If one wants an emotionally rewarding career and also has the desire to serve people, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is the perfect career option.
Any profession from the health care sector has to be rewarding, be it in terms of emotional satisfaction or financial remuneration. A certified nursing assistant is a position in the health care field, which includes taking proper care of patients.
Assistants that are certified to help nurses in their work are known as certified nursing assistants (CNA). They are responsible for carrying out various tasks that include helping disabled patients to take a bath or giving them a bath, dressing their wounds, grooming them, assisting in their daily personal needs, etc.
They take utmost care of patients in general public and private hospitals, nursing facilities, and other health care centers. They carry out their duties under the supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.
Prerequisites
Many people wonder how long does it take to become a CNA. It totally depends upon the prerequisites and the training period, which generally is around a month.
The daily work is certainly tough, as he/she has to clean bedpans; and handle and manage disoriented, irritable, or uncooperative patients. She should have forbearance, understanding ability, and good communication skills.
He should cooperatively work in a team. He has to be mentally fit, as he may have to go through disturbing situations while dealing with patients. Physical fitness is needed, as the work involves standing and walking for several hours.
Before becoming an assistant, he has to go through a criminal background check. In the USA, a prospective CNA it required to have good English reading, writing, and speaking skills as he has to communicate with patients.
Process of Becoming a CNA
You should know that the role is emotionally and physically demanding, and the salary would be very low at the start. An individual who has the willpower to serve people can easily gain entry to this profession.
In the USA, the requirements may differ from state to state. Some states may need a high school diploma and some may not. However, the government requires the person to undergo 75 hours of training, and 16 hours of monitored medical training.
This training covers up topics such as healthy diet, controlling infection, how to communicate with all types of patients, and how to help patients take a bath, eat, and dress neatly.
Such training may be rendered by the employer himself; or by some high schools, community colleges, universities, and other institutions. The information on where to take the training may be available at the respective state agencies, which are authorized to certify nursing assistants.
After completing the required training and successfully passing a proficiency exam, the certification will be decided after referring to the state law. You may be required to provide proof of the successful completion of the training.
You may contact the state nurse aide registry for other requirements, documents and proofs needed for certification. If you are certified to work in a specific state, you are allowed to work only in that state. If you need to work in another state, you have to apply for reciprocity. Your respective state agency may provide you the details for the same.
The job prospects are considerably good due to the services provided by them. The average annual salary ranges from USD 20,000 to USD 35,000. Becoming a certified nursing assistant is thus, a emotionally and financially rewarding career.