The importance of CNA training
Posted on July, 14, 2011 by admin
When embarking on your nursing career, it’s easy to get lost in the swamp of certifications and acronyms, but I’m here to relieve the stress of starting your career and tell you that the best first step you can take is to get your State Trained Nurse Assistant certification.
CNA training is important because it’s standardized yet constantly evolving. The courses teach you the necessary information to advance your career as a nurse assistant while keeping you up-to-date on the latest innovations in the medical field, a profession in which the horizon is perpetually receding.
To further deal with the constant innovation in your field, CNA training requires you to take 12 hours of classes every year after receiving your initial certification in order to keep that certification. After all, you wouldn’t expect to be healthy after going to the gym once, no matter how intense the workout.
The initial CNA certification and the constant upkeep required to keep an SNTA certification are more than just means to acquire specialized knowledge to further your career. They are tools of communication; specifically, they are symbols.
As a landmark like the Golden Gate Bridge communicates many ideas in a precise and digestible manner, so does an CNA certification communicate many ideas about you. Not only is this good for feeling a healthy sense of self-satisfaction when looking in the mirror, but those four letters communicate to employers more than any words could say.
In addition, many schools provide CNA certification graduates with comprehensive job-placement programs. Knowledge is power, yes, but only if you can do something with it. As an aspiring nurse, you understand this, otherwise you’d be going to art school.
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Top Ten Personality Traits Every CNA Should Possess
Posted on June, 16, 2011 by admin
Before you enter the nursing field, it’s important to honestly assess your personality, as it is critical not only to your success, but to your happiness as a nursing assistant. Nursing is a very demanding career, as you’re working with sick people all day long- along with dealing with the physical aspects of patient care. We’ve compiled a list of the most important personality traits every nursing professional should have:
- Truly caring for others: Enough said-it should be the number one reason you’re a nurse!
- Empathy: you’ll need to be understanding of your patient’s condition and personality, dealing with them in a warm and sympathetic manner, without losing your cool.
- Emotional stability: It’s a nerve wracking business, nursing, at times. It’s important to be able to handle situations and patients calmly and under control.
- Attention to detail: Imperative! Take notes, writing everything you do on the patient’s chart, remembering medication and timing, etc.
- Physical endurance: You’ll be on your feet most of the day. In addition, you’ll be physically moving patients around, helping them in and out of bed, or helping them to walk.
- Adaptability: This is no assembly line job! Every day is different, and situations arise quickly. Be able to change direction when needed, and expect change on a daily basis.
- Exercise good judgment: With professional training and certification, good judgment is part of being an effective nurse.
- Think on your feet: Your actions and decisions can mean the difference between life and death for your patients. You should be able to make decisions quickly and act on them.
- Excellent work ethic: If you’ve read this far, you can see that nursing is challenging on many levels. You’ll have to expect to work hard to succeed.
- Communicate! It’s critical to the patients and to your team to communicate effectively, whether it’s the patient’s chart, or in a critical situation. Calm, clear communication is essential.
It’s true that nursing can be a very challenging career. However, it’s also one of the most rewarding. Helping patients heal, giving them great care, and making their lives better are all terrific ways you’ll benefit as a nurse. And the more of these 10 personality traits you possess, the happier you’ll be as a nursing professional.
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CNA Classes: Planning your education path to becoming a Nurse
Posted on June, 16, 2011 by admin
When you’re considering becoming a nurse, you should think about taking CNA (State Trained Nursing Assistant) classes as a smart choice. Becoming certified as a nursing assistant, which takes little time, can help you gain valuable experience and strengthen your nursing education. It’s also a great idea to try out the career of nursing before jumping into nursing school.
If you’re passionate about serving patients and interested in a health care career as a nurse, then getting your CNA certification is a great way to go. With an average of only 75 hours of training required, it can be a crucial part of planning your educational path on your way to becoming a nurse. With both classroom and practical courses, this training certification will help you be more prepared for a nursing career.
After training, you’ll need to prepare for a written and a practical exam. Study hard- you don’t want to waste all those hours of education! Once you pass the certification, you’re good to go- prepared to work as an CNA in your state.
CNA’s perform many of the same tasks as RN’s, and gain valuable experience working with both patients and nursing teams. They perform patient care, administering medications, taking temperatures, bathing and grooming. They communicate directly with their nursing supervisors on patient condition. They monitor patients for signs of health. And they gain valuable nursing experience.
So if you’re seriously considering entering the nursing field, think about CNA certification. Becoming an CNA can be a great way to experience nursing, become more qualified for nursing school, and gain entry into a rewarding nursing career.
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CNA Relationships: Your Bedside Manner Counts!
Posted on June, 16, 2011 by admin
Whether you’re considering a career as a nursing assistant, or have already established yourself in your career, it’s important to be aware of the important relationships you’ll need to maintain to succeed. From your patients, to your team members and nursing supervisors, your interaction with others is one of the most important, if not the most important, aspects of being a successful CNA.
When you think about all of the tasks and skills you will employ as a nursing assistant, you will realize that almost all of them involve direct contact with people. Relationships with patients are of course critical. Your bedside manner with your patients directly affects their mood, and even their health and recovery. It’s so important to be calm, compassionate, and cheerful as you go about your day. Remember, your patients can be confused, in pain, or just lonely- and you can make them more comfortable with your presence.
Relationships are built on communication skills. Whether you’re working with patients, or talking to another medical professional, keep your communications as accurate and clear as possible. If you need to take notes during the day, do so. As a nursing assistant, you’re most often given the most contact with your patients, and your communications regarding their health and progress will help the entire medical team maximize the patient’s care.
And finally, remember: establishing good relationships will keep you working. Your patient recommendations, your nursing supervisor’s experience with you, and your overall reputation all rest upon building relationships, trust, and communication skills.
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Medical Screening For CNA’s: What To Expect
Posted on May, 03, 2011 by admin
If you’re interested in getting into the exciting and growing field of healthcare, with little time and investment, you can become a certified nursing assistant. With a high school education, and a six to twelve week course certification, you’re on your way to a career where you can help, comfort, and care for others. The demand is rising for certified nursing assistants, because as the population ages, the demand will continue to grow.
Along with a minimum of a high school or GED degree, there are a number of attributes you must possess to be successful as an CNA. You must possess a caring personality, enjoy helping people, and be physically able to perform manual skills to assist your patients.In addition, when you are accepted into the CNA program, there will be a medical screening.
Here’s what to expect during your CNA medical screening.
You’ll be required to produce a physical exam record which is signed by a physician. If you cannot produce a physical exam record, you will be required to take a physical exam.
You’ll also be required to take a two-stepMantoux test for Tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis can be highly contagious in multi-patient facilities so this test is important for your health and the health of your patients.
And finally, many facilities and agencies require that applicants pass a drug screening. Some may require this before entry into the training program, and others may perform drug testing on new employees and/or existing employees.
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How Do I Become Qualified to be an CNA For Medicare?
Posted on May, 03, 2011 by admin
There are great opportunities in becoming a State Tested Nursing Assistant for Medicare. Although you will have to obtain certification and find Medicare patients, you’ll benefit with expanded career opportunities. Some of the most common questions for this exciting career are listed below.
Q. How does an agency obtain a Provider Number?
A. Once you’ve obtained certification from Medicare, JCAHO, or CHAP , contact the provider enrollment department in your region to assist you. It is easy to contact these agencies with the following websites:
Medicare: www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicare.asp
JCAHO: www.jointcommission.org
CHAP: www.chapinc.org/chap-consumer.htm
Q.What do I need to do to get my Non-Agency Personal Care Aide number?
A.You’ll need to submit the following documents to the Provider Enrollment Department in your region. A copy of your Social Security Card, a copy of a current government issued ID with your name, photo, current address, and expiration date on it, a copy of your CNA or HHA certification or other equivalent training completed in the last 24 months, a copy of your current First Aide Certification, and a letter of referral from an Ohio Home Health Care, Transitions MRDD, or Transitions Carve-Out Waiver Consumer who wants you to be their provider.
Q. How do I arrange for an RN supervisor and why do I need one?
A. Because as an CNA you’re required to be under supervision of an RN, you must arrange for an RN to work with you as a Medicare provider. You can choose any RN supervisor that you know, who agrees to act as your supervisor. It’s important to note that your RN supervisor does not need to be a Medicare provider that they do need to have an active nursing license.
Q. Does the RN supervisor get paid?
A. The RN may or may not be paid by the LPN that he/she is supervising. This is worked out between the RN and the LPN.
Q. How do I get paid for my services?
A.In order to get paid for your services as a Medicare provider CNA, you must obtain the proper forms on the CareStar Ohio Home Care Information website. Don’t forget to get a 1099 form from the state of Ohio for tax purposes-as you are considered to be self-employed and the 1099s replaces your normal W-2 form. Submit all claims to: Ohio Department of Human Services, P.O. Box 2644, Columbus, Ohio 43266. DO NOT FOLD THE CLAIM FORM.
If you’d like more information on becoming a Medicare provider STN a please contact us we are here to help
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F.A.Q. for the Ohio CNA Skills Test: 25 Skills Necessary to Pass the Test
Posted on May, 03, 2011 by admin
Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to pursue a career as an Ohio State Trained Nurse Assistant. During your training, and after studying the curriculum, you’ll be asked to take a physical skills test. This test will prepare you for the manual aspects of your new career as an CNA. It’s important to know what you’ll be expected to perform in your new role. Here are some commonly asked questions about the 25 skills needed to pass the test.
Q: How many skills will I be tested on?
A: There are 25 skills involved in the CNA skills test.
Q: How do I prepare for the test?
A: Your curriculum and your teachers will ensure that you have the necessary information and experience to pass the test.
Q: What’s involved in taking the skills test?
A: You will be asked to identify the 25 skills necessary to become an CNA, and know the steps to accomplish each skill.
Q: What kind of skills will I be asked to demonstrate?
A: The skills you’ll be tested on range from personal care such as handwashing, haircare, and dental care, through physical therapy, assisting with ambulation, and medical care such as taking vital signs and weighing the patient.
The complete list of skills is listed below.
Skill 01 – Hand Washing
Skill 02 – Abdominal Thrust on Conscious Resident
Skill 03 – Ambulation using a Gait Belt
Skill 04 – Ambulation with Walker
Skill 05 – Applying Antiembolic Stocking to One Leg
Skill 06 – Bedpan/Fracture Pan and Output
Skill 07 – Denture Care
Skill 08 – Dressing Resident
Skill 09 – Emptying a Urinary Drainage Bag
Skill 10 – Feeding the Dependent Resident
Skill 11 – Hair Care
Skill 12 – Making an Occupied Bed
Skill 13 – Making an Unoccupied Bed
Skill 14 – Mouth Care
Skill 15 – Nail Care One Hand
Skill 16 – Partial Bed Bath – Face, Arm, Hand and Underarm
Skill 17 – Perinea Care for a Female
Skill 18 – Position Resident on Left Side
Skill 19 – Range of Motion Hip & Knee
Skill 20 – Range of Motion One Shoulder
Skill 21 – Transfer from Bed to Wheelchair using a Gait Belt
Skill 22 – Transfer from Wheelchair to Bed using a Gait Belt
Skill 23 – Vest Restraint in Bed
Skill 24 – Vital Signs – Temperature, Pulse and Respiration
Skill 25 – Weighing an Ambulatory Resident
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State Tested Nursing Assistant (CNA) Career Outlook Looks Promising
Posted on March, 28, 2011 by admin
If you’re interested in getting into the exciting and growing field of healthcare, with little time and investment, you can become a certified nursing assistant. With a high school education, and a six to twelve week course certification, you’re on your way to a career where you can help, comfort, and care for others. The demand is rising for certified nursing assistants, because as the population ages, the demand will continue to grow.
There are a number of educational programs available to those seeking to become state tested nursing assistant. Community colleges, vocational centers, and formal educational programs offer certified nursing training. Although the time and investments to become a state tested nursing assistant will vary by state, with a high school diploma or its equivalent, you can begin your training.
Certified nursing assistants enjoy steady employment and a positive outlook for career growth. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the next 10 years, state tested nursing assistants opportunities will increase faster than the national average for all other occupations. In fact, as a state trained nursing assistant, your career outlook is excellent.
The average salary for state tested nursing assistants in 2011 is around $27,000 per year. Salaries vary considerably, however, by geographical area. New York and California have some of the highest paying CNA jobs available.
So if you are a caring person, if you enjoy helping people, and if you’re excited about entering the medical profession as a nurse’s aide, you can join one of the fastest growing healthcare careers available today.
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What Does It Take To Be A Certified Nursing Assistant?
Posted on March, 28, 2011 by admin
Certified nursing assistants have very challenging careers. They’re the primary caregivers for millions of patients, from recovery, to terminal illness to aging. Becoming a certified nursing assistant can be a very rewarding choice in your career. You could be employed by nursing homes, outpatient clinics and hospitals, or even in the home to take care of the everyday needs of your patients. There’s a large amount of personal care involved, as well as medical duties like monitoring vital signs and physical conditions. There’s also a lot of hands-on interaction. You have to be fairly fit, as certified nursing assistants are often lifting and carrying patients, helping them with walking and helping travel to and from doctor appointments.
Education:education is required to be a certified nursing assistant. A High school diploma or GED is usually sufficient, in most states, to becoming a CNA. CNA’s trained in state approved training programs and the times to finish varies by state. 50 to 75 hours of credits that take about 6 to 12 weeks to complete is the norm in most states. After credits are completed, there’ll be a written and practical test covering the materials. You are then registered with the state as a certified nursing assistant and you can begin your career helping others. You can find out more with your state nurse’s aide Registry.
Becoming a certified nursing assistant is a great way to get into the healthcare industry. With little experience and investment you can become a certified nursing assistant on the way to becoming a registered nurse or other medical professional. Initial pay scales range between $25,000and $30,000 per year, depending upon the city. And one of the best things about becoming a CNA is that your schedule can be very flexible. Patients need care around-the-clock – so you may work night, evening, and weekend shifts and even make extra money with an overtime schedule.
If you want to get into the exciting field of healthcare, if you’re compassionate, have patience and humility, becoming a certified nursing assistant may be the perfect career for you.
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Hospice Care- What to Consider When Exploring Care for your Loved One
Posted on March, 28, 2011 by admin
When a loved one experiences a terminal illness it can be very stressful for the family members . Hospice care offers comfort and support to the entire family by caring for the patient, and providing total support through medical, nursing, social, and even spiritual guidance.
Hospice care provides quality of life for terminally ill patients. Hospice care focuses on care over cure or treatment for the underlying disease. Services can be in home or at a hospice facility, but either way, with hospice care service you will experience extraordinary care from the medical and nursing staff, as well as social workers and spiritual personnel.
When you’re exploring hospice care for your loved one, you may be concerned about cost. Care may be financed in many ways. Medicare, Medicaid, and even the Department of Veterans Affairs and some private insurance can fund your hospice care expenses. Every hospice program has its own policy – so it’s very important to ask about payment options, costs and coverage as you explore hospice programs for your loved ones. You may also set up long-term care through your health care provider before hospice care is needed. This can alleviate stress for all involved.
Hospice programs offer a range of care options depending upon the needs of the patient. It’s important to evaluate a hospice program by asking questions about the programs, services and the staff. You may also want to contact your local or state office on aging, or your friends and neighbors -a personal recommendation is always best when considering hospice care.
Hospice care hospice care can provide comfort for the terminally ill patient as well as the family members.
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