Finding a job in these days of rampant unemployment can be difficult. It has become increasingly popular to switch careers in an effort to establish a financially successful future, and many are doing this by learning a new trade online. If this sounds like you, perhaps you might consider becoming a CNA.
CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant. This is a field where supply cannot keep up with demand. You can work anywhere from a backwater town to a big city and find your skills will be in demand. If you move to a new state, the most you will be required to do is update your certificate.
There are a host of advantages to those who choose to become a CNA. This is definitely not a boring nine-to-five job, and it does offer opportunities for advancement. Continuing education programs, health and dental benefits are often available for CNAs, which certainly cannot be said of many jobs.
Becoming a CNA can be your goal, or it can lead to other lucrative careers. Two of the ‘career upgrades’ that your CNA will qualify you for include becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or an Registered Nurse (RN).
To begin on your new career, you will have no trouble finding classes to become a CNA. You will be able to complete your training in a relatively short period of time, and you will find that the cost is less than you might think. You can do your coursework at home, online.
The training class takes about 75 hours to complete. About two-thirds of this training is done in a classroom, the rest is hands-on. Once this training course is completed, the CNA student is required to complete a State Board of Nursing form given by an instructor.
There are, in total five steps to becoming a CNA. The first is that you will undergo a personality assessment. You must obviously be interested in helping people, and have the patience to partake in some recurring tasks on a daily basis. The desire to become a frontline member of a healthcare facility is necessary. Very often support staff is the first, and most important, part of a patient’s visit to a healthcare facility. It is up to this support staff to be friendly, accurate and helpful.
Volunteering in a hospital is part of the program. You may have the chance to choose which department, or field, you are active in. Success here will indicate the appropriateness of this job for you.
Completing the coursework of the CNA Training Program is the fourth step. Some of the topics included here will be understanding patient care standards, legal issues, and both your and the patients’ rights and responsibilities. Performing daily care procedures and proper use of medical equipment will also be taught.
Finally, taking the Exam for CNA certification will open up a whole new world of possibilities for you.
Tags: Certified Nursing Assistant, CNA certification Oregon, Licensed Practical Nurse