- Earn Your High School Diploma or GED.
- Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program.
- Complete In-Person Clinical Training.
- Pass a State-Approved CNA Certification Exam.
How many hours of training do you need to become a nursing assistant?
While pursuing your nursing assistant training, you will receive at least 75 hours of classroom training besides time spent learning the clinical skills you will need to be successful in the role.
What is a nursing assistant?
A nursing assistant is a healthcare professional who provides basic care for patients in hospitals, hospice, correctional institutions and other long-term care facilities like nursing homes or assisted living facilities. They help patients with daily tasks and are supervised by a licensed nurse. They play an important role in the lives of their patients, usually helping to: 1 Clean and bathe the patients or residence 2 Turn, reposition and transfer patients from their beds to their wheelchairs 3 Serve meals and help patients eat 4 Measure vital signs like blood pressure and temperature 5 Listen to the patient's health concerns and share any concerns with nurses 6 Dispense medication to the patients
What is the role of a nurse in a patient's life?
They play an important role in the lives of their patients, usually helping to: Clean and bathe the patients or residence. Turn, reposition and transfer patients from their beds to their wheelchairs. Serve meals and help patients eat.
How much does a nursing assistant make an hour?
The national average salary for nursing assistants is $13.71 per hour with a range of $7.25 to $27.75 per hour.
What is a good cover letter for a nursing assistant?
A good resume and cover letter will help to set you apart from other candidates. Both documents can highlight your abilities and professionalism to a potential employer. Even if you don't have prior experience, review job descriptions for open nursing assistant positions and highlight the keywords they're using when describing the ideal candidates. Look for ways you can authentically show you have developed those skills through other positions or your educational experiences.
How long is nursing school?
Programs at vocational schools usually last between four and 12 weeks and can be completed either in person, online or through a blending of the two training methods.
How long does a nursing assistant program last?
These programs generally last between four and eight weeks and, because of the environment in which you're training, you often begin working with patients early in your training. Because of their need for nursing assistants, many hospitals offer accelerated real-world training at no added cost. 2. Pursue certification.
How long does it take to become a CNA?
As a nation-wide organization, the American Red Cross reaches numerous cities and states, so individuals across the country can enroll. The program takes 4-8 weeks to complete depending on how quickly the student completes courses. Also, program costs can vary from location to location.
What is the nursing assistant certification exam?
The exam consists of two parts: a multiple choice written exam and a practical skill based exam. Once passed, the certified nursing assistant is placed on a state registry and can begin to apply for jobs.
What is a CNA?
A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, helps patients with activities of daily living and other healthcare needs under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). CNA’s are also commonly referred to as a Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), or a Nurse’s Aid.
How much does a nurse assistant make in 2020?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median average annual salary for certified nursing assistants in 2020 was $30,830 per year, or $14.82 per hour. It is important to note that this does vary depending on the setting and area.
Which state has the highest number of certified nursing assistants?
Currently, states such as California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania have the highest number of employed certified nursing assistants. Growth is expected to rise in areas with warmer climate as the older population continues to retire and move to these areas.
What is the difference between a medical assistant and a nursing assistant?
Medical assistants focus primarily on patient assessment, evaluation, and assisting doctors with patient care and treatment, whereas nursing assistants are generally more involved in direct patient care.
Does the Red Cross offer CNA classes?
While the Red Cross offers in-person classes, some vocational schools and community colleges offer online CNA programs. Many programs operate clinics at local hospitals. There are pros and cons to the online programs.
What degree do you need
We did a survey to ask other Nursing Assistants what degree they had when they became a Nursing Assistant. Here are the results.
How hard is it
You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be a Nursing Assistant. For example, a bank teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
License and certifications
After completing a state-approved education program, nursing assistants take a competency exam. Passing this exam allows them to use state-specific titles. In some states, a nursing assistant or aide is called a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), but titles vary from state to state.
Skills required
We asked other Nursing Assistants if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.
Knowledge required
Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Nursing Assistants are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.
