CNA Programs Are Needed For Individuals Planning A Health Care Profession

By Joe Whitman


The nursing profession centers on the direct care of patients who are injured, or physically or mentally ill. CNAs, which is the abbreviation for a certified nursing assistant, complete various duties and can work as part of the team or independently to implement client care. Individuals who choose this career path will find that CNA classes are available.

To secure employment as a CNA, a training course must be completed. The length of the latter will vary depending on the area of the country in which it is being taken, but it will likely be somewhere between 3 to 8 weeks in length. The prospective CNA must then pass a written, as well as a practical exam in order to be awarded certification from the state. CNA's usually help patients with walking or exercising, personal hygiene, and other activities of daily living. They may also be called upon to feed patients.

Those who pursue CNA training will have a broad range of positions from which to choose. Some individuals try various positions over the course of several years before making a final decision regarding permanent employment. For example, one can work in a hospital, as a home health care aide, or in a long-term care facility.

Certified nursing assistants working in a hospital environment may be called upon to feed patients, help them with their personal hygiene and assist in examinations, procedures and surgeries. CNAs employed in hospitals are usually assigned to a specific wing, such as pediatrics, oncology, emergency, surgery, or labor and delivery. However, rotating among numerous departments is common as well.

Numerous nursing assistants who have been employed in different environments state that working in hospitals or other acute care facilities can be very stressful because of understaffing and extended work schedules. However, acute care nursing assistants typically get higher wages than those working in nursing homes or as private duty aides. Each prospective employee must make his or her own decision regarding the kind of facility at which he or she wishes to work.

Home health aides usually work independent of a medical establishment, and provide care for clients in their own homes. A private duty nursing assistant will help individuals with all daily living activities, and observe the condition of their patients by monitoring their progress and checking vital signs. These facts are then forwarded to the client's physician.

Nursing homes, also called long-term nursing facilities, offer 24-hour services to individuals who can no longer care for themselves independently. Certified nursing assistants employed by such establishments usually care for the same clients every day, most of whom are elderly. This atmosphere is perfect for men and women who enjoy working in the field of geriatrics.

Courses of this type are available in most cities at colleges or vocational-technical training institutions. Similar to most professions in today's modern world, CNA classes are available online. However, if one selects this option, it is vitally important for him or her to choose an accredited school. It does little or no good to purchase a course that will not provide a degree that will be worthy in the eyes of most employers. Additional hands on training at a facility is usually required prior to becoming certified. Ultimately, anyone pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant can look forward to steady work and good wages.




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