part tests basic knowledge which is the “what you know” portion while the clinical area involves providing hands on care while being observed by a registered nurse. This can be considered the “how you apply what you know” section. Upon passing the test, the CNA is listed on a registry of state certified nursing assistants. Each state has its own separate list.
Currently CNA’s earn anywhere from $10.00 to $14.00 an hour depending on the area of the country, the employer and the experience of the CNA. Often being a CNA, is an entry level position and is not the highest paying of jobs. However, for the care provider at heart, it is among the most satisfying.
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