When training for CNA certification, the individual is expected to acquire knowledge of and first-hand experience with various procedures and items of equipment which are essential to caring for the patients with whom they will come into contact. Considering that the function of the certified nursing assistant involves a extensive variety of duties including both basic hygienic needs as well as more complex patient care treatments, the training for CNA certification is more complicated than many outside the profession recognize.

For instance, certified nursing assistants are trained in the appropriate procedures for such fundamental hygienic and patient care tasks as brushing and flossing of the patient’s teeth, as well as basic denture care, assisting the patient with showering, shampooing, and brushing hair, and helping male patients with the act of shaving. CNAs also assist individuals in using the toilet or bedpan, empty urinary bags when full, and provide care for those patients with catheters (although special training is generally needed to actually insert the catheter). They also assist in collecting urine and stool samples, as well as providing enemas.

But generally there is more to training for CNA certification than just studying these basic hygienic practices. CNAs also help with many of the duties that would otherwise be carried out by Registered Nurses or LPNs. These duties include taking patient temperatures with a thermometer, taking and noting both pulse and respiration, and taking patient blood pressure. Students must also learn the proper way to support patients with dressing and undressing, as well as the authorized procedures for relocating patients from a bed to a chair – which includes the use of mechanised lifts.

Training for CNA certification also involves training and hands-on education which train students how to correctly move patients in their bed, including the appropriate way to turn a patient over and assisting a patient into every position from supine to lateral. CNAs also must learn the proper way to help patients walk to avoid falls, and aid them in performing basic exercises designed to preserve or enhance range of motion.

Of course, these lessons are but a tiny component of the training for CNA certification that each and every would-be nursing assistant must acquire, but they are enough to give any onlooker cause to wonder at the wide range of know-how which we expect from these important health care providers. From understanding how to offer the basic necessities of hygienic care to knowledge of fundamental first aid and CPR, training for CNA certification helps to clarify just why nursing assistants are so essential to successful patient treatment.

New York is one of the top states in the US that employs CNA’s (Certified Nursing Assistants). The city of New York has undergone numerous steps to provide increased funding and educational training in the CNA discipline. It’s been estimated that New York will experience a shortage of roughly 38,000 Certified Nursing Assistant’s by the year 2015, most of these jobs will all be available within the New York City area. This estimate is set to grow in number over the coming years, so needless to say if you are a CNA, or considering CNA Training and live in the New York area, this could not be a better time to get a job and further your career in the field.

Additionally, the Health Care Association of New York State (HANYS) estimates that at least 4 out of every 5 hospitals in the state are experiencing nursing staff shortages.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – What is a CNA?

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is trained to assist patients with their daily living activities. CNA’s are also known as Nurse Aides, Patient Care Technicians, Orderlies, and Home Health Aides. A CNA works under the supervision of a trained Nurse, and are responsible for providing their patients/clients with basic care services, eg; Grooming, Bathing, Feeding Patients, and also checking their vital signs and fluid input/output.

In order to become a qualified CNA, you must first complete the CNA Training program (specific for each state, so if you live in NY and plan to work in NY, then make sure you become certified in NY and according to that states standards). The length of each CNA program varies from state to state, but it generally last from 6 to 12 weeks. After which you need to sit a CNA Certification Exam.

The role of a CNA is a very important one, and should not be underestimated. Certified Nursing Assistants are thought of as the ‘Eyes and Ears’ of the nursing staff, and being so close to their patients and working with them daily means that normally a CNA will be the first to spot if anything is wrong with their patient, so they can quickly report this to their superiors. CNA’s can be found in many different types of institution, including Medical Hospitals, Group Homes, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Sheltered Housing (on-call CNA’s) and many more. Becoming a CNA can serve as a great career move and stepping stone for those who are interested in moving on to becoming a Nurse at a later date.

You can find a list of CNA Jobs Available in New York Here

In the State of California, they follow a set of guidelines or ‘rules’, as set out in the OBRA 1987 mandate. The guidelines are there to try and ensure that CNA (Certified Nursing Assistants) employees administer a certain quality of care whilst doing their jobs in long term care facilities. Laws have been put in place by the state to help benefit not only the residents and patients of care facilities, but for the CNA’s themselves. The Department Of Health Services Office is responsible for maintaining, monitoring and approving all suitably qualified CNA’s.

In California, several LTC Facilities (Long Term Care Facilities) offer a large range of job opportunities for CNA’s who wish to experience life and a career in the medical industry.

Here’s a list of requirements you’ll need, to work as a CNA in the State of California:

• You’ll need to have passed both the written and skills sections of the state CNA Exam
• You will need to be mentally and physically fit.
• You must have a good record of employment.
• Your CNA Certification must be ‘active’

Average Salary for a CNA in California:

• Average salaries are between $19,000 to $36,000 per annum
• Average hourly rate is typically $8 to $10 dollars per hour. (depending on experience)

Already an approved CNA? Apply for Reciprocity:

If you are already an approved CNA, and you move to California from another State, you must have an active CNA certificate and a good record of employment. If you have these, then you may qualify for CNA certification in California without having to re-take the CNA training evaluation. To be fully qualified to work as a CNA, you’ll need to submit the required documents.

California State Contact Information for CNA Certifications:

For more detailed information, you may contact the CA Nurse Aide Registry at:

CA Nurse Aide Registry
CNA/HHA/CHT Certification Unit
Licensing and Certification Division
1615 Capitol Avenue, MS 3301
P.O. Box 997416
Sacramento, CA 95899-7416
Phone #: 916-327-2445
Fax #: 916-552-8785

Looking for a State Approved CNA training class in California?

One of the essential pre-requisites of a CNA is to be trained in a state-approved training program. You’ll find a few listed below:

Allan Hancock College

800 South College Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93454-6399
Phone #: (805) 922-6966 ext. 3384 and 3541 (Nursing-CNA Program)
Fax #: (805) 922-1403

Cost is $312 ($26/unit) other fees are not included
12 units in one semester

American River College

4700 College Oak Drive
Sacramento, CA 95841-4217
Phone #: (916) 484-8011

• Tuition for:
• Resident is $156 ($26/unit)
• Non-resident is $1296 ($216/unit)
• International is $1404 ($234/unit)
• Other fees are not included
• Six (6) unit per semester, 63 hours for theory and 135 hours for clinical instructions

Antelope Valley College

Main Campus
3041 West Avenue K
Lancaster CA 93536

Palmdale Campus
1529 E. Palmdale Blvd
Palmdale CA
Phone #: 661-722-6300 ext. 6402

• Tuition for:
• CA Resident is $130 ($26/unit)
• Non-resident is $305 (additional $175)
• Other fees are not included
• Five (5) units per semester and 50 hours for classroom instruction and 112 hours for clinical training

Los Angeles Harbor College

1111 Figueroa Place
Wilmington, CA 90744
CNA Program Coordinator: (310) 233-4360
Application/Information: (310) 233-4447
Admission: (310) 233 – 4090
Fax #: (310) 233 – 4662

• Estimated cost is $556 these includes:
• Course fee
• Student Health Fee
• Associated Student Organization Fee
• Student Representative Fee
• Uniform
• White Nursing Shoes
• CPR course
• Malpractice Insurance
• Fingerprint Processing
• Application Fees to state
• State Exam
• CNA Textbook
• CNA Module
• Five (5) units per semester

Preferred College of Nursing

Preferred College of Nursing, Bakersfield
1415 18th Street #205
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Preferred College of Nursing, W. Covina
421 S. Glendora Ave., Suite 101
West Covina, CA 91790
Bakersfield: (661) 324 – 2509; (661) 324 – 2677
West Covina: (626) 917 – 0111

One semester class only

Palo Verde College

One College Drive
Blyth, California 92225
Phone #: 760-921-5500
Phone #: 760-921-5504 (Nursing and faculty secretary)

One semester class

The majority of individuals getting ready for his or her examination become anxious, considering that this will be where all the actual training comes to its fruition. Even though you will possibly be nervous, the actual fact is that the majority of individuals discover the written test to end up being a breeze. Of course it helps to prepare yourself previous to sitting the examination simply by going over your own notes and whichever additional materials you ideally stored from your CNA classes.

A few basic examination taking guidelines may assist you. On multiple choice questions, in the event that you are not certain of the correct answer, try taking away the particular answers you know are definitely not correct. That may possibly leave you with an less complicated clearer selection. Additionally, rely on your own intuition. More frequently than not, your very first answer will probably end up being the correct answer.

The clinical section will consist of several of the particular skills you learned and practiced within your training. You will most likely end up being requested to exhibit fundamental nurse assistant skills such as taking vital signs. Don’t forget to take your time. Taking a few minutes to relax yourself can certainly help a great deal.

An individual may possibly additionally have to illustrate some other clinical abilities such as the correct techniques in order to move a patient, showing appropriate cleanliness such as hand washing, as well as maybe even changing and making a bed.

If you went via the ARC or perhaps Red Cross CNA training, you will certainly be very well prepared for assessment. An additional way that you can get readyand increase your chances for good results on the examination, is actually to invest some time searching through a few of the cost-free CNA classes online. Taking the examination on-line is also wise simply because you can work around the actual hours in which you wish to work around.

Becoming involved in a good on-line study group may assist you immensely whenever you sit down to take the actual test. Look for discussion boards with other people that are either practicing Certified Nursing Assistants, have not too long ago taken the examination, or perhaps are studying for it like you are.

The Certified nursing assistant exam should not end up being daunting or scary. After all, the worst that could happen is you do not pass. You can easily still sign up in order to take it once again. And keep in mind exactly what it’s all for. All the lessons as well as studying have provided you the skills, understanding, as well as self-confidence to become a professional Nurse Assistant, as well as open up the doors to life-long career security, excellent income, an interesting work environment, along with the fulfillment associated with serving others and realizing that your chosen profession can make a genuine, and considerable difference to the actual individuals you are charged with caring for.

Taking and passing the CNA Exam is no different to any other exam, it requires time, patience, and perseverence. If you have all 3 qualities then it really just is a matter of time before you become a certified nursing assistant.

As of February 2nd, 2010, The American Red Cross has in excess of 36 CNA Training programs available across the United States. It goes without saying, that the Red Cross CNA Class is a great way to begin your training as a CNA, and is reputed to be one of the best. For many people, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is merely a stepping stone on the way to becoming a fully Registered Nurse (RN), although many people have had lifelong enjoyable and immensely satisfying careers by staying at the CNA level. The choice is entirely up to you, depending on how far you want to go and what type of work you wish to do.

All CNA training programs ran by the American Red Cross meet the Federal CNA training standards, although each chapter has the ability to design their own program to meet specific state requirements and laws, including the number of hours you must spend on a course, and also the clinical training standards of practises and procedures. As an example, the San Bernardino chapter in California consists of a 164 hour course in total, whilst The ARC of Maryland course consists of only 114 hours. It is worth keeping in mind, that the more hours in a course there are, does not mean that they provide ‘more’ (or a better level of) training, the difference in hours can be attributed to many different variables, including of course different states having different laws.

CNA training course costs also vary in price. The San Bernardino chapter CNA training course costs $1,750, while the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter charges $1,400 . (prices are accurate at the time of writing)

Below, you will find a list of the American Red Cross chapters that offer Certified Nursing Assistant training (CNA):

• Madison/Marshall County, Huntsville, AL
• American Red Cross of Central Alabama, Montgomery, AL
• American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
• Inland Empire, San Bernardino, CA
• American Red Cross, Sonoma & Mendocino Counties, Santa Rosa, CA
• South Central Connecticut, New Haven, CT
• Northeast Florida, Jacksonville, FL
• Central Panhandle, Panama City, FL
• Space Coast, Rockledge, FL
• Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL
• Southwest Georgia, Albany, GA
• Northeast Georgia, Gainesville, GA
• Coosa Valley, Rome, GA
• Hawaii State, Honolulu, HI
• Louisville Area, Louisville, KY
• American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay, Cambridge, MA
• Berkshire County, Pittsfield, MA
• Pioneer Valley, Springfield, MA
• American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts, Worcester, MA
• Central Maryland, Baltimore, MD
• Southeastern Michigan, Detroit, MI
• American Red Cross of the Twin Cities Area, Minneapolis, MN
• Elizabeth H. Dole Chapter, Salisbury, NC
• Concord Area, Concord, NH
• New Hampshire, West Keene, NH
• Great Bay, Portsmouth, NH
• Greater Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
• Keystone, Johnstown, PA
• Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
• Allegheny Region, Reno, PA
• Black Hills, Rapid City, SD
• Hiwassee, Cleveland, TN
• Greater Richmond, Richmond, VA
• Green Mountain, Bennington, VT
• Chippewa Valley, Altoona, WI
• Lakeland, Green Bay, WI

You can get contact details and up to date program information about these CNA training classes and other American Red Cross training courses from the ARC website

Board members include 1 in all 50 states, Washington DC and all US territories. The NCSBN was founded in 1978, as organisers realised the need for regulation within nursing, excluding organisations representing professional nurses.

The main goal and responsibilities of the NCSBN is to inform about, and enforce a set of nursing standards, while keeping the Nursing Assistive Personnel Registry up to date. Licensees in this database include Certified Nursing Assistant I (CNA), Certified Nursing Assistant II (CNA II) and Medication Assistant Certified (MA-C). The NCSBN operates as a national ‘watchdog’, which co-ordinates issues that arise relating to discipline, education, and certification. Certain info, such as warnings and disciplinary actions taken against a CNA or nurse by a state board is shared with the NCSBN, which then compiles and stores the info, providing background resources for disciplinary issues and other actions taken.

When a complaint is made against a Certified Nursing Assistant, they may then become the subject of an investigation, which can then lead to an informal conference, and then when necessary a formal hearing. Actions addressing the issue of complaint might simply be resolved by re-educating the nurse, or restricting their practise in some way, however each action will carry certain specific probationary conditions. Where necessary, and in extreme cases where a CNA is found liable, a nursing assistant can have their license revoked. In this instances, all disciplinary actions will then become public record. In addition to this, any nurse or CNA holding a criminal conviction related to the functions of their work is obligated to report this to the board. The board will then proceed to determine if the offenders license should be revoked. In most cases, applicants convicted of a criminal offense will not be eligable for certification.

Federal regulations are also put in place, in order to help combat abuse and fraud, both in the health insurance industry and the health care delivery system.

In accordance to the NCSBN Standards for Assistive Personnel, CNA I  (certified nursing assistants) are bound by law to conform and practise to the following standards and regulations:

• Performs nursing tasks and functions within the range of functions authorized in the Nurse Practice Act and rules governing nursing.
• Demonstrates honesty and integrity in performing nursing tasks/functions/activities
• Bases nursing tasks/functions/activities on education, training and the direction of the supervising nurse.
• Accepts accountability for one’s behavior and actions while assisting the nurse and providing services to patients.
• Performs delegated aspects patient’s nursing care.
• Assists in observing patients and identifying patient needs.
• Communicates progress toward completing delegated nursing tasks/functions/abilities, as well as any problems or changes in a patient’s status.
• Seeks clarification if unsure of expectations.
• Uses educational and training opportunities as available.
• Takes preventive measures to protect client, others and self.
• Respects client’s rights, concerns, decisions and dignity.
• Functions as a member of the health care team, contributing to the implementation of an integrated health care plan.
• Respects client property and the property of others.
• Protects confidential information unless obligated by law to disclose the information.

In addition to this, employers that are found to deliberately or irresponsibly ignore board protocol and standards, eg: expanding the functions of a CNA, will be subject to disciplinary action. Institutions violations are recorded into the various public health databases, such as the HIPDB, just the same as an individual nurse found to be in violation would be.

This includes training for Certified Nursing Assistants, who by law, must complete a competency test. Usually, although not ‘always’ the case, a home health aide will receive free training before taking the state exam. In addition to this, the National Association for Home Care and Hospice offers voluntary certification, particularly in states that require nursing aides to be licensed.

Some high schools also offer free training to prepare individuals for the CNA certification test. While most home health aides and nursing assistants are not required to hold a high school diploma, most do anyway.

You can also do your training and your CNA certification test via The American Red Cross. This method of training is relatively inexpensive compared to other programs you have to pay for, however the Red Cross CNA Class is not free. Another alternative is to look for some free CNA Classes Online , but it is worth taking into consideration that some of these courses only cover specific topics and skills, and may not cover absolutely everything you need to pass the exam.

Some states, like Florida for instance, require that Certified Nursing Assistants complete a minimum of 12 hours of in service training each year. Certain exemptions may apply if the applicant can prove that he/she was on active duty in the Armed Forces for a period of 6 months or more during the calendar year. In addition, he/she must have been in good standing with the Board of Nursing and Certified Nursing Assistant Council at the time they began their active duty.

Some of the basic topics covered in CNA training classes include body mechanics, physiology, anatomy, nutrition, communication, hygiene, basic use of equipment, taking vital signs, how to bathe patients, how to groom them, and also how to instruct and teach the patient to do all or some of the above, depending on their own ability. As a CNA you will obtain additional training while on the job under the supervision of registered nurses, other experienced nursing aides and doctors.

Federal law dictates that aides who work in nursing care homes/facilities are required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of state approved training, in addition they must also pass a competency test. CNA certification is awarded upon successful completion of the medicare funded free cna training course. After CNA certification is obtained, the CNA will then be listed in state registry of nursing aides.

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There are a variety of things that can cause bedsores, the main culprit is prolonged pressure on a specific area on the body. Because of the pressure the affected area is under, it soon becomes deprived of oxygen causing the muscle and tissue to deteriorate. Another cause  of bedsores is repeated friction on specific areas on the body, incotinence (causes a rash) and improper cleansing of the area. People who have diabetes and suffer from circulatory problems are at an increased risk of getting bedsores, as their circulation is already affected by their pre-existing condition.

Other high risk patients are those who are paralysed. A paralysed patient cannot feel the pain and discomfort bedsores can cause, therefore it is vital that the patients assigned Certified Nursing Assistant spots the appearance of bedsores early, and treats them as promptly as possible.

Of course, preventing bedsores from happening in the first place is a CNA’s main objective. Bedsores are very painful, and can be hard to treat depending on the patients condition and range of movement, so prevention is key. As a CNA, you will be trained and shown how to prevent bedsores, and because you will provide around the clock care to your patients, you should be able to prevent them from happening relatively easily.  The main prevention method is to rotate and move the patient regularly, allowing the circulation to flow around all parts of the body. For patients that are immobilised, and possibly too large to move on your own, teams of CNA’s should work together to achieve this.

Proper rotation will  ensure that all areas of the body are receiving proper circulation, preventing pressure from building up on one particular area for too long. Placing a sheet underneath the patient that can be grasped from both ends can sometimes assist you when rotating. Another method for preventing bedsores is to try to keep the moisture on the skin to a minimum, and it goes without saying that patients should never be allowed to lie in their own waste, for even the shortest periods of time. Not only would this be unacceptable practise, it is also inhumane, and Certified Nursing Assistants should be diligent in changing and cleaning their patients regularly. Failure to clean your patient properly can lead to a breakdown of the patients skin, causing rashes and inflammation. The use of petroleum jelly or A&D ointment can help prevent this.

When drying a patient after changing them, its better to blot the wet area with a dry cloth instead of rubbing, as this may cause irritation. Other methods of preventing bedsores include the use of medical pads to reduce friction from movement, and the provision of proper nutrients to keep the skin as healthy as possible.

A Certified Nursing Assistant must have the ability to carry out routine directions given to them by a registered nurse or doctor, in relation to their patients or residents they care for. They must be willing to follow a prescribed routine with due care and technical apt, while maintaining patient privacy and discretion. CNA’s should have the ability to get along well with others, and to work hard to gain co-operation from patients and residents. Certified Nursing Assistants must be punctual, neatness and personal cleanliness are paramount.

However, that said, the main duties of a Certified Nursing Assistant will always be the care of their patient(s). This will likely include basic daily care of a patient, giving assistance where appropriate such as helping with eating, getting dressed, movement, toilet, exercise, etc etc.

As a qualified CNA, your duties are likely to also include taking and recording patient information, which includes taking their vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respitory rate,temperature), assessing your patients level of pain, and monitoring their weight.

Nurse Assistants are also required to report on their patients. Depending on the location and type of facility you work in, you may need to report to a registered nurse, doctor, or supervisor. A CNA is expected to be the eyes and ears for their superiors.

CNA’s need to be a special blend of person. They need to be patient, caring, responsive, punctual, aware, and most of all, responsible and work with professionalism. A Certified Nurse Assistants role may vary, but your #1 function will always be the welfare and wellbeing of your patient, and as such a CNA cannot afford to be distracted or dis-interested, otherwise the patient will suffer.

Here are some ‘real life’ examples of duties of a Certified Nursing Assistant, taken from a ‘Help Wanted’ classified ad:

• Assists in walking, feeding, bathing and related restorative and rehabilitative care activities for
  patients and/or residents and aids in caring for their personal needs and comfort;
• Assists nurses in lifting and turning patients and/or residents, in restraining disoriented patients
  and/or residents, in holding patients and/or residents for treatment, in care of involuntary patients
  and/or residents and may assist in preparing them for surgery;
• Helps regulate number of visitors and gives information to visitors in accordance with instructions from
  the nurse in charge;
• Assists professional nursing personnel in carrying out assigned range of motion, promotion of self-help
  and independence activities and reality orientation;
• Assembles information concerning the patient’s and/or resident’s condition and enters reports on the
  patient’s and/or residents record;
• Cleans and sterilizes equipment;
• Labels and stores patients’ and/or residents’ clothes and turns over valuables to person designated by
  the facility;
• May assist with care and moving of room furniture, fixtures and supplies to help keep patients and/or
  residents safe and comfortable;
• May assist in cleaning, laundry, resident feeding, and resident transportation, as needed.

A certified nursing assistant should expect a certain amount of physical activity as part of the job, however most people with average health and muscle mass should manage this no problem.

I hope this list of duties of a certified nursing assistant gives you a clear view of what is expected of you when you do the actual job.

Certified Nursing Assistants are in essence, the people who ensure that residents of nursing homes are cared for properly in the most basic but essential ways. Responsibilities that a CNA has are things like ensuring residents are clean (bathing or helping them bathe), and insuring that they are completely dry so that skin irritations and problems do not arise. Other CNA duties consist of things like brushing teeth, maintaining a patients hair (brushing and cleaning) and also many other basic hygeine tasks you would do for yourself, but for the patients you are caring for who are unable to do these things for themselves.

In addition to this, some patients in nursing homes may require to be fed by certified nursing assistants, specially so if they have suffered a stroke or other illness that impairs their motor skills. As such, having a Certified Nursing Assistant to care for them  is essential to them maintaining a high standard of living each and every day.

Certified Nursing Assistants also provide nursing home residents with help in maintaining their flexibility and mobility. CNA’s are trained to use and provide Range Of Motion exercises on residents, which are used to help keep joints, limbs and muscles flexible.

In addition to all these duties, CNA’s must always maintain a high level of personal interaction with residents or patients. CNA’s have a role of being a patients companion and friend as part of their job description. Many residents in nursing homes can be lonely and have very few, if any, family or friends to visit them. This can lead to depression, which can in turn spark other illness’s and conditions, so the emotional support CNA’s give is a vital part of their job, as the patients may not receive this from anywhere else.

Being a CNA comprises of medical, physical and emotional support, and all 3 are just as important as each other.