Training To Be A Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified nursing assistants, while not having the fanciest job title in the facility, certainly have a very important job; requiring compassion and skills in patient care tantamount to the comfort and peace of mind of their patients. CNAs are also referred to as nurses aides, orderlies, patient care technicians, as well as home health aides, and work under the supervision of a qualified nurse, providing assistance for patients in basic tasks not requiring qualifications in medical skills.

Beyond taking certified nursing assistant training and passing the state CNA exam, they can then go on to find employment in hospitals and nursing homes, facilities for mental health or assisted living, as well as private homes. Due to increased long-term nursing requirements of today's aging population, job prospects are increasingly good for CNAs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forcasts a 28% growth in nursing assistant jobs by 2016, with the fastest job growth expected among home health aides. This demand means there are an abundance of facilities offering certified nurse assistant training, which involves a 6 to 12 week course before sitting your final CNA exam. Some health care facilities like nursing homes will provide free classes or pay-as-you-learn projects, and sometimes will also pay for your exams, although they will expect you to stay there to work for a certain period of time in exchange for these helping hands.

Other training courses are available through local community colleges or even through your Red Cross, though these will cost you anything from $300-$600 for a course lasting up to 6 months; offering more extensive training. Wherever the training course is taken, you are required to sit the state exam in order to become certified; these exams are usually done on a prearranged date and time. The exams include written and clinical portions: the written portion is based on commonsense principles and notes taken in class, while the clinical part may be found to be more difficult and nerve wracking. Look for practice written tests online to give you an idea what to prepare for.

Bear in mind that if you want to be hired at any health care facility, you must be open to background checks and drug testing, as required by law. Beyond that, once you have completed your certified nursing training and taken the CNA exam, all you will need is patience, a good bedside manner and the ability to show compassion and care for your patients.

If you're interested in learning more about becoming a nursing assistant and nursing assistant training follow these links for additional information on this rewarding career

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