A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an entry-level nursing position. CNAs work under a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse and offer preliminary care to patients, assisting them with everyday tasks such as bathing and dressing. Many also refer to them as nursing assistants, patient care technicians, or nurse aides. Those who want to become CNAs must carefully understand what the job is about and complete a CNA certification from a reputable institution.

What do CNAs do?
Being a CNA is not easy. In this position, one must take over several responsibilities, such as:

• Dressing wounds
• Preparing rooms for admissions
• Repositioning or turning patients
• Answering patient bells or calls
• Gathering supplies for the head nurse
• Measuring and recording the patient’s liquid or food intake
• Helping with medical procedures
• Feeding and bathing the patients
• Dressing the patients
• Charting and monitoring the vitals

This is only a broad overview of what one has to do as a CNA. An individual’s scope of work may vary depending on the head nurse’s level of need, the hospital one is employed at, and the state requirements and duties.

How to become a CNA?
To qualify and work as a CNA, one must complete a state-approved CNA certification course. Such courses typically last four to eight weeks, depending on the institution and class size. CNA certification courses are available at vocational schools, local hospitals, high schools, local community colleges, and technical schools. After completing the course, one must appear for the state licensing test.

What are the prerequisites for a CNA certification?
Candidates can sign up for a CNA certification training program only if they meet a few conditions. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the institution offering the course but usually include the following:

• Highschool diploma or an equivalent
• Basic computer skills for online learning
• Completion of a health test
• TABE (math or reading assessment)
• Fluency in English (a reading test)
• Criminal background check
• Possession of a valid government ID
• Proficiency in areas like ethics, privacy, hygiene, and technical skills

What topics does a CNA certification cover?
The course covers several topics that prepare candidates to work alongside senior nurses. It also provides hands-on training, ensuring one performs their role efficiently. A few topics individuals may come across are:

• Daily living activities
• Aging process
• Physiology
• Anatomy
• Data collection
• Testing and vital signs
• Safety
• Range of motion
• Ethical and legal issues
• Communication
• Infection control
• Cultural needs
• Nutrition
• Mental health

Once a person is well-versed in these topics, passes the certification, and receives their license, they can work as a CNA. Later, if they hope to transition from a CNA to an RN, they must enroll in a bachelor’s degree as soon as possible.

What are the components of the CNA certification exam?
It consists of a written exam and a clinical skills exam. In the written exam, students have to answer 70 multiple-choice questions. Of these,  ten are non-scored items that will collect statistical information. One can also take it as an oral exam in Spanish and English. The test component examines students on three metrics:

• Role of the nurse aide (areas like client rights and ethics)
• Psychosocial care skills (catering to the patient’s emotional needs)
• Physical care skills (collecting data or dressing patients)

The clinical skills exam is the practical or hands-on section. To acquire the CNA certification, one will be tested on five basic skills: mobility assistance, handwashing, recording, and measuring vital signs. Under this section, one must answer ten reading comprehension and 60 multiple-choice questions.

Does the CNA certification expire?
While the certification is valid for two years, one can apply for renewal if they maintain employment throughout this period. If they do not work for this two-year duration, they can renew the certification by taking the competency examination.

Renewing the CNA certification online is straightforward. One must contact the Department of Nursing or the state’s health department and pay the renewal fee. After this, the certification will be extended for two years. If the license expires again, one may have to retake the exam. Some states do not require retaking the exam, but one must bear the renewal or delinquency fee.

Where do CNAs work?
After completing the CNA certification courses and acquiring the license, one may be employed at adult daycare centers, skilled nursing facilities, local or state hospitals, and long-term residential facilities. While CNAs rarely work in clinics, offices, and outpatient settings, these organizations demand them to work as liaisons between patients and nurses.

How much does a CNA earn?
Reports suggest the median annual salary for a CNA was $18.36 per hour or $38,200 per year some time ago. The exact compensation varies depending on the area and the setting. One must remember that being a CNA is also an emotionally rewarding experience, which is why many pursue it as a career.