CNA training is the beginning of a career in nursing. The first step to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is signing up for a two week course. After this course is completed a student can take the state issued exam and get certified. Once the CNA training is completed, the next step is becoming a RN (Registered Nurse).
Completing the CNA training
People over the age of eighteen, who don’t have a record of abuse or neglect can sign up for CNA training. The training consists of two parts – theory and practice. Learning the theory behind something is very important. In some cases making mistakes isn’t fatal, but in the nursing field it can be. This is why before a student is let in a hospital, he or she must complete the theoretical training. After learning the basics, a student can start with the practical part of the CNA course. During this part he or she will be able to work in a hospital or clinic, while being supervised and trained by the medical staff.
Taking the state issued exam and getting certified
After completing the required hours of training, a person is now ready to take the final CNA exam. He or she will receive the test date and time through the mail. The exam is not hard for those who have completed the training. It consists of a quiz and a practical part. The quiz is multiple choice, and it usually takes between one and two hours to complete. After the quiz is completed, a student is now ready for the practical exam. It consists of performing a skill. Skills include making a bed, taking temperature, measuring vital signs, cleaning patient, helping a patient eat, etc. During the test, a person is usually asked to complete up to five different skills.
Becoming a RN
Becoming a CNA is not required for RN training. However, a person can decide if he or she wants to be a Registered Nurse by becoming a CNA and working in a hospital for a while. CNA training lasts only six weeks, while becoming a RN requires between two and four years. If someone is not sure whether or not a nursing career is the right choice, he or she can become a CNA. Being a nurses aid will provide the opportunity to observe nurses and talk to them.
CNA training can be the beginning of a career in nursing. Passing the exam and working as a CNA provides a person with a unique opportunity to become part of a medical team. The next step is becoming a Registered Nurse. This can be done at a nursing school, and it takes between two and four years, depending on the degree a person wants to complete.