Being a CNA entails different obligations which make them functional in the medical team. Like all member s of the team which caters the health needs of patients, CNAs too, also play their part in maintaining patient health and comfort.
What is a CNA?
A CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant is a part of the medical team which has different roles and responsibilities similar to nurses, although lesser in scope when it comes to their practices in the hospital. They are primarily assigned to have direct interaction with the patient as they are in-charge of maintaining the comfort and basic health needs of patients in the clinical and home setting.
What are the different institutions that employ CNAs?
The main institution which caters CNAs is the hospital. It is a home to different medical personnels as they work together to achieve a common goal, that is, to provide care to patients who are suffering from different medical conditions. Aside from the hospital, there are also opportunities for CNAs in other facilities such as hospice care centers for patients suffering from chronic diseases, nursing homes for elderlies, private clinics for out-patient concerns and wellness clinics for those who wish to regularly seek medical advice and help.
If you want to become a CNA, then all you have to do is attend a training program for CNA classes. Training itself lasts for three to six months, where there are different lessons taught concerning the different duties and responsibilities of CNAs in relation to their job description.
Training is ladderized, the main subjects taught concern sciences and nursing care responsibilities at a basic level. As the training progress, students are taught complex procedures which they can perform at the clinical setting.
There are also hands-on exercises in order to equip students with real-life practical skills they can use in case their medical help is needed by patients. Dummies and equipments are also provided by the school depending on the policies of the training program.
Is there a certification?
Yes, there is. In fact, certification is offered at the end of the training program. How to become a cna are required to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) where they are given multiple choice questions which rate their knowledge, skills and abilities as a nursing assistant. There are two sets of exams, the first one being centered on knowledge and ideas about being a CNA. The other one is a hands-on exercise where they are required to perform certain procedures which equip them in becoming a certified nursing assistant.
