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How to become a certified nurse assistant?

I tend to love helping others in need. I enjoy helping my own mother out with duties she needs to take care of. I’m a person for others can come and talk to me if they’re dealing with some personal things I like helping others. #healthcare #nursing #healthcare

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Subject: Career question for you

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Doc’s Answer

Jaydalee Choosing the best career path for you may depend on the types of patients you would like to work with, the types of environment you would be in, and the costs and lengths of time required for necessary education as compared to the eventual earnings potential. You will want to take a detailed look at the CNA certification test before signing up to make sure you know what to expect.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS (CNA) – Certified nursing assistants also known as nursing aides, provide basic patient care, such as feeding patients and taking vitals. CNAs often work with patients in long-term care facilities, like nursing homes, or other medical facilities, such as hospitals and clinics. They also perform routine maintenance tasks, including changing the beds and cleaning rooms. Certified nursing assistants usually work under the supervision of registered nurses and other medical professionals. This is considered an entry-level nursing position and as such, most states only require a certificate program, training program, or competency exam, rather than a post-secondary degree and licensure. CNAs who wish to advance in the nursing field must complete additional education. Some nursing assistant training programs allow credit to transfer to an advanced CNA program or a nursing certificate or degree program that can qualify CNAs to become registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES (LPN) – Licensed practical nurses, also known in some states as licensed vocational nurses, are responsible for basic patient care, including monitoring patient health, recording vital signs, correct dosage of medication(s), and recording information. LPNs need to complete a vocational training program, licensure, and certification, but do not need a formal postsecondary degree. Some LPNs eventually pursue further education to become RNs.

REGISTERED NURSES (RN) – Registered nurses need to complete a postsecondary nursing program or diploma program and RNs are primarily focused on quality of patient care. They need to have exceptional bedside manner and often prepare patients for medical procedures, administer medication and intravenous drips, conduct examinations, and educate patients on health issues. Registered nurses work closely with care teams, families, and doctors to ensure patient health.

Hope this is helpful Jaydalee
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Hwal’s Answer

Jaydalee,

I'm practicing medicine as a PA but worked as a CNA before entering PA school. I became a CNA after attending a CNA training program at a community college before taking the board exam to get my certification. I know and have heard that others got their certifications through training on the job or by completing a vocational CNA training program for a few weeks to take the board exam. I've also met others who studied on their own and "challenge tested" and passed the board exam to become CNAs.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck!

Hwal
Thank you comment icon You take require Certified Nursing Assistant classes and take the exam. You will then be a certified nursing assistant! MaHalle
Thank you comment icon You got it! Hwal Lee
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Suzanne’s Answer

Hi Jaydalee P.
This is Sue and I am a retired RN. I believe John's answers are generically helpful, but here is something more specific.

Community colleges, nursing homes and private organizations in your area offer courses where you can easily earn your certification.
Please read through these websites (copy and paste the links):
https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/cps/certified-nursing-assistant-cna
https://www.rli.edu/nursing-assistant-cna/
https://cnaclassesnearme.com/find-cna-classes-near-you/cna-training-in-new-york/


If you cannot afford the tuition and fees, then request information on financial aid. Do not let the issue of finances ever stop your forward direction with education and training.

Becoming a CNA is an excellent first step into the healthcare field. Please keep going! The nursing and medical field are in deep need of caring individuals. As you learn more about nursing, you may see other areas that you are interested in and would like to study. Don't rule out becoming a physician either. Just understand that nursing and medicine have some overlap but very different philosophies as well as training and education requirements.

Please don't hesitate to ask more questions!
Best,
Sue, RN, MSN
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