CNAs provide invaluable patient care, and they give attentive care and support to those who need it the most, particularly elderly patients. In order to become a CNA you must first complete a state approved school, take a state exam, and become Certified as a Nursing Assistant (CNA).
The CNA can work in a wide variety of settings. Nursing homes, hospitals, and adult daycare centers. All require the Certified Nurse Aide to act as a liaison between the RN (Registered Nurse) or the LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and the patient.
Certified nursing assistants provide patient care under the direct supervision of RNs or LPNs. CNAs spend more time with patients than anyone else on the health care team and are considered the eyes and ears of the nursing staff. In this course the student will be instructed how to use evaluation and observation to assess the patient’s state of health by using selected skills like history-taking; and physical and social evaluation to help achieve specific and overall patient goals. The assessment skills taught in this class also allow the C.N.A. to understand what, when and how any changes occur, whether it be medical, physical, emotional, mental and if necessary the action needed to take. For this reason, communication skills become an important part of the students educational experience.
Individuals might also consider CNA training if they are interested in working in health care to support their education especially anyone entering the nursing field. Also, this course is excellent for anyone who needs to apply to a Physicians Assistant program because it accrues the needed clinical hours much quicker than any other certification.
Per Federal and State requirements all medical professionals which include C.N.A. students must be vaccinated.