Individuals who undergo Certified Nursing Assistant training practice their skills in places such as nursing homes and hospitals. This is called clinical practice. Certified Nursing Assistants (also known as Nurses Aides, orderlies, or health aides) work under the supervision of a nurse and thus should possess comparable qualities and skills. In addition, they work with pediatric and geriatric patients who have various kinds of illness.
The Certified Nursing Assistant Training last 6-12 weeks depending on the agency that supervises the training, costing from $300 to $1000,and is most likely available in the town where you live.
There are some health care agencies and community colleges that offer free training or where you may pay as you go, or sometimes even paid training. The Department of Health offers scholarship programs that cover the cost of the training as well as the cost of the certification exam.
Recently, the Air Force Aid Society Spouse Employment Program offered a CNA Program to eligible and interested spouses of active military. They pay ten spouses yearly, and all you have to do is call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at your local AFB.
A nursing assistant can choose whether to take the exam for licensure or prefer to work after the training. Exam Passers have higher work opportunities compared to non-license nurse aides.
The exam is divided into two parts, the basic nursing skills (patient’s medical history, laboratory procedures and patient care techniques) and clinical practical skills. A qualified nursing instructor evaluates nursing students taking part 2 of the exam, using a live model for demonstration. Results are given immediately. Failure means to retake the exam.
Useful sites online such as Med Care and Nursing Assistant Central, offer practice test to polish your knowledge before taking the actual exam at Pearson Education website.
Feeding, bed-making, bed baths, and ambulation are just a few of the responsibilities of a nurse. Other duties includes providing treatment plans and assure that patients are not deprived of their rights.
A skilled nurse aide receives $13-$14 per hour with expected salary ranges from $20,000-$30,000 per year. They work full time or part time and can choose between morning, evening or night shift.
To further expand their skills a nurse can study to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN).
Also, a nurse aide can pursue Red Cross CNA Training Program, a 171 hour course that requires extensive physical exertion. Thus, students interested in the program are required for a general health check-up and should be physically equipped.
Find the nearest health agency or community college in your area today. Join a Certified Nursing Assistant Training and be part of a team who save lives.