The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) designation is the first step in becoming a nurse. After Becoming a CNA, you will assist in caring for patients by monitoring vital statistics, bathing, feeding and maintaining personal hygiene. Most CNA and nurse's aide programs can be completed within a few months, allowing you to begin working. As the public ages, nursing care has become a major source of employment for technical program graduates. In nursing homes and residential care facilities, nursing assistants are often the principal caregivers. They have more contact with residents than other members of the staff. Nursing assistants often develop close relationships with their patients because some residents stay in a nursing home for months or years.
The next step in a nursing career is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). This is a one year long program, in which you'll work under an RN, and be assigned advanced care work. Practice requirements for nurses aides and LPNs vary from state to state, but basic duties include passing meds, wound care, and administering feeding tubes. One year nursing certificate programs train students to pass the licensing test, in order to become an LPN or LVN.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) education involves a combination of classroom instruction and practical training designed to prepare individuals for a career in patient care. The program typically lasts between 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the institution and state requirements. Coursework covers essential topics such as anatomy, physiology, infection control, nutrition, and basic nursing skills. Students learn how to assist patients with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as taking vital signs and providing basic medical care. Practical training, often conducted in a clinical setting like a hospital or nursing home, allows students to apply their knowledge under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
After completing the educational program, graduates must pass a state competency exam, which typically includes a written test and a practical skills assessment. Nursing assistants who have passed the competency exam are placed on a state registry. Some states have other requirements as well, such as continuing education and a criminal background check. By comparison, orderlies do not need a license, however, many jobs require a basic life support (BLS) certification, which shows they are trained to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification is administered by the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). The examination includes a written component that tests the candidate's understanding of nursing principles and patient care, as well as a practical skills evaluation where candidates demonstrate their ability to perform fundamental CNA tasks.
The Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification is specifically designed for CNAs who focus on the care of elderly patients. To obtain GNA certification, candidates must first complete a CNA training program. Afterward, they must pass a state-specific examination that includes both written and practical components tailored to geriatric care.
The Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) certification, offered by the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), is tailored for CNAs who wish to specialize in home healthcare. Candidates must complete the required training program and pass a certification exam that assesses their knowledge and skills. The CHHA certification validates that CNAs are competent in delivering personalized care to patients in their homes, including assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and providing support.
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to assess a patient's general healthiness. It can help determine infection, anemia, certain types of blood cancers, etc. A CBC with differential will assess the 5 types of white blood cells (basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils).
Different types of labels you might encounter as a nurse or nursing student: Brand name medications vs generic names, administration, extended release, controlled release, Dosage strength, Medication lot number, Expiration date, NDC number.
Stages of labor nursing OB review for nursing students who are studying for the NCLEX exam and maternity nursing lecture exams.
Heart sounds (S1, S2, S3, S4, murmurs) for nursing assessment examination. This video details the anatomy of the heart, heart sound auscultation points (sites), blood flow, diastole, systole, tips for distinguishing S1 from S2, and how to use the diaphragm and bell of the stethoscope when listening the atrioventricular (AV) and semilunar (SL) valve closure, such as the aortic, pulmonic (S2 sounds), tricuspid, and mitral valves (S1 sounds).
Ask yourself if you can see yourself being a nurse. While nursing classes and internships will prepare you well, certain innate qualities that you bring to bear will help you succeed as a nurse. Nurses must relate well with other people, and the personal touches that a nurse adds to overall medial care can give one-on-one attention that patients remember the most.
Because nursing homes and hospitals provide care at all hours, nursing aides and orderlies may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays. The work of nursing assistants and orderlies can be strenuous. They spend much of their time on their feet as they take care of many patients or residents.
Attending college offers benefits beyond academic learning. Students are exposed to diverse perspectives that challenge their thinking. This fosters problem-solving and communication. College is also about social skills. Whether through student organizations or sports teams, students develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships.
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