Certified Nursing Assistant: What it means

Becoming certified as a nursing assistant means that one is qualified, trained, and holds general experience in the necessary procedure and protocol amongst patients, their family, and general staff. On a technical level, it is the exhibition of the necessary credentials and registration by the State Licensing Board by means of the proper examinations and courses. Whereas assistants may be asked to provide counsel to family members or provide patient comfort more so than take part in very life threatening situations, emergency response knowledge is still necessary and very well may be put to use.

The titles of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) as well as that of a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) are seen to be essentially synonymous. The only discrepancy lays in the medium of their decree, whether it be by federal or state entities. The main focus of the career, however, lies in providing aid to patients, doctors, nurses, and other colleagues in a multitude of ways. These can include providing hygienic necessities to patients, assisting in surgical atmospheres, exchanging linens, as well as giving proper medication to the sickly. 

The hours of training are not incredibly excessive, but do require a fair level of resolve and are significant. Regular study must exist at a minimum of 75 hours, whereas about 16 hours must be devoted to clinical work and must be clocked, as well. The latter of the two is to be exercised in a controlled and monitored environment. Still, a two-part exam is also a necessity as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

The exam is both based on some clinical expertise as well as a written section that is more common sensical. Other forms of testing aside from classroom and study-based material are also asked of prospective employees. Both past background checks as well as drug checks are necessitated so as to remove unworthy candidates from the selection process. However, after completion of the examination with a passing score is obtained (and a cleared background in accordance), work is often easy to acquire and can even be subsequent. Some facilities may even allow an immediate contract, training, and employment as soon as a candidate has successfully graduated.

If one is of substantial qualifications, has considered the difficulties of being a Certified Nursing Assistant as well as the study hours required, believe they hold the proper mindset, and are still genuinely interested in the program, candidacy is very obtainable. Possible and intrigued students should be willing to contact a state registration board so as to find a local course and begin training. If one does not exist, online studies and courses are possible. Still, supervision must be taken in certain aspects of said training. 

It could be said that a career as a nursing assistant is not a dishonorable or lesser one, though in the same instance it does not have to be permanent or long-term one either. Many opportunities in the medical field are revealed as a CNA and, in fact, the career is often seen as a “stepping stone” to employment as a registered nurse.