It can be difficult to find a job in these days of rampant unemployment. In order to begin a new career, learning a new skill online has become increasingly popular. If this sounds good to you, you might consider becoming a CNA.
CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. There is demand for CNAs all over the country, It does not matter if you live in a big city or a small town – you will be able to find work as a CNA. If you move, you can bring your certificate with you – the only possible requirement will be that you update it if you go out of state.
Choosing to become a CNA has other advantages as well. This is not your run-of-the-mill nine-to-five job – it is a career that will serve you for a lifetime Many employers of CNAs offer medical and dental benefits and are very generous with their continuing education reimbursements.
While being a CNA can be lucrative in itself, it can also lead to a variety of even more fulfilling careers. CNA certification will provide you with job opportunities that can lead to career upgrades including obtaining an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or RN (Registered Nurse).
There are numerous classes available for those who want to be a CNA. Some classes are fee-based, some are not – you can go to a school near you – and you can actually complete your training in a relatively short period of time. It can also be done online, at home, in your spare time.
This program takes about 75 hours to complete. About two-thirds of these are classroom instruction and the rest are guided practice giving personal care in actual facilities. After you have completed your training, your instructor will give you a State Board of Nursing form to fill out.
Becoming a CNA involves five steps. You will first undergo a personality assessment. Patience in doing sometimes repetitive tasks to help people is a requirement. The desire to become a frontline member of a healthcare facility is necessary. Because patients see support staff numerous times a day, while a doctor may do rounds less frequently, it is important that you be able to stay on top of all your patients. You will need to be supportive, friendly, helpful, and pay close attention to detail.
Volunteering in a hospital is part of the program. While you can express interest in a particular department, you will perform various tasks during your volunteer duties. The appropriateness of this job for you will become obvious during this phase of your training.
The fourth step is completing the CNA Training Program. You will learn about the rights of the patients, how to provide proper standard of care and various legal issues. Learning how to use basic medical equipment and perform daily care procedures is taught at this time.
Finally, taking the Exam for CNA certification will open up a whole new world of possibilities for you.
Tags: Certified Nursing Assistant, cna certification, CNA Orlando, cna training program, CNAs, healthcare facility, Volunteering in a hospital