Why Aspiring Nursing Students Should Consider Obtaining a CNA Certification
A CNA certification is a great way for nursing students to gain valuable hands-on nursing experience.
Why Aspiring Nursing Students Should Consider Obtaining a CNA Certification
A CNA certification is a great way for nursing students to gain valuable nursing experience. Before we explain why nursing students should get a CNA certification and how to get CNA training, let's cover what a CNA is and their job duties.
What is a CNA?
CNA stands for certified nursing assistant. CNAs are not nurses, but they do work directly under a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). This entry-level position usually requires CNAs to spend more time with patients than doctors or nurses. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health aide agencies, and assisted living facilities.
What does a CNA do?
On a typical day a CNA's job duties include but are not limited to:
- Helping patients with routine tasks such as bathing, getting dressed, brushing their teeth, eating, etc.
- Keeping track of a patient's liquid and food intake
- Repositioning patients in bed, and transferring patients from a bed to a wheelchair
- Observing and measuring a patient’s vital signs and conditions
- Gathering and stocking medical supplies
- Cleaning and preparing rooms for new admissions
- Assisting with medical procedures
- Answering phone calls and patient calls
- Providing wound care
Now that we know what a CNA is and a CNA's job duties, let's cover the benefits of obtaining a CNA certification as a nursing student.
Why Should Nursing Students Obtain a CNA?
Hands-On Experience
A CNA position will give you exposure to what a nurse's everyday responsibilities entail. The administrative and clinical tasks performed by a CNA are common in most healthcare settings. Textbooks can only prepare you so much for communicating with patients in the field. After being a CNA you will have developed the necessary soft skills to confidently interact with different types of personalities and people after graduating from nursing school. You will also have the necessary endurance to efficiently work a full shift.
Experience in Different Departments
Recent graduates often struggle with deciding which specialty or unit to apply for. Working as a CNA will give you exposure to different departments and patient populations making the decision process easier.
Boost Your Resume
Being a CNA while in nursing school is challenging, but it's a great resume booster! After all, you are doing all of this hard work to be able to land your dream job. Even if there are plenty of openings, employers won't just hire anyone. Having hands-on experience in a clinical setting will make you a more competitive candidate when it is time to apply for a job.
Be A Better Leader
As a nurse you will be working with a CNA under you. If you know what they endure during a typical day you can be a more effective manager. The mutual respect between you and your CNA will make caring for patients easier and better!
Financial Support
CNA positions are paid entry-level positions. Working as a CNA can help nursing students cover the costs of tuition, books, and other expenses.
Build A Network
Many nurses are willing to help aspiring professionals advance in their career by sharing their career experiences and offering advice. Supervisors and colleagues can also be listed as references when it is time to apply for jobs.
How to become a CNA?
The requirements for starting a CNA program are simple:
- Earn a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
- Enroll in a CNA program: CNA programs are often offered through vocational schools, high schools, and online programs.
- Pass an Approved CNA Examination in Your State: Each state has its own requirements for completing a CNA program. Programs often require a minimum of 75 hours of classroom instruction and a number of hours shadowing a nurse.
- Apply for open positions: Once you pass your state exam you will be listed on the state registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and can begin applying for jobs.
All in all, working as a CNA can provide nursing students with valuable hands-on experience that will help them as nursing professionals. The cost of a CNA certification program varies from state to state, but they are usually no more than $2000. Enroll today in a CNA program near you to begin your healthcare career.