A CNA is a certified nursing assistant. Years ago the same job was done by what we called a Nurse’s Aides – someone who typically did all the dirty work and cleaning that wasn’t quite medical related, but not quite housework either.
Up till recently there were really no formal education programs. Nurse’s aides needed no training for their first job but most probably they had a structured type of orientation where they spent a few days learning the duties of their job and finding their way around a large hospital setting.
As time went on, medical laws changed and privacy issues were brought to the forefront. Nurse’s aides were upgraded to what is now a CNA, and formal training and educational programs were started at high schools and colleges and even private instructional centers. Courses lasted anywhere from a month to nine months depending on where you went and how much practical experience you were given.
There are two vital parts of this type of curriculum. One is classroom study where you learn theory, and the other is literally on the job training where you get hands on practical experience working in a medical setting, usually a hospital or nursing home.
There are some programs available that give you a mixture of classroom and online learning. Check out courses that include webinars and white boards where you can interact with your teachers and even other students. Of course, the practical teachings you learn in this manner are still very restricted. You might be able to practice changing a bandage, but when it comes to learning how to hook up an IV bag or maneuver a hospital bed with a post op patient, it’s impossible.
You can interact with the class and even practice things like dressings, but other important tasks like making a bed or moving IV poles will be all but impossible to practice without having access to these things in your own home.
Just remember – you can pass your program with an A and you can ace your state exam, but if you haven’t mastered all the hands on tasks you’ll be responsible for mastering your first week on the job, you might be forced into taking extra courses to give you the practice you didn’t get the first time around.
If you want to work in a big hospital, find out what schools they are affiliated with. Graduates of these programs are sought after in the industry and if you do well, you’ll have your pick after graduation.
Make sure to check out Kevin’s excellent articles on CNA Training and Red Cross CNA Training.
