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IN-CONTENT LISTINGS (Stack these. There are times when we have exact match CNA offerings. When we don’t, only the additional options will appear)

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A CNA certification lasts 24 months. Most states renew the certification if the nursing aide has worked at least 8 hours within that 24 month period.

PA may allow CNAs to take the qualifying test if a CNA’s license has lapsed without going through the whole training again. This holds true even for CNAs with lapsed out-of-state certification.

CNA Certification Requirements

Certification requirements vary from state to state. Requirements usually include taking and passing a state-approved CNA course. The NA must then pass a state-sponsored written exam and skills demonstration testing.

CNAs must pass a background check for criminal offenses, be screened for illegal drug use/history, and should be denied jobs if there has been a reported history of abusing patients or others. CNAs also are required to pass theft conviction clearance and show proof of CNA training/testing completion with acceptable scores.

Government inspections of nursing facilities have prompted tougher state requirements that healthcare facilities must follow with regards to a thorough background check for their employees including CNAs.

Note: some states do allow CNAs to apply for exemptions for non-violent offenses if the offense was long ago and/or the person has maintained a clear record since.

Where can I take the CNA Certification exam?

In some selected states, the Red Cross offers CNA testing. Many nursing homes and other healthcare facilities in certain states also give some written portions of the exam. There are usually state-operated testing sites in designated areas across a state as well.

After completing the required classroom and skills training, each student is given information about the current testing site locations and times in their particular state area. Otherwise, these testing sites are available from the State Board of Nursing under the licensing/certification department.

CNA Certification Cost

Costs for CNA certification varies according to the CNA program and location. Online CNA courses run about 1,300 to 2,100 with some costing $500. However, many nursing homes, home care agencies, and other healthcare facilities offer this valuable training for free.

Also, expect to pay about $100.00 for the state exam and approximately $50 for state registration to obtain copy proof of your certification.

CNA Certification Verification

Most states have an online site where CNA certification/licensing can be verified. Every facility that hires CNAs will also have these details and can help walk new CNAs through it. CNAs will need their certification ID numbers to access these online sites.

How to renew my CNA Certification?

CNAs must renew their certification before it expires at about 2 years and pay the renewal fees. Many states now require CNAs to take continuing education credits. These can be found online and many healthcare agencies provide classes too. Most employers offer some of these continuing educational credit hours for free.

If a license has lapsed, it must be renewed prior to working with patients. If the CNA doesn’t meet the number of hours worked in a set time period per state regulations, they will have to retake the test and possibly the training depending on state laws and specific circumstances.

CNA Certification FAQ

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One of the ways to do this is through the completion of a CNA to LPN bridge program. These accelerated programs leverage the CNA’s learning and experience so that they can graduate as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) in less time. The result is being able to work as an LPN and start earning a better salary in a short time.

How do CNA to LPN programs work?

CNAs who want to advance their careers by becoming an LPN must complete a certificate or diploma program and pass the national licensing test.

Both CNAs and LPNs are crucial members of the healthcare team, so completing an accredited program is critical to their success.

Requirements

Advancing from CNA to LPN involves the completion of a state-approved education program. Admission requirements may include an application, holding a high school diploma and completion of prerequisite classes.

CNA to LPN programs involve classroom and practical learning. This means that students practice skills in a simulated, real-world environment.

Duration

LPN diploma programs last for one year or less. Bridge programs are shorter as they allow students to leverage their experience to avoid certain coursework.

Costs

Tuition for LPN programs ranges between $10,000 and $20,000 dependent upon geographic location and the learning institution.

Tips for CNAs that want to become LPNs

The most critical thing that CNAs can do is to choose a state-approved LPN program. Any such program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to be licensed. Moreover, obtaining a diploma amply prepares the student to pass national and state exams.

While working as a CNA, it’s wise to ask LPNs about their educational and professional experiences. Their insight with regard to education and examinations will prove invaluable to the CNA who’s hoping to advance their career.

CNA vs. LPN

CNAs find employment in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and nursing homes where they assist RNs and LPNs by providing basic patient care. Toileting, bathing, getting in and out of bed, and eating are the tasks with which CNAs most frequently help.

Additionally, CNAs may be tasked with taking and recording vital signs and administering medication if they have received the necessary training.

LPNs typically are qualified to provide a wider range of patient care. Their responsibilities may include taking and monitoring vital signs, changing bandages and dressings, giving injections, managing records, interviewing patients, and inserting catheters. In some cases, LPNs additionally may provide education for patients and families and start IVs.

Because they take on greater responsibilities, it is expected that LPNs typically are paid more than CNAs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for CNAs was $28,530 in 2018. By contrast, the Bureau reported a median salary of $46,240 in 2018 for LPNs. That one year of education makes a significant difference in the individual’s earnings.

Both CNAs and LPNs may work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Shifts of longer than eight hours are not uncommon. Moreover, both of these jobs can be stressful, and with the LPNs greater level of responsibility, the amount of stress may increase.

FAQ about CNA to LPN Programs

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CNAs who are considering continuing their training have many reasons for doing so. Typically, they want to provide better care to patients. They also like the idea of earning a better salary.

Fortunately, there are options for advancing from a CNA to an RN. One of the most popular of these options is a CNA to RN bridge program. Available at the associate degree and bachelor’s degree level, these programs prepare graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN.

How do CNA to RN programs work?

CNAs who are curious about becoming an RN will find great variety as they compare programs. While some require on-campus attendance, others can be completed online. Still, others require a combination of both.

Another consideration is the option of full-time or part-time attendance. Individuals who want to work as a CNA while in nursing school may prefer part-time study. However, those who want to earn a degree quickly may prefer full-time.

Requirements

The goal of CNA to nursing programs is to prepare individuals to pass the NCLEX-RN test. Students are introduced to subjects such as anatomy, nursing leadership, mental health, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and the assessment of health and illness.

An associate degree program focuses on nursing-related subjects. Students who opt for a bachelor’s degree also complete general education requirements.

Being admitted to any of these programs may be competitive. Requirements generally include a high school diploma, a minimum GPA, and either SAT or placement testing.

CNA to registered nurse bridge programs may require students to demonstrate practical skills to bypass certain courses that would be duplicative.

Duration

An associate degree can be obtained in two years of full-time study, while a bachelor’s degree requires four years. Students attending on a part-time basis may require twice the time or longer.

Some CNA to RN programs allow students to accelerate learning by taking into account CNA training and experience.

Costs

How much a CNA to RN bridge program cost varies depending upon the location and duration of the program. On average, an associate degree costs between $18,000 and $30,000. A bachelor’s degree may cost between $40,000 and $80,000.

Tips for CNAs that want to become RNs

When exploring what schools offer CNA to RN bridge programs, it’s wise for students to ask for the advice of the nurses and supervisors with whom they work. It’s a tremendous advantage to benefit from their experience.

Those who are interested in progressing from a CNA to an RN also are encouraged to ask plenty of questions while on the job. The more familiar CNAs are with the RN’s duties, the easier their education will be.

CNA vs. RN

The nursing assistant to RN path is a worthy goal. One of the main reasons for this is the CNA vs RN salary. While CNAs earn an average of $24,000 per year, RNs earn an average of $65,000, giving them a clear advantage.

People also pursue this route because it enables them to work in far more places and to provide more hands-on care. CNAs tend to work in assisted living facilities, rehab centers, and nursing homes while RNs may work in these places as well as hospitals and clinics.

RNs perform a broader range of duties like treatments ordered by doctors, monitoring and operating medical equipment, and making observations regarding and recording patient symptoms. RNs also take on supervisory roles.

FAQ about CNA to RN Programs

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Now is an excellent time to consider going back to school to pursue your dreams of working your dream job in healthcare. There are more ways to enter a training program that enables students from all walks of life to become a certified nursing assistant or a licensed practical nurse.

There are some terrific CNA bridge programs that can even help students, already working in healthcare as a nursing assistant, to continue their education and earn a registered nursing degree.

These specialized advanced training programs allow nursing assistants to earn further higher education credits while still working a regular job.

There are several types of CNA bridge programs that offer online classroom credits and recognition of skills already learned to achieve an advanced degree in a shorter time frame.

What Are the Benefits of CNA Bridge Programs?

Many CNA bridge programs today offer an easier and more convenient way to earn a higher educational degree. These are set up for individuals with healthcare work backgrounds. Much of the program can be completed online in the comfort of your own home.

College credits can often be earned by demonstrating competence of training concepts and clinical skills that medical and/or nursing assistants have already learned while working on-the-job.

What Type of CNA Bridge Programs Are Available?

There are different types of CNA bridge programs currently available for anyone desiring to further their healthcare-related training.

These educational programs are designed to be more flexible to make it easier for hardworking healthcare workers to advance further up the career ladder.

There are many healthcare facilities and other employers that hire healthcare workers that will pay a portion or even all of an employee’s continuing higher education expenses.

These programs are set up to work around busy student work schedules and family obligations to achieve future educational and career goals.

Choose from four main CNA bridge programs that include:

• CNA to RN Bridge Programs
• CNA to LPN Bridge Programs

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When is CNA Week 2020?

CNA Week is on Thursday, June 18th, 2020. CNAs are recognized for seven days starting Thursday, June 18th, 2020 through Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

CNA Week is also known as CNA Appreciation Week, Certified Nurses Aide Week, Nursing Assistant Week, and Nurses Aide Week

How Do You Celebrate CNA Week?

Healthcare providers, friends, patients, family members, and others can observe CNA week as a way to recognize/appreciate the CNAs in their life. Since CNAs are considered the backbone of nursing care, it’s nice to plan some downtime.

Some CNA week celebration/appreciation ideas:

• Special catered lunch/brunch
• Neck massage or facial by a local massage therapist during lunch or spa gift-certificates
• Homemade gift baskets and/or giveaway prizes
• A fun event during work hours
• CNA attire/accessory items – T-shirts, totes, sun-visors, umbrellas
• Local business gift cards
• Extra vacation day or monetary bonus
• Longer lunch break
• Waistband/belt organizer for money, notepad, pens, small flashlight

Submit Your Favorite CNA

Do you have a CNA in your life that you want to honor for CNA Week 2020? If so, use the form below to tell us about your favorite CNA and why. We’ll honor them on the website for CNA Week 2020.

Browse Gifts for CNA Week

FAQ About CNA Week

A Special Thank You

When we created this page, we asked that visitors submit a CNA that should be honored during CNA week. While all CNAs and Frontliners should be honored and appreciated every day for the life-saving work they dedicate their lives to, we wanted to extend a special Thank You to the following healthcare workers.

Included is a special message from someone that you’ve helped during your time as a CNA.

Ada S. from CCH in Eden, TX

Ada has a great bedside manner with all her patients. She always greets them with a smile.

Alfreda Davis S. from Freninuios Kidney Center in Decatur, AL

I was sick and she would actually hold my head during dialysis hold my hand gets me a barf bag do whatever I need it done she has a special lady she said prayers for me with me and over me and I just thank God for her and I think she should be specially recognized.

Ashley D. from Memphis, TN

Ashley (Kitt) loves her patients/ residents, she goes above and beyond for them. She told me once before that she looks at everyone she cares for like they are her grandparents and she does it with a big smile. Even if she is having a hard day you will never know it because she smiles all the time. She is a true gem that is rare and hard to find. Thank you Ashley for all you do!

Autumn G. from Pruitt Health of Blueridge

Hard work and dedication!

Breona C. from Willowbend at Marion

She’s a hard worker and very compassionate.

Brittany May Y. from Augusta, GA

Loves and cares above and beyond.

Carmen K. from Lexington, KY

She is an amazing CNA who goes above and beyond for our residents.

Carmine P. from Danbury, CT

Their work is critical to the love and care of the most vulnerable people. I have watched she and other care providers work double shifts specifically during this pandemic. She arrives with a smile, and a truly happy sincere hello to all she encounters.

Dana B. from Forest Manor Nursing Home

She is a great CNA.

Denise R. from Franco Nursing and Rehab in Miami, FL

She is very passionate about her job. She will do the task wheather assigned to her or not. She does no complaint. She works with a smile on her face.

Edgar A. from El Paso, TX

Amazing work ethic and lots of care and love for the job at hand.

Elicia S. from Los Angeles, CA

She has five children all under the age of 11years and is a single parent she still managed to work full time and three days double shift each Guardian Rehabilitation Hospital.

Esmeralda G. from Floresville, TX

Outstanding CNA in every aspect of her job description and more!!

Frances B. from Reidsville, NC

I would like to honor Frances for CNA week because she has been working as a CNA for 31 years and plans to retire this year. She has worked tirelessly to make sure that her patients get the best of care. Over the years, she’s worked at several different facilities in different capacities and has given 110% each and every day in each and every position. She makes a huge difference in the lives of many people – her patients, her coworkers, her family and her friends. Frances has dedicated these last 31 years to helping others and now as she ventures into this next chapter of her life, I want to recognize her and make sure that she knows how much she’s meant to everyone around her!

Gloria J. from Daytona Beach, FL

They deserve to be honored they work hard all year long and take abuse and give so much back.

Gricelda J. from Orangegrove Rehabilitation Hospital

Gricelda deserves to be recognized for her dedication and the ability to multi-task even in this times of crisis. She performs and accomplishes her duties and responsibilities with a smile even under pressure. She maintains her professionalism and can handle problems and challenges she encounters with calmness and sound demeanor. Successfully manages all the tasks assigned to her.

Gwen M. from Gentle Shepherd Hospice in Lynchburg, VA

Gwen is dedicated, kind, loving, hard working, and is always going above and beyond to care for her patients. She makes them feel special, treating them like family. She paints fingernails, fixes hair, reads bible verses, and prays with them when asked. She is truly an angel in disguise.

Gwendolyn W. from Mesquite, TX

Ms Gwen is always going over and beyond the call of duty, always available for her patients whether she is paid or not she will always make sure they have a good bath and kept clean. Ms Gwen retired but continue to see patients who needed a bath when no family is available without pay . She truly loves her patients. She often will see 10 a day starting at 6:00 am and not finishing until 6:00 in the evening to make sure they are clean. She is an awesome CNA

Heather C. from Madisonville, KY

Heather is one of the most passionate care givers I have had the privilege to work with. She goes above and beyond with her residents showing them love and compassion even more during this Covid 19 visitor restrictions. Heather and her hall partner, Melissa are known as Batman and Robin at the facility and residents hate when they are off.

Helen T. from Rocky Ford, CO

Helen cares about her residents and is a true professional. Helen also considered a senior, and has been in the industry for over 30 years and does not retire because she cares about the well-being of the residents in her care.

Jackie M. from Niagara Falls, NY

Jackie goes above and beyond for her residents. She is caring, compassionate and always willing to help whenever possible. She has great work ethics and plays positive role within the nursing team.

Jade M. from Lancaster, SC

Because she always goes above and beyond to make sure our residents get quality care, and feel like they are special. She spends her own money and time to ensure the resident have what they need or want. In addition she is always willing and available to help staff and resident family members at any given time. A truly awesome CNA that loves what she does and it shows in her work performance.

Jessica S. from Ontario, OR

Jessica is very kind and patient ;she works with a challenging population of dementia patients. When she prepares the meals she takes extra attention to season it correctly and make it tasty and visually appealing for the patients.

Jonica S. from Glenflora Nursing Facility Lumberton, NC

She is a very caring and dedicated CNA who goes above and beyond for her patients!

Katrina S. from Deming, NM

I am writing this letter to recommend Katrina for the position of certified nursing assistant her at Mimbres memorial nursing home in Deming New Mexico. Katrina worked on a nursing team for two years, and supervisors, co-workers, and patients all have been satisfied with her performance and caring attitude throughout that time. Reliable, responsible, efficient, and teamwork-oriented.

Katrina S worked with many complex patients who completed duties in a compassionate manner. She assists her co-workers and nurses with duties. She provides input into better ways to deliver care to our patients. She treats everyone with respect and dignity. The family have commended her in her job performance.

Katrina had the drive and passion to be there every day and go above and beyond especially in this time of uncertainty in 2020. All staff at the facility always pleased to work with her as well. More than competent, Katrina was trustworthy and effective as a nursing assistant.

Keessence H. from Statesville, NC

She always has a smile on her face. She stays busy and loves what she is doing. She works full time and goes to school full time. She goes above and beyond for her patients. She is sassy but classy!

Kelly C. from Somerset, PA

Dedicated to her job and has made it her career for all these years

Kristin M. from Kent County Hospital in Warwick, RL

Kristin is one of the most go getting, giving, caring CNA I know. She works on a busy Critical Care Cardiac Floor and sometimes has 18 pts by herself. She always makes it a point to go above and beyond for all of her patients whether she is working on her own floor or floating to another one. She is always giving 100% plus and willing to help out in any situation. CNA because even Nurses need heros!

LaTiffany D. from Dallas, TX

She very heartfelt, sincere, passionate, patient, kind-hearted and loving, and respectful.

Lisa W. from Roanoke Healthcare Center

Lisa works very hard and cares deeply for her residents.

Lorena H. from Reno, VA

Lorena is a genuine, hardworking CNA

Maida S. from Columbus, TX

Maida is always very attentive with her residents , she’s a joy to work with ! She’s all about teamwork and extremely helpful. She goes beyond the extra mile to make our residents as comfortable as possible . She’s a very hardworking young lady.

Marissa T. from Dekalb

She is an amazing CNA and she really cares about her residents.

Mark A . from Orangegrove Rehabilitation Hospital

In this challenging times, Mark displays unwavering reliability, dependability, courage and resilience to serve and perform tasks assigned to him in the most efficient and expeditious way no matter how critical and challenging the assigned job is. He displays consistent and sincere dedication and genuine care to whoever is assigned to him. A real trooper, he exemplifies the qualities of an excellent Certified Nursing Assistant performing above and beyond the call of duty with conscientiously and consistently. For that, he is truly deserving of this recognition.

Martina M. from Decatur, GA

I wanna say my daughter has been a CNA for 18 years. Something she love.I have seen her do thing for clients off the clock just to make the client happy.My daughter go above and beyond.She was recently working as a CNA and the company she was was working for has made her office manager.So now my daughter is a CNA/Office manger. She has been doing Home Health for most of her time as a CNA and as office manager she still will go to the clients home and ask if they need help are she will call and check on her clients.Great communication is a plus. She have had dead end jobs working with different Home Health, Nursing homes and assisted living facilities where she wanted to stop CNA and try something else yet It’s like God has her where he want to be..

Melissa R. from Madisonville, KY

Melissa is one of the best CNA’s I have ever worked with. She spoils her residents and has really shined during the Covid19 visitor restrictions. She is so fun to be around. She sings, laughs, jokes, and just shows the residents a very family like loving side everyday she works. She is always picking up extra shifts to ensure the residents are taking care of.

Meredith H. from Red Bud, IL

Because this CNA goes above and beyond to help her residents!

Micah H. from AK

She works hard and cares so much for her residents. She is in nursing school to get her degree while working full time.

Michelle L. from Reno, VA

She is awesome and hardworking.

Mindy G. from Creswood Care Center in Ogden, UT

She has a very stressful job right now trying to find coverage for the facility and doesn’t complain and steps up to take extra shifts.

Rhonda F. from Bryson City, NC

They go above and beyond to care for her residents. Not only meeting their physical needs but their emotional needs as well.

Robert M. from Victoria, TX

He is good at his job and cares for the patients, very compassionate and caring always putting the patients first.

Shayla S. from Levelland, TX

She is so caring loving & appreciative she loves the residents & will go above & beyond to make them happy…she is currently our Life Enrichment Coordinator but has a CNA.

Suprena D. from Dallas, TX

She goes above and beyond the call of duty for each and everyone she comes to know.

Tesha W. from Tupelo, MI

Because she is my mom she work tiredless days and night she go from house to house making sure her clients needs are met .then go to nursing and work long hours keeping them happy. She took care of her mom her grandparents and never complained.

Trameka H. from Maumelle

Because she has love for the elderly and treat them like family

Wendy O. from Lumberton, NC

Her dedication and determination set her above the bar!

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A certified nursing assistant works under the supervision of an LPN, Vocational Nurse, or Registered Nurse depending on the facility or healthcare practice. A CNA may be more limited in the scope of their duties that they are allowed to legally perform depending on the location of the care setting.

State laws that oversee healthcare workers like CNAs can differ significantly. A CNA working in one state may be seen passing meds in assisted living environments, and CNAs working in another state may only be able to monitor or supervise capable patients as they take their own medications.

Can a CNA Draw Blood?

Yes, a CNA can legally draw blood in some states if they complete and pass further phlebotomy training classes. However, not all states allow this.

Can a CNA Give Shots / Injections?

No, most CNAs are not legally allowed to prepare or give intramuscular or IV shots or injections. Insulin and heparin must be given by an LPN or RN, sometimes requiring two nurses as a safety check.

Can a CNA Administer Medication?

Yes, in some states, CNAs that pass additional medication administration training to become a medication tech can give some medications. These may include oral, nasal (nose), optic (eye), otic (ear) or topical (dermal-skin) types of medications under nursing supervision.

Can a CNA Do Wound Care?

No, open wound care is something RNs perform. They have the knowledge/skills to assess wound depth, type, and wound treatment, positive or negative changes. However, nurses rely on their CNAs to report changes in skin condition promptly if seen during patient showering, toileting, or dressing.

Can CNAs Take Blood Sugar?

Yes, some assisted living facilities allow CNAs to get patient blood sugar readings and perform blood glucose machine checks to ensure accuracy.

Can CNAs Insert Catheters?

No, a CNA may not insert catheters or remove them. Nurses are responsible for ensuring patient safety during catheter insertions or removals. CNAs can monitor fluid intake and output from urinary catheter bags and empty them when full.

Can a CNA Do Dressing Changes?

Yes, most assisted living facilities allow CNAs with the proper training to perform non-invasive and uncomplicated dressing changes under the supervision of an RN. Typically, the nurse will be there to assess any wound, then the CNA completes the dressing change.

Can a CNA Do Tube Feeding?

No, only nurses should do tube feedings. This requires accurate nursing assessment skills that nurses are taught.

Can a CNA Do a Sputum Test?

Yes, a CNA can collect a sputum sample after proper training.

Can a CNA Do a Bowel Evacuation?

No, only RNs should attempt bowel evacuation measures. This can be dangerous otherwise. There is a risk of a vaso-vagal response that may cause the patient to pass out or even trigger a stroke.

What Are CNAs Not Allowed to Do?

CNAs must adhere to their state’s CNA guidelines of care. In general, CNAs should not do anything considered invasive, dangerous or neglectful.

Contact your state CNA registry to determine what you can or cannot do in your specific area.

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Becoming a CNA can be a deeply rewarding career path for many people interested in performing personal care work or basic companionship services. The acronym CNA stands for certified nursing assistant, and this job title often gets intertwined with other care titles like nursing assistant.

A CNA works under the supervision of nurses or doctors. CNAs must complete a state-recognized CNA training program and pass state certification exams, including a written test and a skills demonstration.

CNAs can work in a number of different care settings. These job settings include hospitals, nursing home facilities, senior living communities, doctor’s offices, home care environments, community senior/special needs daycare centers, and rehabilitation settings.

Top Duties & Responsibilities of a CNA

The exact job duties and responsibilities of a CNA will vary slightly depending on what care setting they are working at and the mental and physical health of the care recipients. However, there are five main CNA duties and responsibilities that most CNA jobs require.

Duty & Responsibility #1

Most CNAs provide assistance with a client’s activities of daily living also called ADLs. This generally includes assistance with mobility, feeding, dressing, bathing, grooming, and other daily tasks. The level of assistance that a CNA is responsible for depends on the overall health of each unique care recipient. 

Bed-bound or immobile care recipients may need regular position changes in bed like turning the person from side to side on a 2-hour rotation, propping up possible pressure areas with pillows or specialty cushions, and helping with transfers to wheelchair, toilet or bedside chair.

Duty & Responsibility #2

Other CNA responsibilities often involve light housekeeping, simple meal preparations, passing out food trays, and monitoring each care recipient’s food and drink intake at each meal. General light housekeeping tasks like making beds, changing bed linens, stocking the room with needed care supplies, dusting, keeping the room neat, and other chores could also be expected.

Duty & Responsibility #3

CNAs may also be expected to take and monitor a care recipient’s vital signs that include taking their pulse, blood pressure, respiration, and temperature readings. CNAs often take weight and height measurements too. CNAs then document these results and report any changes or adverse readings promptly to a nurse overseeing care.

Duty & Responsibility #4

One of the most important duties of a CNA involves regularly checking on care recipients, answering call bells, making a note of patient condition changes, and reporting those changes immediately to the nurse. 

A CNA is a nurse’s eyes and ears on a care unit or setting, and CNAs provide an essential role in each patient’s level and quality of care, safety, and overall well-being. 

CNAs must be alert at all times for adverse changes in their clients. Since CNAs usually bathe, dress, change incontinence briefs or assist with toileting, they are the ones most likely to spot troubling conditions like pressure sores, skin tears, bruising, and so forth.

Duty & Responsibility #5

CNAs might also assist with certain medical procedures or might be expected to set up, clean, or takedown medical equipment. 

Many healthcare facilities and other care agencies offer advanced specialty training for their CNAs that will be working with special needs clients. This could include working with patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other mental deficits, spinal cord injuries, learning disabilities, birth defects, and other special need conditions.

Job Opportunities Available to CNAs

There are many terrific job opportunities for CNAs these days. Most CNAs will make a decent wage that can also include many job perks like healthcare insurance, paid vacations, sick time benefits, and retirement savings packages. 

The high costs of healthcare have prompted many healthcare providers to transfer more care services to outpatient and home care settings. This means more healthcare provider companies will be hiring more CNAs to meet future care demands and increase job security for CNAs substantially.

CNA Duties in Different Job Settings

Job positions for CNAs can be found in a number of different settings, and each work environment plays a role in what duties and responsibilities that a CNA will be expected to perform while working there.

CNA Duties in a Hospital

CNAs who work in hospitals often assist with showering, give sponge/bed baths, assist with grooming, and help with ambulation and toileting. They also transport patients from one department to another and assist with meals by passing trays, feeding weaker patients, and documenting all CNA required tasks accurately. 

CNAs answer call bells, ensure patient safety, keep rooms stocked with supplies, assist with some medical treatments, turn patients in bed, take/monitor/document vital signs, and report patient condition changes to the nurse.

CNA Duties in a Doctor’s Office

CNAs working at a doctor’s office might assist with equipment, stock, clean and prepare exam rooms, assist doctor or nurse with medical procedures/treatments, take vital signs, help with patient documentation, transport patients, relay patient concerns to doctor/nurse and answer phones or make appointments in smaller practices.

CNA Duties in a Nursing Home

CNAs provide the majority of care in a nursing home setting. If a skilled nursing facility, the patients will need a higher level of care. CNAs perform ADLs, take vital signs, assist nurse/doctor with certain treatments and procedures, assist with range-of-motion exercises, and help with standing, transfers, and ambulation.

CNA Duties in Assisted Living Facilities

Usually, CNAs working in an assisted living facility or senior community will perform less advanced care measures as the clients must be able to manage more of their own care. 

CNAs often make, or serve meals, perform light housekeeping, monitor/assist client activities like bathing, grooming or dressing and provide companionship. CNAs might also help with recreation classes, read to clients, assist with diversionary activities, run errands, accompany the client to doctor visits, or supervise outings.

Conclusion

Becoming a CNA is a wonderful way to enter the growing field of healthcare without taking too much time, effort, or money. It’s possible to find exciting CNA jobs in specialty healthcare environments as well as the expected CNA workplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

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To become a CNA, you need to complete a nursing assistant certification program that is approved by the nursing board in your state. These programs typically take 12 weeks or less to finish. Throughout the process, you will learn about human anatomy, patient care, and how to execute the tasks that allow you to help your patients when they are sick. As a CNA, you play an important role in aiding people toward better wellness, making this a rewarding career path.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

There are a few requirements you need to complete successfully to become a CNA. Working through these steps in order will make it easier to accomplish your goals:

CNA Education Requirements

To become a CNA, you have to first finish high school or get your GED. From here, you will enroll in a CNA program that your state nursing board approves of. Once you are in school, there will be a course curriculum that you will work through to learn all of the coursework and how to perform the nursing tasks that CNAs are responsible for in a healthcare setting.

Finding a CNA Training Program that’s Right for You

You can find CNA classes at trade schools, community colleges, the red cross, and at different hospitals and other medical facilities. Due to the demand for qualified CNAs, there are often dozens of options in major metropolitan areas. In small cities or rural areas, the local hospital may host this type of program or they can point you in the right direction.

Each State may have different CNA requirements. Use the links below to learn more about becoming a CNA in your State.

What to Expect in CNA Classes?

The cost of a CNA program depends on several factors, such as the state you will take the classes in and the facility’s individual tuition costs. One credit hour averages approximately $71.50. You will also have to pay for books, supplies, and additional program fees, such as technology fees. On average, a full course costs about $1,300. Throughout your course, you will learn about infection control, delivering personal care to your patients, taking vital signs, your scope of practice, and how to communicate with patients and other healthcare staff. 

Step 2: Pass a CNA Certification Exam

CNA Exam Application Process

To apply for your nursing assistant certification, you will submit your application and your fingerprints so that a background check can be conducted. Pay the processing fees associated with the exam and get your testing date and location.

What to Expect While Taking the CNA Exam?

All states vary regarding the cost of the CNA exam, but the average is about $125. When you arrive for your test, you will take a written exam that includes 60 questions in the multiple-choice format. You are given 90 minutes to complete this. The questions involve things like infection control, charting patient information, patient positioning, and vital signs. There is also a clinical skills component where you have 30 minutes to demonstrate five CNA duties in front of an evaluator, such as taking blood pressure, ambulating a patient with a gait belt, and handwashing.

Step 3: Apply for a Job as a CNA

Where Can I Find CNA Jobs?

CNAs have multiple options when they are looking for a job. Some of the most common places of employment include skilled nursing facilities, local hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living facilities. Most CNAs start out at a skilled nursing facility since these places tend to have the most open positions. They also give you a good range of patients to help you to hone your CNA knowledge and clinical skills.

What to Expect on Your First Day as a CNA?

After landing your first job, you may do a variety of tasks on your first day. Once you are acquainted with the facility and their rules and procedures, you will start working to take care of patients, usually under the supervision of an experienced CNA or a higher-level nurse. Dressing and bathing patients are common, as well as helping them with their meals and either using a bedpan or ambulating to the bathroom. You may change the patient’s bedding and help to reposition them to ensure comfort. Helping patients to get from bed to a wheelchair, cleaning their space, and taking patient vital signs may also be expected of you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a CNA

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A larger percentage of the U.S. population is entering old age than ever before. This means that more people will require critical health care. While more students are entering nursing school, the programs can’t take enough enrollees to keep up with demand. With the gap between demand and the number of qualified professionals growing, it’s understandable that hospital administrators might look to something less conventional to ensure that patients continue to receive quality care.

The problem is well illustrated in Japan, which has a bigger population of senior citizens than any other nation. Scientists there have already developed a robot called Terapio, which follows on the heels of a physician or nurse, dispensing medications, creating and maintaining patient records and generally making hospital rounds. Terapio is rather like a high-tech medical cart. Its interactions with patients is minimal, yet it performs a valuable support role.

A similar robot, known as Pearl, works in nursing homes where it reminds residents to take prescriptions and to complete everyday tasks. Pearl also helpfully reminds residents of appointments, and the robot is programmed to be flexible and responsive, taking into account that everything doesn’t always run precisely on schedule.

Neither of these robots adopts even a remotely human appearance. Recognizing that looking human, or at least friendly and relatable, will become increasingly important as robots take on more complex tasks, scientists are working toward making robots that are more approachable. One such is the Robot for Interactive Body Assistance, or RIBA, which is designed to resemble an over-sized teddy bear. RIBA has tactile sensors and actuated arms that allow it to help patients into and out of wheelchairs and beds. It is still in its research and design phase, but someday it may save nurses from having to maneuver patients dozens of times a day.

A less cuddly option is Actroid F, a robot that looks disarmingly human. With cameras for eyes and the ability to make complex conversation, Actroid F can seem confusingly like a person. The cameras allow the robot to track patients and help it to make facial expressions so that it seems more human and sympathetic.

At this point, robots fulfill only a supportive role in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities. They are not prescribing medications or recommending courses of treatments for patients requiring care. Many of them are tied directly to human personnel who rely on the robot as they might a trusted colleague.

Still, robots are likely to play an increasingly important and interactive role in the medical field. The National Science Foundation is investing one million dollars in research that is aimed at robotics to be used in health care. In addition to providing helpful reminders, dispensing medication, helping patients into wheelchairs and making certain that records are up to date, more advanced robots can be expected to take on many other important roles. One of these may be keeping patients company.

Research has consistently shown that regular interaction is crucially important to the quality of life of patients in hospitals and residents in nursing homes. Robots, especially those that are almost eerily humanoid, can help to fill the companionship gap when families can’t visit and human medical personnel are occupied elsewhere.

Other robots that are currently in use or under development feature a computer screen where a person’s face would be. The screen makes it easy for patients to Skype or otherwise communicate with friends and family remotely. Doctors and nurses can also use the robot to monitor patients from a remote location, making it easier than ever before for them to check in on the condition of a particular patient.

Without a doubt, robots will be a growing presence throughout the healthcare community. It seems unlikely that robots will ever completely supplant human nurses, given that they are unlikely to be able to equal the experience, judgment and decision-making abilities that people bring to the role.

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