With the current nursing shortage, nurses who become certified are extremely in demand. Due to a significant increase in the number of people suffering from long-term illnesses and diseases, there has been a significant growth in the need for certified nursing assistants (CNA). These certified nursing assistants help patients by caring for their basic needs such as bathing, taking them to doctor appointments, helping them take a bath, and many other daily activities. They also assist the patients in getting dressed and assisting with personal grooming needs. As medical technologies advance, these CNA jobs are expected to grow faster than average.
Another reason why become CCRN certified is the large demand for CNAs in the United States. The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) states that there will be a shortage of CNA certified personnel in the U.S. by 2021. CNA certification is a prerequisite for employment with nursing facilities. For example, if you wanted to work at a rehabilitation center, you would need to have a CNA certification prior to applying. This shows the necessity for CNA certification.
It can be fairly easy to get certified as a CNA. However, becoming certified as a nurse assistant is not so easy. Many aspiring CNA’s to nursing the hope to eventually become a Registered Nurse (RN). RN’s have a higher level of education than a CNA, but they do not have to pursue a degree or even obtain CNA certification in order to work in nursing facilities. A few different types of nursing assistants are available to anyone who has interest and determination. There is the Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, and the Registered Nurse, or RN.
Becoming a CNA or a Registered Nurse takes a person who already has a four-year bachelor’s degree and a year or two of certified practical nursing experience, depending upon which type of nursing job is sought. Most colleges and universities will offer CNA courses. These classes will prepare a person for the life of a registered nurse or will allow him or her to enter the medical field as an RPN. A person may want to consider going into the healthcare field and becoming a Registered Nurse to further their career. However, it takes a lot more schooling to become a Registered Nurse than it does to become a CNA.
A CNA can expect to begin their training by attending a four-year university with a major in Nursing. After graduation, he or she will need to complete a minimum of four years of general nursing training. This includes one year at a community college or technical school, plus the first two years of RN training at an accredited nursing school. After that, the individual may choose to go on to a graduate program at a college or technical school to further their education in the field of nursing.
A person who wishes to become certified nursing assistants should know that these individuals will be responsible for many different tasks throughout the healthcare facility. Some of the duties include performing basic tasks such as measuring the patient’s vital signs, cleaning and changing beds and changing diapers. Other duties will include applying and changing medication and performing CPR if necessary, assisting physicians in their examination and recording vital signs. Some individuals will also be required to provide assistance to physicians and other staff members with basic needs. They may be responsible for carrying out routine medical procedures such as checking pulse, temperature and respiration.
When someone decides that he or she wants to become certified as a CCRN, it is important that he or she always has the proper credentials. This ensures that the individual is qualified to provide care for patients and can do so safely. Many hospitals and other health care facilities will be willing to accept CCRN certification if the facility demonstrates that it is capable of handling such a task.