Certified Nursing Assistant programs are a blend of applied practical sessions and teaching sessions to fully prepare you effectively carry out your duties and face whatever challenges that come your way as a nursing assistant. Your duties consist of updating patient forms, patient bedside care, delivery of needed medical supplies and support for the head nurse. It is also the responsibility of the Nursing Assistant to complete the assessment of nurses, administer medication, administer CPR when necessary, and prepare the operating room.
It is also your duty to help in bathing and feeding the patients if they are not able to do those things themselves. You are also expected to develop some skills in recognizing problems like dementia and depression, preventing infections, positioning patients and body mechanics.
Certified Nursing Assistant Programs
Good Certified Nursing Assistant programs can be found at nursing care facilities, vocational-technical centers and community colleges. You can also find many of the programs online. Before getting enrolled in any program, make sure that it is recognized by the Board of Nursing in your state. The board is usually under the Department of Health and Human Services. The program must be approved, and certificates issued acceptable in major employing institutions.
Most Certified Nursing Assistant programs are 75 credit hours long, requiring between 4 and 12 weeks to complete. If you go through longer programs, it does not mean you will be better prepared, but you need to decide on the program with which you will be comfortable. Most of the courses usually offered include infection control, physiology, communication skills, anatomy, personal-care skills and rights of residents. A good program consists of a 16-hour supervised internship at a clinical environment, while the rest of that time is divided between laboratory practice and classroom instruction.
Certified Nursing Assistant programs require more than just having textbook knowledge. More will be required from you in terms of practice techniques at a medical facility with real patients, with the program costing between $500 and $1400. Textbook learning forms the foundation of the program, and you will be required to go through that with direct clinical experience. You will be expected to work with an experienced nurse at the hospital, taking care of patients, and you will get helpful insights and assistance needed to help you improve your techniques. The clinical part is a very important one because it gives you the skills which will be needed on the job.
At the end of the Certified Nursing Assistant programs, you are required to sit for an examination before being certified to work anywhere as a CNA. The exam comprises written and clinical parts, which test the skills learned to show that you are ready for employment. The clinical part requires you to carry out different nursing duties for the RN who is observing you. The observer will take note of your cleanliness and competency on the job. If you are able to succeed in both parts, you will be certified and given permission to start your career as a nursing assistant.
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im interested in your certified nursing assistant program would like more information