4 answers
Alaylah
Student
1
Question
4 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1221
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Alaylah,
It's great that you are interested in a career in healthcare. Getting training as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is a good first step. The requirements vary a bit depending on the state where you you live or want to practice, so you'll have to look up the specifics for your state. I left some links for you below.
You typically have to be at least 16 to 18 years old and have your high-school diploma or GED to get into a CNA program. Courses typically go for a few weeks (4 to 12 weeks). The federally required minimum is 75 hours of instruction including 16 hours of clinical training, but many states have higher requirements. You can look for courses at your local community college or trade school. Some hospitals and nursing schools also offer training. Some might even pay you for it if you want to work for them in the future. Before you will be able to work as a CNA you need to pass a theoretical test and a clinical skills assessment. a criminal background check is also required.
During your training, you'll learn basic nursing skills, infection control, mental health, and patient rights. In your clinical rotations, you'll have supervised, hands-on practice in a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility.
Being a CNA can certainly be hard because you will be dealing with people, specifically people who are sick and/or old, and people who are hurting are not always on their best behavior. But being a CNA is also a very rewarding career where you can see every day that you are helping people and most of them will appreciate that.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://nurse.org/education/cna-certification-requirements-by-state/
https://nursinghome411.org/cna-reqs/us/
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lp/certified-nursing-assistant-nat
It's great that you are interested in a career in healthcare. Getting training as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is a good first step. The requirements vary a bit depending on the state where you you live or want to practice, so you'll have to look up the specifics for your state. I left some links for you below.
You typically have to be at least 16 to 18 years old and have your high-school diploma or GED to get into a CNA program. Courses typically go for a few weeks (4 to 12 weeks). The federally required minimum is 75 hours of instruction including 16 hours of clinical training, but many states have higher requirements. You can look for courses at your local community college or trade school. Some hospitals and nursing schools also offer training. Some might even pay you for it if you want to work for them in the future. Before you will be able to work as a CNA you need to pass a theoretical test and a clinical skills assessment. a criminal background check is also required.
During your training, you'll learn basic nursing skills, infection control, mental health, and patient rights. In your clinical rotations, you'll have supervised, hands-on practice in a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility.
Being a CNA can certainly be hard because you will be dealing with people, specifically people who are sick and/or old, and people who are hurting are not always on their best behavior. But being a CNA is also a very rewarding career where you can see every day that you are helping people and most of them will appreciate that.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Emily Reeves
Certified nursing assistant
10
Answers
Methuen, Massachusetts
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Certified Nursing Assistant is a great career choice to gain direct patient care experience and work in a team-based environment. To earn your certification, you must complete a training course and pass a written test and skills test. This can vary by state, but the certification and training process is usually similar for most states. I would look into local healthcare organizations, such as nursing homes and red cross, as some may offer paid training and cover the costs of your exams. I wish you the best of luck!
Tess Zabele
Certified Nursing Assistant, Nursing Student, EMT-B Student
6
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Tess’s Answer
Becoming a CNA can vary depending on where you live, as each state has its own requirements for clinical and classroom hours. Many community colleges and organizations like the Red Cross offer CNA courses, although the specifics can differ by location. And there is a registry for every state, it is universal that you will take both a skills and a written test.
The great news is that CNA programs provide valuable healthcare knowledge and skills. While the job can be challenging, having the right mindset and motivation makes a big difference. Starting as a CNA is a fantastic way to learn the basics of nursing and understand the hard work healthcare professionals do. It truly helps you appreciate the healthcare system and its workers!
Be careful not to overwork yourself, as burnout is common in this field. It's important to take care of yourself, as the job can be demanding and often underpaid, with many places being understaffed. Finding a supportive facility that values both its staff and patients is key. Best of luck on your journey!
https://nurse.org/education/cna-certification-requirements-by-state/
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lp/certified-nursing-assistant-nat
The great news is that CNA programs provide valuable healthcare knowledge and skills. While the job can be challenging, having the right mindset and motivation makes a big difference. Starting as a CNA is a fantastic way to learn the basics of nursing and understand the hard work healthcare professionals do. It truly helps you appreciate the healthcare system and its workers!
Be careful not to overwork yourself, as burnout is common in this field. It's important to take care of yourself, as the job can be demanding and often underpaid, with many places being understaffed. Finding a supportive facility that values both its staff and patients is key. Best of luck on your journey!
Tess recommends the following next steps:
Nikole Williams
Project Analyst
12
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nikole’s Answer
I’m so excited that you want to become a CNA—health care is such a meaningful field, and it’s a great way to start helping others. To become a CNA, you usually need to enroll in a state-approved nurse aide training class, complete the training, and pass your state’s written and hands-on skills exam. CNA classes are often offered through community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and sometimes Red Cross or similar local programs where available. To build your measurement math skills, you can practice on Khan Academy for concepts and word problems, IXL for step-by-step practice, and SplashLearn for fun games and worksheets.
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/early-math/cc-early-math-measure-data-topic
https://www.ixl.com/math/measurement
https://www.splashlearn.com/math/measurement-games
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/early-math/cc-early-math-measure-data-topic
https://www.ixl.com/math/measurement
https://www.splashlearn.com/math/measurement-games
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