How to Go About Becoming a CNA

A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is a professional who has been trained to work in support of a nursing staff throughout clinics, doctor’s offices and hospitals. They are in charge of the general care of patients. A CNA is a valuable member of any nursing team and comes with a high degree of ability and expertise.

Job role of a CNA

The typical work of a nurse’s assistant involves direct care of the patients. This could involve feeding patients, helping them walk, get into or out of bed, or help them with exercising. They will also occasionally tidy up a patient’s room and prepare them for a treatment, exam, or surgery. They will often be in charge of transferring the patient via a stretcher or wheelchair.

In the UK, a CNA is called an auxiliary nurse, nursing tech, patient care associate, clinical support worker, healthcare support worker, healthcare assistant or nursing assistant. In the United States, they are commonly referred to as simply a nursing assistant or a registered nurses aide.

What you will learn in CNA training?

The 1987 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act dictates that a training program has to include 100 hours worth of supervised hands-on clinical training, as well as 50 hours worth or theory. Individuals who successfully complete this program will then be known as a certified nursing assistant and entered into the state’s nursing aide registry.

Steps to become a CNA

In order to become a CNA, an individual must pass the practical exam. The CNA practical examination consists of an examiner asking the student to complete a few clinical tests with a person who has volunteered to be a subject. The student will follow all hygiene protocol and then conduct the tests. After passing that portion of the testing, a student must complete a thorough theory exam. The theory test can be taken online in many cases.

After passing those portions, a student will be issued a temporary license while they await their permanent license through the state’s licensing board. The board will also mail a notice to the CNA approximately 60 before his or her current license is due to expire. Renewing a CNA license can also be done over the internet. Renewal of an expired license would require the person to have worked as a CNA in the course of the last two years.

With this knowledge, you should have a fairly good knowledge of what a CNA does, and how to become one. A job as a CNA can be a great stepping stone into a career in the health care field. Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant can be a great first step.