How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) offers basic care to patients and aids them in their daily activities under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). CNAs may also be referred to as "nursing assistants" or "patient care assistants."

In this article, we will learn how you can become a certified nursing assistant, what licenses and certifications are required, the responsibilities you will take when you become one, and more nursing career tips you will ponder. 

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, a certified nursing assistant assists patients with activities of daily living and other healthcare needs. Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Assistants (PCAs), and Nurse's Aids are all terms used to describe CNAs.

Some people will use their experience as CNA to help them advance their careers and become LPN or RN. Surprisingly, many CNAs are already enrolled in nursing school and use this job as an opportunity to study more about the healthcare industry and obtain more real-world experience and knowledge.

Others work as CNA to see if they want to go on to the next level of their healthcare careers.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified nursing assistants, unlike other nursing professionals, are not needed to have a college diploma. However, training is required, which leads to a non-degree certificate or diploma from a post-secondary institution. Because state-issued CNA credentials are required, prospective nursing assistants just need to enroll in a state-approved training program and then pass the licensure exam. Keep reading to learn more.

How To Become a Certified Nursing Assistant?

There's good news if you want to work as a CNA. Over the next decade, the Basic Life Support (BLS) predicts faster-than-average job growth. Employment is expected to rise by 8% in the next few years. The national average stands at 4%.

You'll need a high school diploma or GED, as well as nursing assistant training, to work as a CNA. Community colleges, trade schools, and medical facilities all offer these programs. Make sure your state's nursing board approves the program before enrolling.

You'll need to take a state exam once you've finished your coursework. Your basic nursing knowledge and skills will be examined. Aspiring CNAs will be tested in different settings such as daily living activities, communication, legal and ethical behavior, and working as a healthcare team member.

CNA Requirements for the State Certification and Licensing

To begin, you must enroll in a state-approved training program like Free CNA Training Florida. It is critical that your state approves your CNA school or training program. Each state also keeps an up-to-date list of approved CNA programs, so check with yours before enrolling. It's vital to know that most states will not allow you to take the exam if you went to an unapproved school.

The cornerstone of CNA training is built on sound patient-care concepts. Every authorized CNA school covers the same topics and teaches the same clinical skills. You'll learn the same techniques for providing safe and effective care as other CNA students around the country, regardless of where you attend school.

Whatever CNA school program you choose, you must pass the relevant licensure exam in order to obtain the CNA certification needed to work in the field. The exam covers the fundamental concepts covered in the curriculum.

The exam will vary per state, but it will consist of a mix of multiple-choice and manual skills assessments in most cases. You'll also be asked to perform specific abilities required of a licensed nursing assistant throughout the manual skills section. 

After you pass the exam, you are now eligible to work as a CNA in your state. 

Certified Nursing Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

CNAs play a vital role in improving the quality of life of their patients. They undertake a variety of chores under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to make their patients' days easier.

• Assisting patients in remaining clean and comfortable

• Assuring that patient rooms are clean

• Assisting patients with eating and drinking

• Assisting patients with physical movements, such as getting them in and out of bed or changing positions

• Answering call buttons and other patient requests 

• Taking vital signs and recognizing possible warning signals, such as blood pressure changes or signs of infection from the wound

Enroll In Free CNA Training 

If you are interested in becoming a CNA, you can always get free CNA training from a state-approved training program. If you are looking for one, you can check out Nursing Career Tips. They provide free training and even get tips, videos, and resources that can help you become the best CNA. They will also help you with legal and ethical issues in nursing. Visit the website today.