Components of A Successful CNA Career
Attention to Details
Much of the work of a CNA involves following routines and carefully carrying out instructions from an LPN, RN, doctor's assistants, or other medical staff as you will likely hear in your CNA classes. In-person or online CNA training will focus on giving you a feeling for details, as each small step must be done correctly and in a timely manner in the medical care setting. As a note, online courses for CNA training and online CNA classes are available, but you will have to complete some sort of in-person practicum before you can work as a certified nurse assistant.
Caring for People
A CNA must be a compassionate caregiver once they enter the workforce. This involves listening and attending to patient requests. Medical care involves the emotional or human side of patients and their families when they visit them. The CNA must understand the need for compassion and carry out duties in a compassionate manner. They can have a huge impact on the life of their patient and their family no matter which department they work in. Nursing programs often offer at least one course that discusses the need for compassion.
Interpersonal Relationships
People skills are an essential ingredient for those who want to have a successful career when they become a CNA. A certified nurse assistant must work well with patients, patient families, LPNs, RNs, and other medical staff such as any nurse aide on their team with them. They must often work in teams or pairs to manage patient groups in hospitals and long-term care settings. Working well with others and in teams is an essential part of a successful CNA career.
Dedication and Self-Motivation
Certified nurse assistant salaries and financial rewards may not be high relative to other medical occupations, even with a specialization in something such as home care. Care and the development of new skills may be the best incentive and the rewards of gratitude and accomplishment. A certified nurse assistant's success can improve with a strong sense of self-motivation. Many certified nursing assistants find the rewards of caregiving to be important and a source of inspiration, though they may also choose to enroll in higher-level nursing programs from a local community college or nursing school if they wish to earn more money. There are online courses for these nursing school programs, as well.
How to Become a CNA
- First, decide that a CNA position is right for you
- Research and apply to state-approved training programs
- Complete approved training
- Pass the state’s CNA examination
- Pass the background check
- Comply with continuing education requirements
What is the difference between a CNA and a Nurse?
The CNA is not a nurse, though they complete full CNA programs and take a CNA certification exam, but many people that become nurses start careers in nursing as a nursing assistant. Nurses must meet educational requirements that typically include an online associate degree or online bachelor’s degree in nursing. They must pass the required national examination; either the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination. Nurses must be licensed by the state in which they practice. They have to have training and qualifications for diagnosing and treating patients, including actions such as injections, authorizing medications, and emergency measures.
The CNA works with these nurses and carries out their instructions. State laws require CNAs to work under the supervision of a Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse.
Typical CNA Degree Requirements
The CNA level does not require a bachelor’s degree, and the job is accessible to anyone with a high school level education and the required training. The CNA designation requires a certificate of Nursing Assistant training. Once complete, CNA program graduates must pass a state level examination to prove competency. If students pass the exam and the other requirements such as criminal background checks, then they can be officially registered and begin practice as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Some typical CNA requirements are 180 to 185 hours of training in a CNA training program approved by the state, a passing score on the state competency examination, and a completed personal information and criminal background check submission. Many states have special requirements such as HIV/AIDS training or Opioid Emergency Intervention.
Typical CNA Certifications Needed
State Approval
The required certification to be a nursing assistant is a state level certification of training. The approval comes after completion of an approved school course of study. The typical course of study has class and clinical instruction.
CNA Endorsements
When a certified nursing assistant moves to a new state, they may apply for a CNA Certification Endorsement. This process can permit the CNA to work in the new state without having to go through training and examination all over again. The applicant must meet the training and experience requirements set by the new state for the CNA endorsement.
Voluntary Certifications
To improve wages and gain access to higher paying positions, many students study for voluntary professional certification in specialized areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, and mental health. These certifications affirm a higher level of learning than the CNA training and dedication to the specific area of medical practice.
Academic Standards for a CNA Degree/Certificate
Entry into a CNA training program, which is necessary to become a CNA, only requires minimum previous education, such as a high school diploma or GED. Those intent on becoming a CNA should also be 18 years old and be able to pass a criminal background check. Also, though a high school diploma or GED may be enough to get you into CNA programs for training, it might mean that you need to take extra CNA classes to be able to sit for the certification exam.
The academic standards for CNA training, once you gain access to a training program, cover specific areas of training and education. The overall purpose is to confirm that the graduate will have the necessary basic level of knowledge and skill. Each state sets standards for CNA classes and education.
The CNA certification exam has behind it a certain amount of state-level government authority. Each state sets requirements for training and approves the schools and agencies that can offer CNA training. The standards vary by state, but generally, CNA graduates must be fully equipped to care for patients after their CNA classes and clinical training program are complete. They must know the major human body systems and be able to communicate effectively with patients and other staff, such as the attending doctor or nurse aide at any nursing care facilities where they work.
Exam and Experience Needed
The qualifying certification exam for the CNA profession is the state certification examination. The approved education requirements for each state often include clinical training so that the certified nursing assistant will be prepared to provide care to patients. Clinical training hours can build skills and instill confidence that the assistant can manage the expected tasks as well as the occasional emergency situation.
The second part of the state exam is a skills test. These test required skills and the exams are taken in a clinical setting and evaluated by a registered nurse.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn a CNA certification online?
The CNA certificate requires training in a course of study approved by the state. The course of study should also have clinical training hours that put the student in real-world situations to apply the lessons learned in classroom settings.
The range of training is eight to twelve weeks. The overall training period can be as short as eight weeks. The training typically required by a state is in the range of 160 to 180 hours, including clinical hours.
How much does a CNA certification cost?
Certificate program costs can range from $1,200 to $2,500. In-state public school rates are generally lower than out-of-state rates and private school rates. Many students choose to begin their nursing careers with the most affordable option, and the CNA course is the fastest and lowest cost option. In some states, public-facing organizations like the Red Cross provide courses for certified nursing assistants. The cost of the coursework typically does not include the cost of the state examinations.
Because students can choose the level of education to complete for their nursing status, the costs can vary quite a bit. Diploma programs have the lowest. The online associate degree is more than a diploma, and a bachelor’s costs more than an associate degree.
Does the school have the major(s) you’re considering?
Since CNA degrees aren’t the same as a bachelor’s, you will need to find an institution that specifically offers a CNA training course. You may find it at a community college, or you might find them available from a college with a large nursing program. Either way, it is a very specific certification, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find out where it is offered near you.
How many students graduate “on time”?
CNA certifications take between eight to twelve weeks of classroom study and supervised clinical activities. When combined with associate degree programs, most students do not finish their associate degree on time but do finish within 150% of the on-time completion rate.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
Accreditation is always an advantage for a school of nursing. The leading national and regional nursing school accreditation services can provide an extra layer of assurance for students. However, it’s the state that approves schools for CNA training, and this is the vital concern. The student must graduate from a state-approved school to be eligible for the state’s required examinations.
Professional CNA Organizations
NAHCA
National Association of Health Care Assistants
The NAHCA is an organization of CNAs that advocates for the profession and its membership. Students can join the association during the time that they attend certification classes. The association works to provide benefits for its members including continuing education and costs savings for professional and personal activities. The association promotes the image of the Certified Nursing Assistant profession by emphasizing its importance to the entire healthcare delivery system. The association is the voice of the industry, and it takes positions on public policies and legislation that affect health benefits and support for special populations like children, older Americans, and veterans.
NNCNA
National Network of Career Nursing Assistants
This organization promotes education and career advancement for nursing assistants. The association has a program of peer support to reduce the stress of working closely with patients in all age groups and conditions of health. It urges greater awareness of the profession and its contributions. The organization operates specific types of projects such as the advocacy program for nurse assistants in nursing homes and other long-term career settings. The organization has a task force on Male Nursing Assistants to promote increased participation and address specific areas of interest for that population. The association advocates policies that expand healthcare services and promote health education.
SNJ
The Student Nurse Journey
This is a helpful organization for students and nurses at all levels of the profession. The group offers information about nursing that ranges from the day-to-day routines to the history of nursing in the US and around the world. The site offers detailed tutorials and educational videos to make learning easier in the classroom and the practice lab. For CNAs with a longer-term view towards nursing practice, this site can accelerate learning and reinforce the CNA classwork and test preparation.
AAN
The American Academy of Nursing
This group is an excellent choice for nursing students at all levels of the profession. This large, well-organized group plays a role in shaping the national discussion on health policy. It urges the adoption of measures that increase the availability of health services to the US population. In the field of nursing, the organization works for greater recognition and awareness of the vital role that nurses play in the healthcare system both in the delivery of services, care for vulnerable populations, and research and innovation. The organization has a wide range of information and education resources. Nursing students can take advantage of the opportunities to learn more about the overall nursing profession.
NAPNES
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
Many CNA students seek to move into licensed nursing either after their CNA certification or as a combination program. NAPNES is an advocacy organization focused on licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and related educational institutions. NAPNES also advocates for practical nursing educators, practical nursing schools, and practical nursing students. CNAs that wish to advance to the next step can join this organization. CNA students can join and get the benefits of educational resources, news, and information on trends within the practical nursing care sector.