Certified Nursing Assistant And Certification

Certified nursing assistant certification

In today’s economy, finding a job can be difficult.  However, there are certain segments that do offer plenty of opportunity.  The medical field is one such segment where there is a great need for new workers.  In particular, nursing is in high demand.

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an important job.  It is also commonly referred to as an order lie or a home health aide.  As a nursing assistant, your job would be to provide help caring for patients that need some extra attention.  You might work in a nursing home or an adult assisted living facility.  You may assist someone who is elderly or disabled.  With today’s aging population, many people call on a nursing assistant to provide support so they can maintain their independence and be able to live in their own homes.

CNA training requires you to take certain classes and earn a certification that will qualify you as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  It varies from state to state, but usually requires a 6 to 12 week program at a community college or similar educational facility.

You will learn how to take a patient’s vital signs and some additional medical procedures.  You will learn how to properly help a patient out of bed and how to help them bathe and get dressed.  Interacting with a patient to understand their needs and provide a friendly face is probably the most important part of the training.

Once you have undergone your CNA training, you will then be asked to take and pass a test to get your certification. The test is given in two parts.  There is a written test where you will be asked to answer roughly 70 multiple choice questions and then there is a demonstrated skills test.  In the demonstrated skills test, you will be evaluated in a real life situation where you may be asked to take a patient’s blood pressure and temperature, serve them food and maybe change the linens on their bed.  Your bedside manor will also be observed.

According to the latest data from Salary.com, a nursing assistant can make from $25,000 to about $35,000, depending upon experience and specific employment situations.  The field is growing and demand is expected to increase in upcoming years.

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