Certified Nurse Assistant Training Programs

What do Certified Nurse Assistant Training Programs Encompass?
A certified nurse assistant, also referred to as a CNA is a health professional who has received training on providing daily care to patients. They are health care assistants who work under the supervision of senior medical personnel like doctors, specialist nurses and RNs to help patients with routine living chores while in hospital. For clarity, some states use terms like Nurse Aide, Personal Care Technician, Orderly to refer to the Assistant Nurse.

Since certified nurse assistants spend relatively more time with patients than any other medical staff, they are relied upon by doctors and RNs to report on patients’ proceedings and response to treatment. They provide key information on patients’ trends by submitting vital signs regarding the patients to senior medical staff.

What is the Eligibility for Admission into Certified Nurse Assistant Training programs?

Becoming a CNA is quite simple because the requirements are not exaggerated. You will need a high school diploma and you will have an easy time if you were good in sciences. Some training schools may also ask for a GED instead of a high school diploma.

It is also quite common for some states to ask for a clean criminal and drug abuse record. If there are state-specific requirements to enroll for assistant nurse training programs, they can be provided by your states Nurse Aide Registry.

The Curriculum of CNA Trainees

The curriculum of CNAs is not quite a hassle and it is easy to learn the concepts. Generally, student nurses are trained on how to feed, groom and maintain the hygiene of their patients. Since CNAs have more contact with the patients, they must be trained to create good rapports with their patients.  Just like any other medical profession, you must learn a bit of anatomy and physiology.

Other code of ethics of the healthcare are also taught which include patient privacy, medical law, displaying patient dignity and being respectful.

In addition to the theory part, there are practical lessons where the student has to meet the real patients. This is meant to access your ability to carry out your nurse- aide roles under the supervision of a RN.

Training duration for CNA Programs

Although this may as well differ among states, the average time required to complete a nurse assistant training program is six months with some programs running for as short  as two weeks or as long as nine months.

Like other minor nursing careers, CNAs can get their training in community colleges, vocational schools and hospital settings. Some hospitals are also willing to offer free training to aspiring assistant nurses and even paying for their certification. Other non-governmental organizations like the American Red cross may also train Assistant nurses who wish to work as volunteers.

State Certification for Nurse Aides

It is good to distinguish at this point that assistant nurses is the term used to refer to nurse aides who have graduated or are practicing without certification. But they gain a new title upon certification to be known as Certified Nurses Assistants.

The state certification exam is a two-part test; a written multiple choice test and a practical skills test. The practical part assess your mastery on three to five nurse assisting skills like infection control, hygiene, nutrition, dignity towards patient, privacy, monitoring of vital signs among others.

Requesting for Certified Nurse Assistant Reciprocity

Ordinarily, CNAs cannot work in other states outside of which they have been certified. However if a CNA wishes to shift and work in another state, they must to request reciprocity; which means that you will be requesting the new state to accept you a certified Nurse assistant.

In this case, you will have to apply for enrollment by reciprocity from your states Nurse Aide Registry. A little explanation concerning your reasons for moving may be required and if it is validated, you will be allowed to work in the new state. This process can be done directly in the new state or by the assistance of your current state depending on urgency.