The turnover rate and the demand for CNA is high due to the current nursing shortage that is happening throughout the country. This shortage however, provides more jobs and increased benefits for those who are working towards their nursing career or plans to pursue a career in this field.

What Is A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

A Certified Nursing Assistant is an individual who provides assistant to patients with healthcare needs. A CNA generally work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

How to Become A CNA

All CNAs must take an examination before they become qualified nursing assistants.
CNAs will need to get certified through accredited CNA courses, whether in a traditional classroom or through online classes. Most training for a CNA is done through programs offered by community colleges, online schools and through medical facilities and the Red Cross. Many schools offer training within medical facilities as part of their course programs as well. Keep in mind that every state is different in regards to amount of time required for training and testing and the type of environment where you’d like to work, so before you begin, you should contact your State Nurse Aide Registry or State Licensing Board to check their CNA requirements.

Taking the CNA Exam

First you will need to take a State exam to receive your CNA certification. The exam consists of two parts:

1. A written exam – This is bases upon common sense and the learning you accomplished during your CNA training.

2. A clinical exam –This test consists of sowing your clinical skills and abilities. You may be asked to bring someone in with you to act as a patient for demonstration purposes.

Responsibilities of A CNA

A certified nursing assistant job is fast-paced and will vary with the level of education, experience and certification. However, CNAs generally provide basic needs for patients in their care such as assisting patients with eating, dressing, and bathing. They also help to serve meals, make beds, tidy up rooms, take patients’ temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, or blood pressure and record and report any changes in patients’ health condition to their supervisors.

CNA vs. LPN and RN

CNAs have almost as much knowledge as an LPN or RN but without the medical training to back up that their experience. This can limit CNAs from performing other patient care outside their CNA certification because issues of liability and legality prevent the CNA from performing certain procedures. In most cases CNAs serves as the eyes and ears of RN’s or LPN’s.

CNA students can take advantage of nursing scholarships that can assist them in bearing study expenses. CNA is a rewarding career with great job opportunities. A strong desire to help those in need and a compassion for providing patients care is what you will need to succeed in this profession.