CNA certification

Study and certify to become CNA is a very exciting adventure. CNA training courses can last from four to twelve weeks based on the requirements of each state. Federal regulations for CNA require at least 75 hours of training. In order to become certify, you will need to study courses online or in the class room and clinical hands-on training. Clinical training often is held in a real medical facility or hospital and under a supervision of a register nurse.

Once you complete your classes, you will need to take the Certified Nursing Assistant exam. Most states require that you sign up for this exam within the 90 days of your course work.

Certified Nursing Assistant test can be different from state to state. Most are very similar in structure and content. You will need to pass both the written and clinical to be qualified as CNA and are qualified to apply for CNA jobs.

The written portion of the test contains questions about basic concept and procedures of a nursing assistant. The clinical portion demands that you demonstrate from three to five nursing assistant skills you learned during your course work. Typical skills demand in the test involve hand washing, privacy, dignity, how and where to put bed pan, repositioning patient in their bed, grooming, taking patient's temperature, change bed clothes while patient still in the bed etc.

I've watched some of the CNA in action in a hospital while I was there to visit a friend. Not all CNA were friendly and informative. They perform their jobs like a robot with very little smile on their faces. And some other CNA was going out of their ways to make my friend felt like home. While you may think it is not too difficult to learn how to wash your hands or how to provide a simple gesture to show care and respect to your patient, they are very important aspects of being a star certified nursing assistant.

Do not feel too nervous about taking clinical part of your test. Just do it the same as when you practice your clinical study. In fact it is advisable that you form a small group of class mates and practice to each other before taking the certification.

The state examiner understands that exams are stressful, and it can make you nervous. They will be watching to see how you react under stress and pressure because these skills are also important for Nursing Assistants to acquire.

Passing your Nursing Assistant exam is one of the most important parts of your career. In some situations, you may be hired without a state licensing, but often it is short lived and it is not guaranteed long term employment. Unlike NCLEXPN, most state will let you know right after the exam if you have passed or not. You will have the opportunity to take a second test if you do not pass it the first time. Some states may allow you to take more than once. Check with your own state to make sure.