CNA Certification

A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is a primary care giver in nursing homes and hospitals. They work under supervision of nurses and assist patients with daily living activities and collect certain vital measurements, e.g. blood pressure, when directed. Becoming a certified nursing assistant has many benefits, foremost is that you can obtain your credentials quickly and inexpensively. While many schools offer courses from six months to a year, you can become a CNA in as little as six weeks if you have the aptitude and motivation. Some states, e.g. Florida, allow you to "challenge" the state's CNA certification exam, given certain conditions, without attending any formal state-approved training class. Of course, this is recommended for those who can learn quickly, or have some previous knowledge. Call your state board of health (or CNA agency), or visit their website to find out the rules in your state. They usually have a brochure for this.

Thousands of Americans are going back to school to pursue careers in nursing, and this includes positions as certified nursing assistants. The demand for qualified CNAs is always high, partially because of the need for medical personnel and also because of the inherrant difficulties of the job. Certified nursing assistants work closely with patients, which can be both physically and emotionally draining at times. However, this is a well-paying field that has never had too many workers, making the job of a CNA an attractive position for Americans who are retraining for new career paths.

Another great benefit of becoming a CNA is the opportunity to learn the healthcare system and use your knowledge to tackle advanced training as a LPN or RN, or other healthcare job. Many nurses started as CNAs. To prepare you for the state exam, each state has established a state-approved training class curriculum and approve specific facilities to conduct this training. Fees range from $300 to $1600 for the CNA course.

Regardless of the state, you will be required to pass two separate CNA exams. One written exam will test your knowledge of medical procedures and knowledge you can only gain from a current textbook. The other is a hands-on demonstration before a nurse. This is the most critical exam. You must be completely knowledgeable on how to perform all 22 clinical skills in the state-approved CNA training. These are available as videos on DVD (try eBay) and may exist on the web. The best clinical skill training is practice; in a nursing home or hospital would be ideal.

Here is what you need to get started.

• Locate website or tel. for your state board of nursing, board of health, or CNA registry
• From the board, obtain their CNA brochure
• Study the brouchre and decide if you qualify and what path you'll take
• Decide if you are allowed to and want to "challenge" the exam
• Get a CNA career book at your local library
• Find a list of CNA training schools in your area if you will take this course
• Find current textbooks on CNA exam prep, try Amazon.com
• Consider investing in a good medical dictionary (cost approx $40)
• Visit local nursing homes; ask about a free training program for CNA candidates
• Find practice tests and "clinical skills" videos to prepare for your training