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.