We all know very well the importance of the role of certified nursing assistants in healthcare facilities.
In the current medical scenario, where the healthcare standards are rising, the need for CNAs have substantially grown up.
However, many people misinterpret this profession, thinking that CNAs do not possess specific skill sets, related to medical field.
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant
Not everyone can be qualified to be a certified nursing assistant. There is a particular training course and certification program for being a certified CNA. Only if a candidate successfully accomplishes the course and passes out the tests, he/she will be eligible for CNA certificate. So, never underrate the abilities of CNAs. Job opportunities are immense for CNAs. People with aging difficulties or critical ailments need the assistance of CNAs to take care of themselves. Opportunities for this profession exist in many areas starting from healthcare facilities and hospitals to old age homes, rehabs, and private homes.
Who offers CNA Certification?
There are many good training institutes and schools that offer CNA certification programs. Here, they train candidates to acquire skills related to patient care, basic medications, and even critical condition handling. Along with basic theoretical knowledge, candidates are also given practical training and live case handling experience. Mostly, the curriculum is designed for 70 to 100 hours of classes. But again, it depends on the institute, and their methodology.
What does the course include?
The whole course is divided into theoretical and practical modules. In the theoretical teachings, trainers educate about legal terms associated with the job profile, the rights of the CNAs, and their responsibilities towards patients. Knowledge about different types of diseases, their names, symptoms, and medications are imparted to the students. This learning will happen on a daily basis.
On the other hand, the practical aspects of the course would include training on important procedures, situation analysis and handling, and how to practically take care of the patients in all ways. For instance, candidates will learn how to carefully help the patients in taking turns on the bed, assisting them in walking, helping them in using urinary bag and catheter.
To help patients, CNAs must first know how to use things and take care of sufferers in critical conditions. Candidates learn to use basic medical equipment, taking blood pressure, collecting samples, injections, and many more general medical procedures.
The responsibility
Apart from practical and theoretical knowledge, something even more important that CNA students learn is moral responsibility. They are taught to take care of patients with intense care and sympathy, like how they would do for any of their family members or friends. Patients often become restless and impatient during treatment, CNAs need to empathize with the patients and control them when they lose out their temper.
All these skills cannot be acquired without proper training. One has to enroll himself/herself in an institute for learning these skills. CNA is a great career opportunity for someone who is interested in medical field. With experience and numerous patient handling, one can excel a lot in this line.
Author’s Bio – Jolie Fulton is a certified nursing assistant and philanthropist. She has been practicing in this field from more than 10 years, and feels that it is very important to spread awareness about this profession and encourage others to take it up as their career-path.
