Tuesday, August 25, 2009

CNA As An Introduction To Nursing

I recently wrote about free CNA classes online. Even though this is a blog about nursing, I get a lots of questions about the coming a certified nursing assistant, especially about the American Red Cross CNA class.

For many people, being a nursing assistant. Is there introduction to nursing as a career. Although nursing prerequisites don't require being a nurse assistant, it can certainly help in understanding the job and gaining real world experience.

Many people feel that way or go to get your nursing degree plays a big part in getting good nursing jobs. This is not necessarily true. Whether or you go through online LPN nursing classes, or a campus at the best nursing schools, demand is so high that you will still have choice of jobs.

Eve in the nursing schools overseas, such as those in the Philippines, turn out graduates who have their pick of jobs. Almost anywhere in the world. There is such an on going worldwide or ditch nurses, that programs can't turn out enough qualified people fill all the jobs. This chronic shortage is expected to continue well into the next decade.

Health care is such a dynamic and growing fields, almost any career path promises lifetime job security and the opportunity to earn higher pay. With so many people, out of work were in danger of losing their jobs, having a degree or certification insurers that you will never be out of work if you don't want to be. How many people, and how many careers can make that boast?

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Certified Nursing Assistant Training

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, requires completing a CNA training class and passing the state exam. CNAs work closely with patients, under the supervision of a nurse.

This job is also sometimes referred to as a "home health care aide," "nurse's aide," "patient care technician" or "orderly." CNAs provide numerous forms of assistance to patients, including feeding, bathing and grooming. They also assist nurses with medical equipment, take vital signs and relay information about the patients' conditions to nurses, providing enhanced care to their patients.

The CNA position is often considered a stepping stone in the career path of licensed nurse. Many nurses start out as CNAs and then bring to their nursing training valuable experience gained as a CNA. People who have chosen to become CNAs cite numerous reasons for doing so. One of the most frequently mentioned reasons is the amount of direct personal contact that CNAs have with patients.

A CNA is likely to be the medical professional whom a patient sees most frequently. This allows CNAs to provide care in the form of paying attention to a patient's health and emotional needs. CNAs make conversation with patients and collect information about the patients' well-being, symptoms and progress. Some people also cite job stability based on the number of people in the United States who are likely to need nursing assistance in the future remains high, which should keep CNAs in demand for years to come. Others note that the starting salary for CNAs, which can vary depending on years of experience, is in the range of $22,000 to $28,000.

CNAs can work in a variety of locations, including:

  • (1) patients' homes;
  • (2) nursing homes;
  • (3) assisted living facilities;
  • (4) hospitals;
  • (5) hospices;
  • (6) mental health centers.

In order to enroll in a CNA training program, a person needs to have a high school degree or GED. CNA training programs vary in length from 6 to 12 weeks, and are usually offered at community colleges or medical facilities.

Students participate in a classroom component and also practice skils in a clinical setting. In the classroom, students will learn about anatomy and physiology of the human body, nutrition, infection control and certain basic nursing skills. In clinical settings, students will learn how to transfer patients to and from beds and chairs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and certain other nursing skills.

Clinical portions of a training program are designed to give students "hands-on" experience so that they are prepared to care for patients on their first day as a CNA. In terms of certification to practice as a CNA, the requirements are different in each state. However, most schools that offer training programs also offer certification. Prospective students are advised to inquire as to whether the school they have chosen offers certification. In the event that the school does not offer certification through its training program, it may also be possible to obtain certification through a national association for home health care.

Interested in becoming a CNA? You can find more information about the job, the training, and requirements at CNA Training Class: http://www.cnatrainingclass.com