Showing posts with label cna class. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cna class. Show all posts

Monday, October 19, 2009

Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs Are Rewarding and in Demand

Written by Melanie Ullman
Many people automatically think of a position in a nursing home when they think about Certified Nursing Assistant jobs as it is very likely that is where the biggest demands of the industry lay; however that is not the only place where you can enjoy your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Obviously nursing is not just about giving a shot or dispensing medication it is about being able to listen to the patients and since that is the basis of paid or free CNA training they are important to the effective treatment of patients when aiding the other healthcare professionals. Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs are very important in places such as nursing homes as often time’s they are the ones that spend the most time with the patients so they will likely be the first ones to notice that something is just off with one of their patients. Perhaps a subtle change in a patient’s attitude is a sign of a serious condition or perhaps a change in their regular medication routine is not producing the desire results. This type of training is one thing that makes Certified Nursing Assistant jobs so much in demand.

Often times there are openings for Certified Nursing Assistant jobs in the area of home visitation. The CNA’s are not allowed to hand out the medication or the jobs that would normally be performed by a nurse, but they can use their training to help those with physical disabilities and may have difficulties performing daily tasks. They may be responsible for helping the person bathe or any other number of chores, something that is of immense help to the person that is receiving the care, perhaps it keeps them from having to be hospitalized or depend upon moving in with relatives.

Many times there are Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs that are available at schools or daycare locations where they can assist children with a number of health related issues before they become a more serious problem. For instance, they may spot a particular infection such as ringworm, or perhaps lice, and get it handled before it gets out of control.

There may also be Certified Nursing Assistant jobs available in rehabilitation groups or some type of similar program. The licensed professionals will, of course, do all of the actually therapy work but the Certified Nursing Assistant will often have much more time to spend with the patients, helping to develop relationships, help tend to their needs, relay important information to the therapists and really become a very important part of the patient’s recovery process.

If you have ever even considered working in the medical field, especially in the specialized area of nursing, there is an abundance of Certified Nursing Assistant jobs available and this could be just what you have been looking for; some will work as a CNA while studying to get their degree in nursing, while others end up enjoying the work so much that they decide to stay right where they are.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Online Nursing Programs - Is It Even Doable?

By Melanie Ullman
Programs such as online LPN nursing classes are becomingly increasingly popular, since it allows students to get their degrees or certifications without having to change their schedules.

The Internet, with its great flexibility and ease of use has become a huge part of many people's lives. People use the Net to meet and start families, find and communicate with relatives they have lost, seek out and get jobs, take care of their health and get education. No wonder that you can now start a very successful nursing career taking online nursing programs that will prepare you for what might turn out to be the opportunity of a lifetime.

Why Nursing?

There are jobs that will always be in demand. We need teachers to teach our children. We need doctors to take care of the sick. We need lawyers to represent us in court and... we need nurses to help us take care of ourselves when we can't. If you want to have a fulfilling job that will make you feel good about yourself, because you'll be helping people, as well as give you a great salary, then nursing is just right for you.

Why Online Nursing Programs?

We all live in a very busy world. We have things going on all the time in our lives, so it's really convenient to be able to take classes whenever you want, do homework in your spare time and go through tests at your leasure.

Another great things about those programs is that they are usually much cheaper than going to the campus, spending money for travel and eating out all the time. When you participate in online nursing programs, all you have to do is log in to your student area and you can immediately start working. Can you imagine how much time it's going to save you?

What Should You Know Before You Sign Up For An Online Nursing Program?

There are a few things you need to be aware of before you join an online nursing program. One of the most important things, in my humble opinion at least, is security. You need to be sure that the information you exchange online with the school is absolutely safe. Most of the reputable nursing schools are safe to access online, all you have to do is a bit of research.

Another thing you have to pay close attention to is the faculty and staff. Again, most reputable schools publish information about the educators working at the school. If you visit the online nursing program's home page, you'll easily be able to verify the teachers' academic background.

These are just a few things that are crucial for you to know when you consider joining an online nursing program. It's impossible for me to cover everything you should know before joining a nursing program online, but I'd like you to check out this website if you feel like you need to do a little more research.

Some other resources that might be helpful are Hubpages (http://hubpages.com/hub/Nursing-School-Programs)and Squidoo (http://www.squidoo.com/nursingschoolprograms)

Not ready to commit to becoming a nurse? Consider becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant! Like nursing, you can take your courses and prepare for the CNA certification test online.

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

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Nursing Programs and CNA Training

Nursing school program accreditation is a self-regulatory voluntary process where schools and/or programs that have been found to conform to or surpass certain standards and criteria for educational quality.

For nursing school programs, there are two national organizations that provide accreditation: NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) and CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).

Even though not every nursing school and nursing program is CCNE or NLNAC accredited, and it's certainly possible to obtain a quality nursing education without going to an accredited nursing school, a degree from an institution accredited by one of these organizations virtually guarantees you to be qualified to attend another accredited school of nursing, should you be interested in an advanced degree, for example an RN-to-BSN or Master’s degree.

It's also worth noting that some some scholarships are available only to students attending accredited nursing programs.

If you feel unprepared for nursing courses, you can find plenty of courses you to help you get ready to tackle the nursing school program curriculum, as well as a host of online resources offering you advice about various nursing career choices. Some of these resources will even direct you to specific programs for nursing that are in your local area.

You might also want to consider becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). There are plenty of free CNA classes online that can help you get your certification.

No matter where you live, what your position is, you can find nursing school programs that you can enter now, either by visiting the local campus or school directly, or enrolling online.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Become A Certified Nursing Assistant With Red Cross CNA Classes

If you're interested in becoming a nurse assistant, you may be interested in the Red Cross CNA Class (Certified Nursing Assistant). Though you can get this certification through many nursing programs, the Red Cross offers a nationally recognized program.

There are many different nursing school programs out there today, but which one should you choose? Are you confused about what differentiates one type of nurse from another? This article will introduce you to a few programs and what kind of nurse you can become.

Many people enter the nursing world as a Certified Nursing Assistant, commonly called nurse's aides. A CNA's education is limited, which means it is easy to become one, but your responsibilities will be few and general in nature. You would perform tasks like making beds, feeding and bathing patients, and checking vital signs. You will not be doing any invasive procedures. For a Certified Nursing Assistant, there is no college required. There are vocational training programs you can participate in. Once your studies and practicum are complete, usually within a few weeks, you can get certified and start working.

The next step up from a CNA is the Licensed Practical Nurse. The LPN are the foot soldiers of the nursing world. They supervise CNA's and take their instructions from an RN. You would be responsible for patient charts, medicating patients, assisting other nurses, injections, and more. To be an LPN, you must obtain an associate's degree in nursing, but this can be completed in one to two years. At the end of your courses, you will have to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Only then can you become licensed and being work.

A Registered Nurse or RN can provide all the care of the CNA, LPN, plus have added responsibilities in patient care and surgery and take their orders directly from physicians. This type of nurse will oversee the LPNs and CNAs. To be an RN, the minimum requirement is an associate's degree in nursing. A four-year bachelor's degree, though, is more widely preferred. No matter which educational approach you take to becoming an RN, you will still have to take and pass the NCLEX-RN before licensed and able to work.

If you are already an LPN or RN, universities offer you options to continue your education. There is a program called RN to BSN, which provides a registered nurse with only an associate's degree to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The same exists for an LPN but is slightly different. If you still want to take your education farther, you can climb all the way up to a PhD with hard work and ambition.

So, now that you know more about the different forms of nurses and nursing school programs, including the Red Cross CNA class, you can decide which one matches your personality. The CNA requires the least amount of education while the LPN and RN take more time and study. The health care field is always growing, so your job outlook is good!

Click here if you'd like to learn more about Red Cross CNA Class