Due to current unemployment rates, finding a job has become difficult. In order to begin a new career, learning a new skill online has become increasingly popular. Becoming a CNA is one of the job opportunities that fulfills these requirements.
A CNA is a Certified Nursing Assistant. There are jobs available for CNAs all over the US. As a CNA, you will be able to work in any city, from small town to large city. 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.
This is just the beginning of the advantages of choosing to become a CNA. This is not your run-of-the-mill nine-to-five job – it is a career that will serve you for a lifetime Continuing education programs, health and dental benefits are often available for CNAs, which certainly cannot be said of many jobs.
You can also choose to use your CNA as a sort of stepping stone. 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).
To get started you will need to take classes to get your CNA, and this is almost as easily said as done. 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. You can do your coursework at home, online.
This program takes about 75 hours to complete. You will spend about one-third of this time in hands-on practical application – the rest is done in the classroom (or online). At the completion of your training, you will receive a State Board of Nursing form from your instructor.
There are actually five steps which lead to becoming a CNA. The first is that you will undergo a personality assessment. If you are interested in helping people and are willing to sometimes perform repetitive tasks to do so, you are on the right track. You will also be asked if you are willing to take a leadership role in healthcare. 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 will be encouraged to volunteer in a variety of departments. Your performance here will be assessed, and will be a good indication of your suitability to becoming a CNA.
Completing the CNA Training Program is the fourth step. You will learn about patient rights and responsibilities as well as standards of care. Learning how to use basic medical equipment and perform daily care procedures is taught at this time.
When you have completed your training, you will take the Exam for CNA certification and a whole new career will be available.
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