CNA Training Help
83 posts in the archive.
Five Hilarious Moments from My Life as a Nurse Assistant
April 25, 2023
Being a nursing assistant is an incredibly rewarding yet challenging career. We care for our patients, offering both emotional support and medical assistance when they need it most. However, amidst the serious nature of our work, there are moments of laughter and levity that brighten our days. Here are five funny things that have happened
Must Have CNA Courses
July 1, 2013
Why should you continue your educational training? Because there are skills that you learn from taking extra courses, and other skills that you learn from experience. You’ll learn to master these skills from experience working in the field, which will leverage your ability to perform outstanding work. A great CNA is an invaluable addition to
How To Stand Out As A CNA
March 6, 2013 · 4 comments
Being a CNA can feel like the most thankless job in the world. You do a ton of work, much of it that makes your body ache and your mind spin by the end of the day, you don’t get paid what you’re worth and no one seems to appreciate that you do your job
4 Ways You Can Get Yourself Fired As A CNA
February 12, 2013 · 21 comments
As with any job, as a CNA you have to perform your duties properly and competently in order to stay employed. In the medical field there is very little margin for error, but as humans we are bound to make a mistake here and there. There are certain things that nursing assistants can get away
The New CNA’s Survival Checklist
December 9, 2012
Every new nurse needs a survival checklist. Let’s face it; although you may have been expertly educated, you may not be prepared for some things. In a seminar I once attended, the RN described how unprepared she felt her first few weeks out of nursing school. Although you may be able to fill out a
7 Ways To Look Great At Work As A CNA
November 20, 2012 · 4 comments
Scrubs may be comfortable, but they are far from glamorous work attire. I see RN’s and CNA’s try and dress up their uniforms all the time. They fasten cute pins to their shirts; they wear colorful shoes or festive socks. I’ve even seen some dress up their name badges. We forget that it’s not so
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Being a Nursing Home CNA
September 12, 2012 · 2 comments
Being a CNA in a nursing home is the hardest job you will ever have to do next to parenting. There are so many rules and skills to remember and everything has to be done properly; for your patients safety and for the safety of your job and license. That is what this article is
Nursing Homes: Not The Final Destination For CNA’s
August 25, 2012
When you go for your CNA license you may have it in your mind that there is only one type of job you can get – nursing home aid. It is true that the majority of open positions are located in nursing homes but this is not your only choice. I too thought that I
The Best Way to Handle Your Patient Load
July 23, 2012 · 2 comments
For a new CNA, working in a nursing home can be a terrifying experience. The workload can be extremely overwhelming to a newbie and knowing where to start can be difficult to determine. There are meals, bathes, dressings and a whole slew of other job duties that must be taken care of in the course
Working With Other CNA’s
June 7, 2012 · 3 comments
Having spent almost 13 years as a CNA, I have run into many issues; some were run of the mill and others were pretty unusual. Some were downright uncomfortable! (What are you supposed to say when you walk in on two patients having sex?) But, even through all the experiences that I have had with
Annoying Things That Nursing Home Patients Do
June 4, 2012
When you first begin your career as a nursing home CNA, you may feel elated that you will be providing care for elderly people who truly need you. The idea of making a difference in the lives of these people may be at the front of your mind and this can be an exciting feeling
What Nurses Should Know About Social Media
May 31, 2012
Editors Note: We felt it was important that our readers (potential CNA's) knew what the effects a simple status update or picture post on social media could mean for their careers. At a time when privacy means little you could get into a lot of trouble simply be posting about a patient you interacted with
Working As A CNA: Getting Your Patients To Eat
May 27, 2012
When you are working with elderly patients it can be a challenge to get them to eat their meals, or anything for that matter! When you are working with elderly patients who also have Alzheimer’s disease, the problems with eating can get even worse. When you are dealing with an Alzheimer’s patient, anything can happen.
The Easiest CNA Job on Earth
May 14, 2012 · 5 comments
Being a CNA can be the hardest job in the world. The doctors come by and give the patients a cursory glance, the RN’s and LPN’s hand out the meds and do the heavy paper work and the CNA’s give the patients baths, dress them, groom them, feed them, take them to the bathroom, and
Nursing Home Personalities 101
April 29, 2012
No matter how many nursing homes you work in, you will notice that there are always certain patients that are well known for one thing or another. It is really not much different than high school except that the “students” are elderly and you have to keep them happy to keep your job. The Social
Goldilocks and the Three Nursing Assistants
April 21, 2012 · 3 comments
I have said if before and I will say it a million more times over the course of my life; it takes a very special type of person to be a certified nursing assistant. I do not mean that you have to have a certain IQ level or be an expert at scrubbing up. When
A Day in the Life of a Nursing Home CNA
February 28, 2012 · 2 comments
If you are a newbie CNA and are considering hitting the nursing home scene for your first job, there are a few things that this seasoned professional would like to share with you. It will make your life much easier if you end up working in one of these facilities. For a beginner it can
How Medicare Cuts Will Affect the Job Outlook for CNAs
October 10, 2011
Nursing homes in America are starting to feel the pain of the nations dwindling economy. President Obama's health-care reform proposal to cut over 1.5 billion to Medicare will result in nursing homes cutting services, laying off employees, and can ultimately end up in the closure of many long-term care facilities. According to a report by
5 Tips for Preparing a CNA Resume Cover Letter
September 20, 2011
Read about five ways you can improve your CNA resume cover letter to better help you land that dream job.
Differences Between A CNA and A Medical Assistant
September 13, 2011
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and medical assistants (MAs) are both in the business of helping people. These two career paths may have some similarities, but they are also different in many ways. Kind of like police officers and firemen- they both wear uniforms and help people, but the job description and responsibilities are uniquely different.
Starting Your Career as a CNA
August 31, 2011
You’ve just completed your CNA training. What now? Well, the good news is that you are trained in one of the most in-demand fields today. According to the United States Department of Labor, excellent job opportunities are available to CNAs, and employment for trained CNAs is projected to grow faster than average. Due to the
Legal Issues Concerning Nursing Assistants
August 17, 2011
With any type of professional license, there are certain legal responsibilities. As a working CNA you should be cognizant of potential legal liabilities that you may be exposed to throughout your career. If you fail to meet the proper medical standards, there could be significant consequences. It's up to you to be familiar with local,
Free Continuing Education for CNA's
August 5, 2011
If you know where to look, there are several low-cost and even free opportunities for continuing education for CNA's.
How To Be A CNA Instructor
July 29, 2011 · 10 comments
With the demand for CNA's increasing with every passing year, there is evidently going to be a shortage of qualified CNA instructors.
Retaking The CNA Exam
July 27, 2011 · 4 comments
The CNA exam, otherwise known as the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program measures a potential CNAs competency prior to employment in any state in America. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, a CNA candidate will be administered 70 multiple-choice questions on the written part of the exam and will be required
Resources to Help Find a Job as a CNA
July 17, 2011
Even in the midst of a troubled economy, there is still a strong demand for qualified certified nursing assistants. The large number of baby boomers that are requiring care are fueling this continual need for CNAs. A certified nursing assistant plays a crucial role as a vital member of the healthcare team. CNAs are directly
Keeping Your CNA License Active
July 11, 2011
All practicing CNAs in the United States must have a current license with the Nursing Aid Registry in order to be employed by most institutions. All CNAs may need to meet the following standards in order to obtain a license: - High school diploma or GED certificate - Over 18 years old - Pass a
Refresher Courses For Certified Nursing Assistants
July 6, 2011 · 19 comments
There might come a time when you allow your nursing assistant certification to lapse. For instance, you will need to work at least 8 hours in a 2-year time frame in order to maintain your certification. Some states might require even more hours of employment to maintain an active certification. You might time take off
Free CNA Training Through The Workforce Investment Act
July 3, 2011 · 23 comments
It is sometimes possible to receive free CNA training through the Workforce Investment Act. Individuals will need to determine if they qualify for benefits under the WIA. They will then need to explore the training options available to them. Many states and local locations do offer certified nursing assistant training as one of the possible
Time Saving Tips for the CNA Working in A State Hospital
June 30, 2011
For the CNA working in a state funded hospital for the mentally ill, it can be exceptionally rewarding and at the same time very dangerous work. The dynamics of working in a state hospital are different from any other medical facility the aide might find himself or herself working in. How do you admit new
Time Saving Tips For CNA’s: Toileting And Personal Hygiene
June 30, 2011
The CNA’s job is not an easy one, they can be pushed behind schedule so easily that they can only catch up and take a break when the other shift comes in. The CNA can often be found soothing the ruffled feathers of family members, running from one demanding resident to the other, helping other
Advanced Training For CNA’s
June 3, 2011
Certified nurses’ assistants have many opportunities to hone their skills, stay up to date, and learn about new developments. Several courses are available, and new ones are being developed all the time. Last year the Journal for Continuing Education in Nursing published the results of a study conducted at Towson University in Maryland. A day-long
CPR Guide For Nursing Assistants
June 3, 2011
Every good certified nursing assistant should be proficient at cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). To become skilled and certified at CPR you will need to practice on dummies with an instructor, but this will give you the basics so that you will already have some understanding of what you are doing when you take the class. Serious
How to be a Good CNA
May 13, 2011
I have had the opportunity to work with many CNA’s in my career as a care provider and I have given my respect to a few and have lost respect for many. A CNA’s job is hard but full of rewards and joys. It can also be filled with unnecessary hardships imposed by other CNA’s
Differences between a CNA and a Home Health Aide
April 27, 2011
On the surface, the differences between CNA work and Home Health Aide work may not be immediately apparent, upon closer inspection, the lines begin to become more defined. In some cases a home health agency will use only CNA’s as HHA’s because they can do more by law, when required. Depending on the facility or
Advancing Your Career after Becoming a CNA
March 24, 2011
You have become a certified as a nurses’ assistant and you are justifiably proud. You are employed in meaningful work that helps other people. What’s next? Many nursing assistants plan on making their own niche as certified nurses’ assistant their life’s work, and some elect to take on more challenging responsibilities as a registered nurse
Increasing Your Pay as a Certified Nursing Assistant
March 22, 2011
Economically this is not the best time for asking for raises, and yet there are things you can do to fatten your paycheck. Fashion designer Coco Chanel said that to be indispensable it is necessary to be different. How can you be different in a positive way? Let’s start with some basics. Administrators like employees
How to Write a Certified Nursing Assistant Resume
March 17, 2011
Writing a CNA resume does not have to be difficult. Find out what you can and can not write about. We also have a sample CNA resume for reference.
Dealing With Stress When Working as a CNA
February 23, 2011
Stress is a common aspect of many jobs, but many people find that working in the health care field can be slightly more stressful because you can experience stress form both your colleagues and your clients. Effective communication and practicing empathy are major factor in reducing the amount of stress you experience in the workplace.
Differences Between a CNA and an LPN
February 13, 2011
When receiving healthcare or choosing it as a prospective career it is good to know the differences between a CNA and an LPN. The tasks and responsibilities performed by these two professionals are unique. Though both are functional parts of the collective nursing team, their jobs and expertise are quite different and the care they
The Job Description of a CNA – Function and Limits
February 13, 2011 · 3 comments
The functions and limits of a CNAs ability to provide care are outlined by the federal OBRA act, as well as individual state law. For all CNAs, a RN or LPN will oversee your work and provide you with individual tasks and guidance concerning your role as a CNA. The most important thing to remember
How Much Can You Earn as A CNA
January 25, 2011 · 7 comments
The annual earnings of a Certified Nursing Assistant cannot be easily determined, as a variety of influences factor in to determine the pay rate. The income one can expect to earn working as a CNA varies with the location in which you are employed and how much experience you have. Other things which influence pay
Why Become A CNA
January 25, 2011
CNAs are the foundation of the nursing team. If you’re thinking “Why become a CNA” there are a lot of compelling reasons you ought to consider. As CNA you have the opportunity to meet your personal job fulfillment needs on many levels, professionally, intellectually and emotionally. A CNA is a Certified Nursing Assistant. CNAs are the
Free CNA Training From Your Employer
December 12, 2010
Individuals who are already working in the nursing field but who have not become fully certified nursing assistants may be able to take advantage of programs offered through you employer. Depending on where you work, there are a number of ways that you can complete your training as a certified nursing assistant through your employer.
CNA’s Needed Everywhere
December 3, 2010
Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs are integral members of any nursing team. They are a nurse's eyes and ears, observing patients so that nurses may spend time working on more specialized procedures. Health care is a profession that can take a professional in a wide variety of directions, working in various different settings to provide
Free CNA Training via State Nursing Boards
December 2, 2010 · 17 comments
Find out exactly how to get free CNA training classes from your state nursing board
Free CNA Training Through Employment and Training Programs
November 27, 2010 · 11 comments
Find out how to get free CNA training from employment programs in your state. Every state has its own employment and training program.
Free CNA Training via Nursing Care Facilities
November 25, 2010 · 47 comments
The demand for CNA's continues to grow, and as a result of the shortage of CNAs, some nursing facilities are now offering paid or free training.
Free CNA Training via Scholarships and Grants
November 22, 2010 · 15 comments
Due to the high demand for nurses, there are numerous scholarship and grant programs available that may help you pay for school. Another good place to start looking for grants and scholarships is the financial aid department of the nursing school you plan to attend. Often, the people who work in the financial aid department
Free CNA Training From The Job Corps
October 23, 2010 · 11 comments
The Job Corps is not for everyone, do thorough research before you join one. The Job Corps is a program funded and operated by the United States department of labor. It provides career and technical training to students aged 16 to 24 all around the United States. The training is provided free of cost to
How To Apply For Reciprocity
October 17, 2010 · 5 comments
If you already have a valid license in your current state, you will need to request reciprocity in the state you are moving to. Here's how to do it.
Become A CNA in 5 Easy Steps
October 11, 2010
It is not overly difficult to become a certified nursing assistant. You will need to be motivated and to care about others in order to work successfully as a CNA. A certified nursing assistant provides basic (generally non-medical) care for patients and clients in healthcare and home health settings. There are five easy steps you
Free CNA Training Available in Madison County
October 4, 2010 · 6 comments
The job Corps managed by the United States department of labor is offering free CNA training in the city of Oneida. The training is free of cost and includes other careers as well. Some of the other training programs provided include Security guard training, construction, culinary arts and more. There is no minimum requirement and
Can I Handle the Stress of the Nursing Field?
September 25, 2010 · 12 comments
Many people shy away from becoming a certified nursing assistant because they hear of how stressful it can be. Although staffing shortages, financial hardships, and more complex case loads are plaguing the field of nursing, it is still a rewarding and valued career choice. The key to being a success is knowing how to handle
Passing The Written Portion Of Your CNA Test
September 22, 2010
The written portion of the certified nurse assistant test varies from state to state. It is comprised of a set number of questions and you must get a specific percentage right to pass the exam. Many students’ struggle with this part of the test and sometimes even fail for various preventable reasons. By setting good
Tips for Mastering the Skills Portion of Your CNA Test
September 12, 2010 · 8 comments
The certified nurse assistant test consists of two parts: written and clinical skills. For the clinical portion, you will have to successfully complete three separate skills for a test administrator appointed from your state. Most students find this to be the most stressful part of the test. During the actual test it will be you,
Should I Become A CNA?
September 11, 2010
Deciding to enter a Certified Nurse Assistant training class is a big decision. Oftentimes, people question whether or not it is the right choice for them. “ Am I smart enough to be a nursing assistant?” “Do I have the ability to be a good healthcare worker?” “Will I like it?” Before making the decision
CNA Training Videos – Do They Contribute To Better Learning?
June 18, 2010
A CNA is an individual who is known as a certified nursing assistant. Someone cannot become a CNA until they complete an accredited CNA training program and pass both portions of the certification exam. An individual will need to study well and make use of a variety of different resources to prepare for the exam.
CNA Certification Programs
June 9, 2010 · 2 comments
You will need to look into CNA certification programs if you want to work as a certified nursing assistant. Sometimes an employer will pay for these programs if you are going to work form them. Certified nursing assistants provide care for patients who are sick or injured. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, continuing care
Can You Really Become A CNA Online?
June 4, 2010 · 3 comments
You can become a CNA Online provided you complete a part of the training at a hands on local training facility. Online CNA training courses offer a good way for busy adults to start a new career. Internet training programs provide people with the flexibility that they need to study to become a CNA while
CNA Recertification
May 9, 2010 · 50 comments
CNA Recertification is the process of renewing your nursing assistant certification. All states require the renewal process to be done every two years. The renewal has to be done before the last day of your birth month. Criteria for Recertification You must have worked for a minimum of 150 hours in the duration of the
Why CNA Certification Matters
May 8, 2010
A certified nurse aide is a nursing assistant who has received formal training. If you want to become a certified nurse aide, you will need to complete an accredited training program and pass the exam for certification. There is a difference between a nurse aide and a certified nurse aide. A certified nurse aide has
CNA Training – Taking Vital Signs
April 12, 2010
When you are train to be a CNA, you will learn about taking vital signs. This will be an important part of your day when you are working as a certified nursing assistant. You will help to monitor a patient’s vital signs throughout your shift. You will learn the procedure for taking vital signs when
Guest Post By Stephanie Jewett, RN, MBA
March 28, 2010
Good Evening readers. By way of introduction, my name is Stephanie Jewett. I have been a registered nurse for 30+ years in a host of fields and also hold a MBA from Regis University in Denver, Co. I’m going to talk a little bit about how I got the idea to go into nursing school,
Getting The Right CNA Education
March 28, 2010
You will need some CNA education if you are planning for a career as a nursing assistant. Your education will prepare you to take the necessary CNA certification exam. The course will provide you with the training and education you need to work successfully as a nursing assistant. There are a variety of course options
The CNA Certification Program
March 28, 2010 · 2 comments
If you want to become a certified nursing assistant, you will need to complete a CNA certificate program. A CNA certificate program will teach you the theory and procedures that you need to know to be a nursing assistant. You will have hands on training teaching you how to safely take care of patients. You
CNA Training And Becoming A Nurse Aide
March 21, 2010
If you want to work in a career as a nursing assistant, there are a few steps that you will need to take. Some healthcare facilities do have opportunities for nursing assistants that do not require CNA certification. However, if you want to work as a certified nursing assistant, you will need to complete a
Low Cost And Free CNA Training
March 1, 2010 · 4 comments
There is no need to feel overwhelmed by the potential cost associated with CNA training. It is possible to find low cost and free CNA training. With a little research and time, you will find the most affordable option for certified nursing assistant training. If you are currently working in a healthcare facility, you could
Red Cross CNA Class
February 20, 2010 · 13 comments
Red Cross CNA classes are some of the best classes you can take. Lets have an overview of what a CNA does first. A career as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) might be of interest to you if you to work in the healthcare field but are not planning to attend college or are just
CNA Training Schools
February 15, 2010 · 4 comments
If you want to begin working as a certified nursing assistant, you will first need to complete all necessary training. This means you will be looking for a good CNA school. There are usually many options available to you if you want to train to become a nursing assistant. One of the best options for
Red Cross CNA Chapters
February 3, 2010 · 6 comments
If you are planning to become a certified nursing assistant, you might want to look into Red Cross CNA chapters. There are dozens of Red Cross Chapters throughout the United States offering CNA training courses. You should contact the Red Cross in your area to find out if they offer CNA training courses or if
Paid CNA Training
January 31, 2010 · 6 comments
Paid CNA training can mean one of two things. It can refer to certified nursing assistant courses that you must pay for rather than receiving for free. The term paid CNA training, can also refer to the opportunity to get paid while you are training to become a nursing assistant. Paid Courses If you are
Getting Your CNA License
January 29, 2010
Before you can work as a certified nursing assistant in any setting, you will need to complete CNA licensing. There are several steps to this process. In most cases it will take you a few weeks to a few months to become a certified nursing assistant. The exact requirements for licensing are set forth by
Taking The CNA Skills Test
January 20, 2010 · 14 comments
The CNA skills test is the second portion of your certification exam. You need to pass this part of the test (as well as the first) in order to become a certified nursing assistant. During your CNA training course you will have a great deal of skills training. You will also have some hands on
What You Learn In A CNA Class
January 17, 2010
You have decided to start a new career as a certified nursing assistant. Now are you wondering what you learn in a CNA class. You will need to enroll in a CNA class to provide you with the education you need to successfully pass the certification exam for certified nursing assistants. There will be several
Duties Of A CNA
January 14, 2010
There are many potential duties of a CNA. If you are considering a career as a certified nursing assistant, you will want to educate yourself on which sort of duties a CNA will perform. As a nursing assistant you will work as part of a healthcare team to provide care for patients who are sick
How Much Does A CNA Make
January 11, 2010 · 6 comments
You might be wondering how much a CNA makes if you are planning to start a career as one. You probably need to consider your earning potential before deciding for certain if you want to pursue a career as a nursing aide. Most nursing assistants start out at an hourly wage of about $10 per
CNA Training Program Information
January 8, 2010
If you are interested in a career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you will want to consider CNA training programs available to you. As a nursing assistant, you will help the nursing staff provide care and compassion for patients. There are a variety of ways to train to become a nursing assistant. You should
Do Your CNA Classes Online
January 5, 2010 · 41 comments
Are you considering starting your career in the healthcare field? Consider Taking Online CNA Classes. Perhaps you want a job working in healthcare but are not yet ready to attend college to become a nurse or another healthcare provider. You might want to consider starting out as a CNA. A certified nursing assistant job provides
Red Cross CNA Training
January 3, 2010 · 37 comments
If you are considering a career as a CNA, you should consider attending training through the American Red Cross. There are CNA training classes through the Red Cross in 36 cities throughout the United States. You will benefit from a training course with a solid reputation that will prepare you will for a career as
CNA Training Classes
December 28, 2009 · 7 comments
If you want to become a certified nursing assistant, you will need to take CNA training classes in order to prepare you for the certification exam. There are a variety of basic skills you will learn in a CNA training class. Many courses take up to six weeks to complete depending upon the number of
Becoming A Certified Nursing Assistant
December 25, 2009
If you are looking for a healthcare profession but are not ready to take the plunge to be a nurse, physician or therapist, you might want to become a certified nursing assistant. Working as a CNA, will provide you with the opportunity to evaluate whether or not you want to work in the healthcare field.
Introduction To CNA Training
December 25, 2009 · 2 comments
You can have a rewarding career helping others by working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). As a CNA, you will help people who are sick or injured. You will work with the nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide care for those individuals. A CNA often works in a hospital or continuing care community