A certified nurse assistant or CNA is a health care professional that functions under the supervision of a registered nurse. Although the job of a CNA is not as broad as that of a registered nurse or even a licensed practical nurse, CNAs are essential part of the medical care team. They provide the basic patient care services most other health personnel can’t handle.
For those wanting to become a certified nurse assistant, there are training requirements and other qualifications that must be met as mandated by local jurisdictions.
Prospective certified nurse assistants should have completed at least a high school education to qualify. There are rare cases when a college education or experience is required. Other requirements include completing an approved course of study that is related to the responsibilities and duties of a nurse aide.
Training as a certified nurse aides have these requirements:
• Completing 75 hours of classroom experience
• 16 to 20 hours of clinical training supervised by a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse
After the training is completed then you can apply for certification. The certified nurse assistant candidate must comply with the mandated requirements when applying for certification.
These requirements include passing a written exam with or without supervised clinical training in a hospital or other health care facilities. In some countries nursing aid certification follow different processes depending on the environment the individual chooses to work. For example, there will be a different certification process for nursing aides planning to work in hospitals as compared to ones planning to work in nursing homes.
Aside from getting certified, many jurisdictions also require CNAs to complete a number of training hours on a yearly basis. The purpose of this is to make sure that certified nursing assistants are as well-versed in techniques and procedures as fresh graduates. This can also be referred as a proficiency check for the benefit of the patients if not the hospital’s or facility’s reputation.
Also, to renew a nursing aide’s license, it is necessary to provide proof of continuing education.
For you to learn the specific courses and requirements needed to be a certified nurse assistant in your area, you may contact your local Nurses Association for this information. They may be able to help you contact agencies that oversee training programs and set you up in on-site clinical training that is helpful for you when applying for certification.
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- 4 Easy Steps on How to Become a CNA
- CNA Certification: Finding State-Approved CNA Programs