CNA Certification & Training
November 14, 2010
With the tremendous advances in health care and a greater interest in living a healthy lifestyle, today’s aging population is living longer resulting in a growing need for professionally trained nurses with CNA certification. Studying to become a certified nursing assistant is an excellent means of opening the door to exciting and challenging opportunities in the health care field. The first step in achieving your goal is to successfully complete a certified nursing assistant program followed and then applying for and taking the CNA certification test.
What is a Certified Nursing Assistant?
A certified nursing assistant or aide is an integral part of the healthcare team as they are the ones who provide direct care to patients in a variety of health care settings. Nurses with CNA certification training work under the supervision of a Registered or Practical Nurse helping patients with daily activities such as feeding, dressing, bathing as well as taking vital signs. Listening to patients’ needs and concerns and comforting them in times of need is also a vital part of their daily routine.
What does a certified nursing assistant training program include?
CNA certification training consists of both practical and theoretical concepts necessary to perform ones duties efficiently and with confidence. The classroom portion of training concentrates on theory with the clinical and laboratory units giving the student vital hands-on experience. Some of the courses covered in a typical CNA training program will include:
- Basic hygiene procedures
- Patient safety
- Injury prevention
- Body mechanics and mobility
- Infection control and prevention
- Daily living assistance techniques
- Long term care health issues
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
- Ambulating and patient moving procedures
- Reporting and documentation procedures
- Feeding and personal hygiene
- Professional and effective communication skills
- Taking of vital signs
Where can I work as a Certified Nursing Aide?
CNA’s can expect to find work in a variety of health care settings such as:
- Rehabilitation centers
- Private homes
- Day care facilities for adults
- Hospitals
- Hospice and long-term health care facilities
- Community health care clinics
Once a student has successfully completed both the classroom and clinical portions of the program, CNA certification testing is required in order to work in the field. CNA certification requirements vary from state to state but all include both clinical and a written or theoretical component. It is important to ensure that whatever CNA certification program one enrolls in is state approved and adequately prepares the student for their certification exam. Although some states do not require a high school diploma to take CNA training, all students must be able to have a strong command of English including speaking, reading and writing as well as the ability to carry out basic math calculations.
Every state maintains its own Nurse Aide Registry, listing all individuals who are qualified and allowed to work as a certified nurse aide or assistant in that particular state. As well as listing certified nurse aides, the registry also includes those who may have any occurrences of neglect, abuse or property misappropriation.
Online vs. campus CNA training
Online certified nurse aide training programs are an excellent option for those who do not have time to attend regular on-campus training to obtain the theoretical portion of the program. It is imperative however to ensure that the laboratory and clinical portions of any CNA training program be taken in approved laboratory and health care facilities. It is also important that any hands-on training include actual patients in a nursing home, hospital or other healthcare facility and under the supervision of a qualified registered nurse instructor.
Whether students enroll in on-campus or online CNA training it is imperative that both the theoretical and practical components prepare one to pass their certified nursing assistant certification in the state that they plan to work in.
CNA Certification The Path to becoming an RN or LPN
December 13, 2010
Obtaining your CNA certification is an ideal way to ensure that a career in health care is the right choice for you. It is also an excellent first step for those who are looking to become a registered nurse. Working as a CNA will give you first hand experience in caring for patients as well as how a number of medical facilities operate.
A typical CNA training course can be anywhere from several weeks to a few months in duration after which one can apply to take their certification exams. These exams have both a written and a practical component both of which must be completed successfully in order to receive your certification. As a certified nursing assistant you will have the opportunity to work closely with other members of the health care team giving you a unique insight into what is expected of a registered nurse as well as other careers that exist in the field. Many colleges actually require that students have their CNA certification as a prerequisite for enrolling in a nursing program. Having your certification will certainly put you in a better position even with schools that do not require you to have your certification.
Many nursing students also find that being able to work in the field is very useful when it comes to financing their studies. Hands on experience working in a medical facility as well as dealing with patients on a day-to-day basis is of great benefit while studying and will certainly enhance your learning experience. It may also be possible to perform much or all of your practicum in the facility where you are employed as a certified nursing assistant. Another advantage will be when you are looking for a job at the end of your training. With the facility as well as the staff being familiar with your work, you will find yourself in a very positive position when nursing jobs become available.
If you are serious about a professional career as either a health care aid or a registered nurse, attending one of the many accredited CNA schools available in your state is an excellent way to enter the medical field.
A Typical Work Day for a CNA
December 11, 2010
So you want to work as a CNA (certified nursing assistant). Caring for those who are in need is a noble and worthwhile career that can also bring immense personal satisfaction. Before enrolling in CNA classes, it is helpful to understand what a typical day in the life of a health care aid consists of and the traits that are necessary to perform the job.
Those that are looking to work in this field should posses patience, understanding, attention to detail as well as a superior work ethic. Due to a shortage of workers who have attained their CNA certification, daily caseloads can at times seem overwhelming. In order to perform at peak efficiency while maintaining the best quality care, the CNA must be able to prioritize his/her daily activities and remain focused on the job at hand. Although one’s duties will depend on the facility, all nursing assistants provide clients with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding and basic hygiene needs. These basic routines involve bathing either in a shower or with bed bath, hair care, brushing teeth or cleaning dentures, applying make-up, shaving, etc.
In addition to these tasks, Certified Nursing Assistants can also be responsible for such things as:
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Preparing patients to be taken to the dining area of a facility
- Change bedding if necessary
- Documenting the behavior of patients
- Reporting any changes in behavior to appropriate staff
- Provide emotional support to both patients and their families
Listening to each patient as well as to their loved ones is also an important part of the job and family members may have special requests for someone who is in care such as keeping their fingernails cut or tying up their hair each day, etc.
In all of this, nursing assistants have a duty to ensure that the dignity and confidentiality of each of their patients is of the highest priority. Accredited CNA programs will give students the skills necessary to perform the duties that are required of them. When looking for online CNA certification programs, it is vital that they provide placements for practical hands on training in addition to their theoretical classes.
The Importance of Confidentiality
December 7, 2010
Due to the highly personal nature of work that takes place in any medical facility, confidentiality is always one of the highest priorities for the certified nursing assistant and in fact all staff. Not only will your CNA programs have covered the area of confidentiality but the specific facility you are employed by will have their own very strict policies in this area.
Every patient in care has a right to their individual privacy and this is often very closely connected to preserving their dignity. Requiring assistance in one’s daily living routines is difficult by itself but if the fear of others learning about your personal circumstances is present the emotional and psychological health of the patient will be compromised. Discussing a patient’s condition with other staff in the facility is a necessary part of any CNA’s job but should be limited to those who have a medical interest in their care. There are also other issues of confidentiality beside those of patients. All medical facilities have policies in place for instances such as an outbreak of a communicable disease and they must be strictly adhered to. These occurrences must not be discussed with patients, their families or anyone outside of established protocol. Confidentiality also refers to anything that might be discussed among staff even if it is not work related. This usually falls under the category of gossip and can significantly affect working relationships and the atmosphere of staff in general. It can create a stressful environment and is detrimental to the emotional well being of all employees.
Although your CNA training will have covered the importance of confidentiality, it is the responsibility of all who work in the health care field to read and fully understand the specific policies of the facility you will be working for. Failure to comply with these regulations can be cause not only for dismissal but can also result in losing one’s CNA certification. This does not mean that talking among co-workers should be discouraged as healthy working relationships depend on open and friendly communication. It does however mean that each worker is responsible for what they choose to talk about both in and away from work. Also keep in mind that as a professional health care worker you have a responsibility to report any abuse in confidentiality that you may observe.
Preventing and Treating Bedsores
December 4, 2010
Bedsores, also referred to as pressure ulcers can pose a serious threat to patients, especially for those that are bedridden. Prevention, if at all possible, is critical as treating them can be problematic and can often lead to other conditions. Physicians will usually perform a visual exam in order to asses the likelihood of a patient developing them. There are several factors that a doctor will take into account to determine a patient’s risk level, some of which are:
- Level of mobility
- General health of patient
- Prior history of bedsores
- Nutrition
- Continence
- Blood circulation
- Mental health and state of patient
- Existing signs or symptoms of infection
Accredited CNA certification programs will have provided extensive training on avoiding and detecting bedsores in patients. Visual checks must be carried out daily for signs of skin discoloration and followed by touching the patient’s skin for any abnormal textures that may have developed.
Once a bedsore or pressure ulcer has been detected, it is difficult to treat since open wounds are slow to heal even in mobile or otherwise healthy people. Even after a bedsore has healed the area often experiences irreparable damage with the skin remaining quite irregular. In cases where patients are being cared for at home a certified nursing assistant or health care aid may not be present 7 days a week and it is therefore vital that others caring for the patient continue the treatment and regularly check for bedsores.
As soon as a bedsore has been detected the pressure to that spot must be eliminated immediately. There are a couple of ways this can be done.
- Specific supportive devices such as mattresses, pads, specialized beds or cushions can help relieve the pressure. Which devices are used will depend on how far the sore(s) have advanced, the size of the patient as well as his/her mobility.
- Changing the position of the patient regularly is critical. It is important to protect the wound with padding when moving the patient in order to avoid friction to the affected area.
When dealing with patients of limited mobility, it is highly recommended that every certified nursing assistant review bedsore procedures that were taught in their CNA classes. This can often be accomplished through online CNA certification review programs.
Maintaining Optimal Health for a CNA
December 1, 2010
Much of the daily care that CNA’s provide their patients is of a physical nature making it vital that they pay special attention to their own flexibility and overall health. Lifting or rotating clients, helping them dress, wash and exercise can be taxing procedures for all health care aids. Injuries as a result of improper lifting and diminished energy are common complaints but with proper care these issues can, for the most part, be avoided. A regular exercise routine, especially those that include weight lifting will go a long way in strengthening one’s body and will significantly improve energy levels. The dangers of not following established lifting procedures are taught extensively and in great detail in all CNA training programs. All certified nursing assistants should regularly review these techniques and there are many online CNA certification review courses that one is able to take on their own time to help in this area.
Although physical strength and flexibility are crucial for all health care aids, caring for people in various states of health can be emotionally taxing as well. It is virtually impossible to not become somewhat attached to the people we care for everyday, especially as we often watch their health deteriorate. Sudden setbacks or an unexpected serious illness of a patient can have a tremendous impact on an emotional level. Professionals working in this field derive great benefit from engaging in various uplifting activities with family or friends. Talking to those that are close to us or a professional counselor can also help in providing a constructive and therapeutic outlet.
Mental health is also be a major concern as many CNA’s find it difficult to maintain a healthy work/life balance. With an increased workload and a shortage of certified nursing assistants one must be very vigilant about not taking on too many extra shifts as this will weigh heavily on anyone’s mental health. CNA schools are doing there best to train more health care aids but a serious shortage does still exist.
It is vital for all health care professionals to take care of themselves as well as their patients. Doing so will help to ensure a long and satisfying career in helping those that need it most.