3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello Ashaunti
Consider enrolling in a state-certified CNA program available at community colleges, private schools, and sometimes through ROP programs in high schools. Private schools often come with a hefty price tag, costing double or more than the same certificate offered in community colleges. You might want to think about combining a patient care technician (PCT) program with a CNA program. PCTs undergo advanced training and have the potential to earn more than CNAs, offering an enticing career path. Having both certifications would provide you with more job options.
Start by listing colleges that offer both programs, then contact the college counselor. In today's digital age, you can easily schedule an appointment online. Each college has an administrative or enrollment representative ready to guide you.
I wish you good luck :)
Consider enrolling in a state-certified CNA program available at community colleges, private schools, and sometimes through ROP programs in high schools. Private schools often come with a hefty price tag, costing double or more than the same certificate offered in community colleges. You might want to think about combining a patient care technician (PCT) program with a CNA program. PCTs undergo advanced training and have the potential to earn more than CNAs, offering an enticing career path. Having both certifications would provide you with more job options.
Start by listing colleges that offer both programs, then contact the college counselor. In today's digital age, you can easily schedule an appointment online. Each college has an administrative or enrollment representative ready to guide you.
I wish you good luck :)
Updated
Marlana’s Answer
Hello Ashaunti!
I'm currently a CNA and have been for a few months. I recommend looking into community colleges because they have affordable classes. Or look at the hospitals near you! Some hospitals train you, pay you to get your CNA, and offer you a job! Most people are unaware of that. I work at university hospitals, and they offer that. Learning all of the information will be overwhelming and that is okay. you will understand it all with time. If you want to become a patient care technician, I'm not a 100% sure how to become one but I know they are CNA's but do more like remove IVs, Foleys, and even blood draws! Here are pieces of advice help me as a CNA. I believe in you and wish you good luck on your journey!
1. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Nurses or other staff members may seem irritated or intimidating sometimes but if you are unsure of something ask them for help. Because if you are unsure of something a patient is asking and cause a patient to fall, get hurt, or can get in trouble, it will not end well. If you ask the nurse for help or even to double check something, then you will not get in trouble. For example, if a patient wants to go to the chair, you ask the nurse, and they say yes. You get the patient up following protocols but the patient falls. You would not get in trouble for it because you double checked with your nurse.
2. Don't take anything patients say personally. Patients are frustrated when admitted. They're life is changing and they're in an unhealthy state. They will be mad, in pain, and say hurtful things. You cannot let that get to you and need to have a backbone. I've had patients say racist, misogynistic things, yell or cuss me out. Yes, it makes me angry, but I never let it get to me.
3. Lastly, I'll say, when you have to tell a patient no, try to compromise with them instead. Most of the time it helps them calm down, listen to you but sometimes they won't listen, and you will have to put your foot down and say no. For example, if a patient wants to sit at the edge of the bed but are a high fall risk, you cannot let them do that but can offer to raise the head of their bed up so they can eat. Compromising can prevent future arguments and conflict.
I'm currently a CNA and have been for a few months. I recommend looking into community colleges because they have affordable classes. Or look at the hospitals near you! Some hospitals train you, pay you to get your CNA, and offer you a job! Most people are unaware of that. I work at university hospitals, and they offer that. Learning all of the information will be overwhelming and that is okay. you will understand it all with time. If you want to become a patient care technician, I'm not a 100% sure how to become one but I know they are CNA's but do more like remove IVs, Foleys, and even blood draws! Here are pieces of advice help me as a CNA. I believe in you and wish you good luck on your journey!
1. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Nurses or other staff members may seem irritated or intimidating sometimes but if you are unsure of something ask them for help. Because if you are unsure of something a patient is asking and cause a patient to fall, get hurt, or can get in trouble, it will not end well. If you ask the nurse for help or even to double check something, then you will not get in trouble. For example, if a patient wants to go to the chair, you ask the nurse, and they say yes. You get the patient up following protocols but the patient falls. You would not get in trouble for it because you double checked with your nurse.
2. Don't take anything patients say personally. Patients are frustrated when admitted. They're life is changing and they're in an unhealthy state. They will be mad, in pain, and say hurtful things. You cannot let that get to you and need to have a backbone. I've had patients say racist, misogynistic things, yell or cuss me out. Yes, it makes me angry, but I never let it get to me.
3. Lastly, I'll say, when you have to tell a patient no, try to compromise with them instead. Most of the time it helps them calm down, listen to you but sometimes they won't listen, and you will have to put your foot down and say no. For example, if a patient wants to sit at the edge of the bed but are a high fall risk, you cannot let them do that but can offer to raise the head of their bed up so they can eat. Compromising can prevent future arguments and conflict.
Updated
Lucy’s Answer
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you’ll need to follow a few key steps:
1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: These programs, which are often offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or through organizations like Job Corps, typically take 4-12 weeks and include both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the CNA Certification Exam: After completing the training, you must pass your state’s competency exam, which usually has a written section and a practical skills test.
3. Get Listed on Your State’s CNA Registry: Once you pass, you’ll be added to the state registry, allowing you to work as a CNA.
4. Start Gaining Experience: Look for entry-level positions in hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics to build experience and advance in the healthcare field.
If your Job Corps program offers CNA training, it’s a great opportunity to get started!
1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: These programs, which are often offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or through organizations like Job Corps, typically take 4-12 weeks and include both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
2. Pass the CNA Certification Exam: After completing the training, you must pass your state’s competency exam, which usually has a written section and a practical skills test.
3. Get Listed on Your State’s CNA Registry: Once you pass, you’ll be added to the state registry, allowing you to work as a CNA.
4. Start Gaining Experience: Look for entry-level positions in hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics to build experience and advance in the healthcare field.
If your Job Corps program offers CNA training, it’s a great opportunity to get started!