Certified nursing assistant certification is a great way to get an introduction into the medical field. As most of the population in the United States begins to age there is a greater demand for Certified nursing assistants. The certified nursing assistant certification program teaches the student how to care for patients. Certified nursing assistants work in hospital settings, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and can also do home care.
The certified nursing assistant’s duties will include basic care for the patient such as: basic hygiene needs, toileting assistance, ambulation (walking), vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen percentage), and assisting the nurse with various routine practices. If you work in the hospital you will complete vitals routinely, give baths and showers, change bed linens, and make sure the patient receives nutrition according to their diet.
The certified nursing assistant certification program will teach the student how to provide direct patient care. Typically, the student will participate in the program for one month. The course work will include text book material, practice quizes, lab instruction, and clinicals. The student will usually be provided with CPR training which is mandatory for most healthcare facilities. At the end of the training period the student will be required to take a state exam in order to become certified. The state exam consists of two components. The first component is the written exam, and the second component is the skills portion. The skills portion will be demonstrated in front of a state examiner who will be looking to see that every step in the skill is performed. Most certified nursing assistant classes will provide you with a handbook of skills, and the steps needed to complete them successfully. Once the student has completed the written and skills exam they will get the results back by email or postal mail.
Finally, when the student receives the results they either pass or fail. If the student passes they are now a certified nursing assistant and certification is complete. The student’s name will be placed on the state list of certified nursing assistants. If the student does not pass they may be asked to repeat only the portion that was failed, or they may have to retake the entire test. The state exam regulations vary from state to state. The salary for a certified nursing assistant will vary from state to state. Typically, certified nursing assistants do not make very much, but it is a great way to gain knowledge about various advanced medical careers.