What is CNA Certification? Nursing assistant careers is one of the top professions in the United States that offer several job opportunities for those who would like to offer their help and services to those who are sick and disabled.
But before you start your career as a nursing assistant, it is very important that you get your certification as a CNA or certified nursing assistant first.
And this is not acquired in that instant.
You need to undergo some proper training programs and be able to pass the CNA examination, before you can be granted with a CNA certification.
But what is really CNA certification? Why do nursing assistants need to have CNA certification? What is the job of a CNA? These are only some of the common questions that enter in the people's minds when they encounter the term CNA or certified nursing assistant.
For those who do not have any idea what a CNA is, read on.
Basically, a CNA or certified nursing assistant provides assistance and aid to the physician and the nursing staff of the hospital, clinic, nursing home, and health centers.
Hence, the main responsibility of the CNA is to act as an assistant to doctors and nurses, especially when it comes to performing routine medical check-ups as well as other nursing tasks like feeding and bathing.
The certified nursing assistant or CNA may also be asked to put up or install medical apparatus or equipment and examine and check the overall condition and welfare of the patient.
For that reason, the certified nursing assistants always work under the supervision of the doctors and the nurses of the hospital clinic, or agency where they are employed.
The demand for certified nursing assistants continues to escalate in the country, particularly in the cities.
The Process If you are planning to take nursing as a career, the most ideal way to would be to start as a CNA first.
Then, advance your education to later on, if you want to become a registered.
How will you receive a CNA certification? Before you can get a certification, it is a must that you take time to understand and analyze how the CNA process works.
You have to understand that the procedure in getting CNA certification varies from one state to another depending on the specific regulations of the state.
But, generally speaking, the main requirement to get a certification is to have at least 150 to 200 hours of CNA classes and training that may usually take about four months to six months to complete.
However, you must take note that having a basic training will only pave the way for getting a job in basic work setup.
So, if you want to advance your career as a CNA, you will need to undergo further education, training, and of course, certifications.
The Exam When you have already completed your CNA certification classes and training, you will need to take the certification test or exam.
With the aid of your class instructor, you can get and finish all the paperwork required for the examination.
Then, you will just need to wait for the schedule of your exam, which is usually given to you in your mail.
Before the scheduled date of exam, make sure you do the necessary preparations.
Take time to study hard to prepare for the actual test.
Try to read through your books, notes, and handouts that you used in your course.
Review and test your skills based on the skills of a real CNA.
Try to buy some practice exams to test your knowledge and skills for the CNA certification exam.
Or you may also check out some free practice exams and study guides that are available online.
The Benefits Why do you need to have CNA certification? Well, there are many benefits of receiving a CNA certification.
First and foremost, many employers now are looking for the right candidate to work for them.
So, if you want to have the edge over the others, you must have a CNA certification.
Remember highly qualified certified nursing assistants, especially those with certifications are the ones that are most likely hired by the employers.
A certified nursing assistant is what the employers are eyeing for in the tough job market.
So, if you have a certification, then, most likely, you will easily land on a job in the growing market of nursing assistant careers.
In addition, CNA certification also provides you better opportunities in your professional career as a nursing assistant.
But it does not only offer professional benefits for it gives the individual CNA a number of personal benefits such as career growth, more competitive pay, and bonuses.
Aside from that, CNA certification also is a major requirement for those CNAs who would like to advance their level or position on the nursing assistant career ladder.
The CNA certification even gives you more exciting opportunities that would definitely benefit you not only professionally, but financially as well.