It’s been predicted that the need for Certified Nursing Assistants will grow higher than any other group of heathcare workers. And while becoming a CNA requires you to become certified, you may be surprised to learn how easy it is to achieve this status.
What do CNAs do?
Maybe you're thinking about a career in nursing but you're not quite ready to take the plunge. Maybe you've always known that nursing is where your heart is. Either way, a certified nursing assistant job can be a great choice.
Nursing aides often work directly with patients, under the supervision of medical staff, to tend to their patients' immediate medical needs. Nursing assistants also help patients with routine activities such as getting out of bed or assisting with meals. They can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, personal homes and other care centers. CNAs mainly deal with assisting the elderly, chronically sick and rehabilitation patients who can no longer take care of themselves.
Education requirements
To be a Certified Nursing Assistant you'll need at least a high school education or GED to complete the federally regulated requirements. All CNAs must finish at least 75 hours of a training course approved by the state, and then pass a test.
Some hospitals and nursing homes offer the class. Also, contact your local American Red Cross chapter, as they may offer the training. Make sure the class you choose to take is certified by the state. Depending on the intensity of the course, the classes can last anywhere from three to eight weeks and will conclude with scheduling a competency exam, which is administered by the state.
Once you complete the requirements, you're listed on a state registry of approved nursing aides. Sometimes individual states have additional requirements, so you'll also want to check what those are in your area.
Becoming a CNA is a great way to test out the medical field. If you’re thinking of becoming a Registered Nurse, this certification can help pave the way to this career path.
About Kim Costa
I agree with your last point. Working as a CNA is great way to become familiar with/exposed to the field of nursing.
I have known a lot of people who trained to become CNAs and then, after working as a CNA, decided to get more training and become a LPN or RN. Plus, for those who decided that nursing is not for them, training to become a CNA is a lot shorter and more affordable than the cost of becoming a RN.