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So you’ve signed up for Nursing Assistant school — congratulations! In a relatively short amount of time, you’ll soon provide purposeful, meaningful, front-line care for those in need. Your next step is to start and finish training to be a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). The good news is that, unlike other nursing programs, you can complete your certification in a matter of months. Compare that to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) which can take a year to complete, or a Registered Nurse (RN) which can take 4 to 6 years to complete.
There are lots of job opportunities for Nursing Assistants. From 2016 to 2060 the population of adults aged 65 and over will almost double creating a demand for nurses. Between 2021 and 2031, the direct care workforce is projected to add more than 1 million new jobs, representing the largest growth of any job sector in the country.
Before you get started with CNA instruction, it helps to have the relevant information, including the types of equipment and medical supplies you need to purchase and maintain, what to expect as far as hands-on and classroom activities, and even unexpected challenges. How do you deal with the hurdles of CNA schooling and certificate programs? You have plenty of questions, and we have the answers! First, let’s dive into what you should expect from your CNA schooling.
CNA School: What You Need to Know
A Certified Nursing Assistant, also called a Nurse’s Aide or Nursing Assistant, is part of healthcare team and reports to a RN. CNAs work in long-term care homes, nursing homes, rehab facilities, home nurse settings, and more. In order to prepare you for the various day-to-day activities associated with these tasks, CNA schools offer instruction through lectures and real-life scenarios.
Each state requires a minimum number of essential skills that CNAs are expected to perform. All of these tasks are reviewed during CNA school:
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Helping patients dress
Proper hand washing
Gearing up with personal protective equipment (PPE) properly
Vital sign checks (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.)
Range of motion
Catheter care
Helping patients transfer from bed to wheelchair, and vice versa
Aside from the state minimum requirements, additional skills training is usually required at CNA schools. For example, North Carolina requires 23 essential skills for CNAs to learn. However, most North Carolina CNA programs include additional skills training to make a well-rounded Nurse’s Aide. This additional instruction is usually built around learning modules, which include lectures and classroom instruction.
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Once the lectures are finished, CNA students apply what they’ve learned in a laboratory environment — in other words, a “real-world” setting. This is where the instructor provides step-by-step instructions, often with a dummy, on basic CNA skills. These modules (classroom and lab instruction) include checking vital signs, patient privacy, learning about your state’s laws related to personal care, and more.
Once the classes are complete, CNA students take their state-mandated Nurse’s Aide exam. This exam is typically divided between written and skills portions. The written part of the state exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions, while the skills component puts students back in the lab to ensure they’re able to properly provide care. This hands-on part of the exam often touches on important topics and skills related to a Nursing Assistant’s duties.
Most CNA schools are 8, 12, or 16 weeks. Depending on your state, you must meet a minimum classroom and lab instruction threshold. For example, North Carolina CNA schools currently require 75 hours of instruction, whereupon students can start clinical hands-on training at a state-registered nursing facility before students can sit for the state exam. Other states have different requirements. At Pennsylvania CNA schools, 80 hours of lab, supervised training, and classroom instruction are necessary to obtain a Certified Nursing Assistant’s license.
To find a Nursing Assistant program near you, use the Free CNA School Finder. Just enter your zip code to find Nursing Aide training near you. You can also find online and hybrid programs.
CNA School Supplies
Most CNA schools provide your supplies, but you might be required to purchase less expensive medical instruments. Here are just some of the supplies Nurse’s Aides are expected to use:
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Blood Pressure Cuff (Sphygmomanometer)
Swabs/bandages/gauze
Surgical scissors
Hand sanitizer
Stethoscope
Uniform
Thermometer
Protective gear (gloves, goggles, etc.)
In addition to medical equipment and similar supplies, you might be required to purchase your CNA curriculum and associated materials. Usually, the binders and books are around $100, but this expense varies by state. Review your program’s welcome packet or syllabus for more details on what supplies you’ll be responsible for in order to complete your certification.
CNA School Success
Like any other educational pursuit, CNA school won’t always go smoothly. You’ll have days that challenge you and the exams might seem difficult. But the key is consistency.
Maintaining a consistent study schedule, actively participating in lectures and lab sessions, asking questions, and seeking clarification on complex topics will help you stay on top of coursework. Developing strong relationships with peers can also provide a support system for study groups. Taking advantage of available resources, such as tutoring, counseling, and faculty office hours, can help you feel prepared to take your CNA exam.
The blueprint to becoming a Nurse’s Aide is surprisingly straightforward: put in an honest effort every day, actively participate, and be a curious learner. The skills you learn at CNA school will help you navigate what’s ultimately a rewarding career choice!
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