The individual working to gain employment as a CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant is required to obtain a certain amount of training and education. Prospective CNAs become state certified by passing competency examinations and must meet health standards for employment in the health care setting.
The work of a CNA revolved around the daily activities of clients or patients. The CNA assists these people in maintaining proper hygiene, exercise and assuring their safety during their stay at the facility. CNAs can find work in clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and home health care, among others.
The amount of training a CNA is required to obtain is dependant upon the state in which they live, but is no less than 75 hours. The training courses and clinical experiences for CNAs are regulated by the U.S. government. After meeting training requirements and passing the necessary evaluations, the CNA is added to the nurse and nurse aide state registry.
Standard coursework required in a CNA training program include: client rights, where students are familiarized with legal aspects of CNA work; nutrition, body mechanics, infection control and basic anatomy and physiology.
Working as a CNA required certain physical attributes. One must be able to withstand long periods of walking, standing, and heavy lifting. Transferring patients, carrying supplies and assisting with multiple clients on a daily basis can be physically demanding work. A CNA must also pass a health screening to verify their immunity to certain diseases such as hepatitis B and tuberculosis.
