I am going to give you a CNA training overview so that you can better understand what a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) does and what you need to do to earn your CNA certification or when looking for free CNA training.

CNA Training Overview – The role of the CNA

A Certified Nursing Assistant plays a vital role in the health care industry.  More and more individuals are retiring and the need for qualified, certified CNAs is on the rise.  You may be more familiar with the terms orderlies or nurses’ aides rather than Certified Nursing Assistant.  CNA training has been increasing in popularity and this CNA Training Overview should help you understand it is because Certified Nursing Assistants have been in high demand. 

CNA Training Overview – The role of the CNA

Basically, CNA training overview means that the CNA is responsible for tending to the basic needs of a patient.  These basic skills can include such things as taking your patient’s blood pressure, or temperature.  Your CNA Training Overview means you may also be required to operate different types of medical equipment, assist in the feeding of your patients, or bathe your patients.  The type of work that you do will depend on the patient’s needs, but you will need to know how to do it all.

You may be surprised in your CNA Training Overview that you may be the one providing a great deal of emotional support to your patient, as you will be spending more time with them then the doctor or nurse does.

Your CNA training overview may even include basic physical therapy training, as you may be needed to assist a patient in performing simple exercises to strengthen muscles and improve their range of motion.  You may be required to help a patient walk, or move to a chair, or even use the bathroom facilities.  It all depends on the individual patient.

Basic first aid skills will be taught to you during your CNA training overview.  Additionally, you will learn how to collect stool and urinary samples.  As you can see, a Certified Nursing Assistant does a little bit of everything to meet the basic needs of a patient.

Part of the CNA training overview also includes information on CNA training.  Many options are available to you, including on-line coursework, or certified programs offered through local hospitals, nursing homes or community colleges. 

If you choose on-line coursework, you will be able to fit it into your schedule.  This works well if you already have a job and are considering changing careers, or if you only have time to learn and study when traditional schools are closed.  You may need to supplement your coursework with your clinical, hands-on part of your education yourself.  Be sure to check the requirements before you begin.

Those who choose to pursue CNA training from a community college, local hospital or nursing home will have access to interaction with instructors and peers.  If you are a hands-on learner this method will be easier for you as you will be able to watch the professionals in action, and then learn from them.  These programs usually include two parts, a classroom setting and a clinical, hands-on setting.  Depending on what state you will work in, the requirements may differ.  It is important to know what the state requires of you in order for you to be certified.  Upon completion of your studies, you will be required to pass a state certification exam before you can begin working. 

Depending which route you take, the cost can vary quite a bit!  Fee-based training is standard, but to a greater extent hospitals and nursing homes are offering free training.  Now I have you wondering, ‘What’s the catch?’  All you have to do is work for that company in exchange for your education for a certain amount of time.  All of this is agreed upon by both parties before beginning your training.

I hope that this CNA training overview helps you get started in the right direction!

CNA Training Overview img