By
Lanee’ Blunt
A
certified nurse assistant is an important member of the healthcare team. They
take care of residents in a long term care facility, a hospital, and a home-care
environment. They provide basic care such as checking vital signs, cleaning and
bathing patients, serving meals, helping residents eat and dress, and use the
toilet. A CNA must complete a training program and successfully pass a
knowledge test and a clinical skills test.
Education
In
most states you must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.
You must pass a State Police background check; have a valid State-ID card and a
social security number. You must have a negative PPD TB skin test. There is
some physical exertion with a lifting requirement of a minimum of 50 pounds.
You must pass a drug screening test if it is requested by the clinical
facility, but this is not required at the time of registration.
Training Program
To
become a CNA you must enroll in a training program where you will learn the
basic principles of nursing. Programs are found in community college, technical
school, American Red Cross, hospitals and nursing homes. There are some high
schools that offer nursing aide training also. The training program has to be
state approved and a minimum of 75 hours of classroom training and 75 hours of
clinical training. You will have to complete the training, pass the training
program final examination, and receive a nursing assistant training program
certificate of completion before you can take the state examination.
Certification
You
will have to fill out an application for certification with your State Board of
Nursing. You may find the Nursing Assistant application packet online. Send in
your certificate of training completion, the fee for the examination, and the completed
application packet. Make sure to sign your application or it will be returned
and will delay processing. You will receive a letter or an email if you have
met all of the requirements and are eligible to test.
Job Outlook
The
career offers job growth with the increasing population of the elderly and many
CNA’s will be needed in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and
home-healthcare services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics a nurse’s
aide will earn $10.00 to $11.54 per hour.
They usually are full time employees and may work all shifts, weekends
and holidays.
See also:
References:
