A Step-by-step Guide To Becoming A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a member of the healthcare industry who offers patients and residents in assisted living, independent living, nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare institutions primary nursing care and assistance. They provide patient care by bathing, taking vital signs, feeding, and assisting with daily activities. The medical staff includes doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and CNAs. An excellent way to enter the nursing business without spending years in college getting a degree is by becoming a certified nurse assistant (CNA) or studying to pass the TEAS 7 exam with this help. Here is the step-by-step guide to becoming a nursing assistant and working in your dream workplace. 

Why become a certified nursing assistant? 

Healthcare professionals like CNAs may be the sole company for patients who are alone or have no family during this COVID-19 outbreak. After a shorter training period, being a CNA offers the chance to try nursing and investigate prospective specialist areas. With both offering specialties in acute care, gerontology, oncology, family practice, and pediatrics, a CNA credential can open doors to school programs and careers as registered nurses or advanced practice nurses. CNAs assist individuals in developing fundamental nursing skills and learning about patient care in various healthcare settings. They are thought of as entry-level nursing positions. CNAs collaborate, support, and network with doctors, RNs, nurse practitioners, and other medical specialists. Their work lays a strong foundation for future progress in the nursing profession.

Step 1: Get an educational certification

Unlike most other nursing positions, a college degree is not necessary to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). To become a certified nursing assistant, you must complete a curriculum that includes instruction in personal patient care, infection control, monitoring vital signs, communication, mental health, and other fundamental healthcare skills. The only requirement for enrolling in a CNA training program is typically a high school certificate or GED. For being able to be involved in the program, some people get the advantage of an authentic CNA certificate maker, which allows them to have educational proof. You can start CNA lessons immediately if you already have one of the documents. Then, after having these qualifications, you will need to start the training program for the necessary knowledge and experience to become a CNA. 

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

While the length of CNA training programs varies from state to state, the majority of programs call for at least 75 hours of classroom teaching, as well as time spent working as a nurse’s aide or shadowing an experienced nurse. Numerous evaluations will be expected of you as you move through the course to show off your knowledge and abilities. Most of the time spent in class will be spent studying subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical jargon. The introduction to many facets of healthcare will be covered in the courses, with a focus on particular facets of nursing care, such as bathing, dressing, and patient feeding. In a short period of time, this training will get you ready to meet with medical professionals, communicate with them, and provide basic medical care as needed.

Step 3: Complete In-Person Clinical Training

Before taking the exam and getting your certification, you must complete an on-site clinical training program at a hospital or healthcare facility after completing your CNA education. Although most states go beyond the minimum required by federal rules, all CNA training programs must include at least 16 hours of “hands-on” clinical experience. This session will confirm your knowledge and understanding of pertinent nursing standards and your ability to bear the physical demands of the profession. You will be supervised by a Certified Nursing Assistant or Registered Nurse who will serve as your mentor and teacher during your education, known as “clinical studies.”. You will learn how to handle a CNA’s daily duties during your clinical studies and have numerous opportunities to put key abilities, such as monitoring vital signs, administering medication, and other patient care responsibilities, into practice.

Step 4: Pass the Certification exam

Once your on-site clinical training is finished, you can sit for a state-approved test. The exam aims to confirm that you possess the information and abilities required to provide adequate nursing care. Twenty states use the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) to assess your suitability for certification. The remaining states each have their tests that applicants must pass in order to become CNAs. The exam will cover various nursing-specific topics, such as physical care skills, psychosocial care skills, and nurse aide roles. You’ll be put to the test on your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and emergency procedures, as well as your ability to cater to the demands of clients who need health maintenance, promotion, and restoration.

Step 5: Obtain employment

Hospitals, assisted living communities, adult day care facilities, and private homes employ nursing assistants. Because of an increase in the number of older adults, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that employment for nursing aides will increase by 8% between 2020 and 2030. Nursing aides who quit the field owing to the mental and physical strain of the work may leave vacancies in other positions. You could continue your studies and become a medical assistant after earning your CNA certification. You should also consider enrolling in nursing school to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. When applying to these schools, your prior experience as a CNA may be advantageous.