It can be difficult to find a job in these days of rampant unemployment. A popular way of beginning a new career path is to find a field in which you can take classes online, and learn at your own pace. If you are interested in doing this, you might consider becoming a CNA.
You might not know exactly what CNA stands for – it is an acronym for Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs are in demand all over the country. It does not matter if you live in a big city or a small town – you will be able to find work as a CNA. If you move to a new state, the most you will be required to do is update your certificate.
There are many additional advantages to becoming a CNA. This is not your run-of-the-mill nine-to-five job – it is a career that will serve you for a lifetime Many employers of CNAs offer medical and dental benefits and are very generous with their continuing education reimbursements.
While being a CNA can be lucrative in itself, it can also lead to a variety of even more fulfilling careers. It is a natural step to progress from a CNA to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).
There are numerous classes available for those who want to be a CNA. Some classes are fee-based, some are not – you can go to a school near you – and you can actually complete your training in a relatively short period of time. The best part is that your coursework can be done online.
The training class takes about 75 hours to complete. About two-thirds of this training is done in a classroom, the rest is hands-on. At the completion of your training, you will receive a State Board of Nursing form from your instructor.
There are actually five steps which lead to becoming a CNA. The first is that you will undergo a personality assessment. If you are interested in helping people and are willing to sometimes perform repetitive tasks to do so, you are on the right track. Your interest in becoming an involved staff member who can take over when necessary will be taken into account. Very often support staff is the first, and most important, part of a patient’s visit to a healthcare facility. It is up to this support staff to be friendly, accurate and helpful.
Volunteering in a hospital is part of the program. You may or may not be given a choice of what department you work in. Your performance here will be recorded, and doing well is a good indication that you are in the right profession.
The fourth thing you will do is complete the CNA Training Program. Standards of care, as well as patient rights, and your responsibilities will be indicated. You will learn how to use basic medical equipment and perform daily care procedures.
The final step is taking the Exam for CNA certification, and then you will be on your way to a satisfying and lucrative career.
Tags: cna certification, cna training class, CNA Wisconsin, Volunteering in a hospital