Has the health-care field been calling your name, but you’ve never been quite sure how to take that first step into the industry? It’s time to turn that vague goal into a realistic future with CNA training. If you want to become an experienced and passionate professional who could help those in need, then take the first step into that role today. Who knows where you could go from there!
But let’s rewind, what even is a CNA? A CNA is a certified nurse aide. To become a nurse aide, you’ll first need to learn about nurse aide training classes and CNA work duties. Plus, if you’re in New York and wondering, “Are there any reputable CNA training programs near me?” then you’re in the right place.
Take the first step in your career journey today!
What Are the Most Common CNA Work Duties?
CNAs work under nurses to help ensure patients receive comprehensive care. Apart from medical procedures, patients often need help with day-to-day activities, which is where you could play a big role.
Some activities that could fall under your CNA work duties are:
- Clean and bathe patients
- Help patients use the toilet and dress
- Turn, reposition, and transfer patients between beds and wheelchairs
- Listen to and record patients’ health concerns and report that information to nurses
- Measure patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature
- Serve meals and help patients eat¹
It’s also important to note that CNAs often form bonds with patients, connecting with them so they can feel comfortable, especially over long stays. As a CNA, you may especially be helpful to elderly patients who need individualized care.
What Are Nurse Aide Classes Like?
Many medical professionals, including physician assistants and doctors, get their start with CNA training because of the hands-on experience the nurse aide classes offer. While you may attend lectures and receive comprehensive classroom instruction, you may also find yourself in real clinical settings!
The best part? CNA training doesn’t have to take long at all. We’ll dive into how to officially become a nurse aide next—and how little time it could take!
How to Officially Become a Nurse Aide
You’ll be delighted to hear that nurse aide training classes could take as little as five weeks to complete. But how do you turn your training into a career?
After completing an approved education program, nursing assistants often must pass a competency exam, which allows them to use state-specific titles². In New York, you will be eligible to take the CNA Certification Exam for New York State. The test will make sure you’ve mastered your CNA training courses before you can nab your first official CNA job.
Speaking of job positions, where could you have the opportunity to work? What does the job outlook look like for the future?
Working as a CNA: What Does the Future Hold?
Once you’re eligible to become a nurse aide, it’s time to consider where you want to continue your work.
In 2020, the largest employers of CNAs were:
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
- Hospitals; state, local, and private
- Continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for the elderly
- Home healthcare services
- Government³
Securing your first job as a CNA is a cause for celebration, but how is the field looking over the next decade? If you’re worried about your job outlook, take a deep breath, because the industry is growing. Overall employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 20304.
That’s not the only beneficial aspect of completing a CNA training program. If you choose to expand your career in healthcare, you could have the opportunity to attend medical or PA school. The clinical hands-on experience could be favorable and useful for a student looking to expand their horizons. Are you someone that wants to continue their education and go onto medical or PA school? Signing up for nurse aide training classes could put you one step closer to that goal.
What Qualities Does a CNA Need?
To excel at your CNA work duties, you’ll need the necessary skills, including physical and mental strength. According to the bureau of labor statistics, these are the qualities CNA’s should possess.
Communication is key, not only with the patients themselves, but with your supervisors and other healthcare professionals. Teamwork is necessary in the medical industry for more effective treatment as well as efficiency.
Compassion is another imperative quality. Someone who’s in pain or dealing with an illness will need that warmth and humanity, especially if they don’t have family nearby.
Patience is an important quality, as even routine tasks can be difficult. Being able to slowly and professionally complete these tasks without stressing out is vital.
Lastly, physical stamina is essential. Being on your feet, lifting and moving patients can be tiring, but building up your physical strength can help you stand out in the field and gain patients’ trust!
Start Your CNA Training ASAP With Mildred Elley!
Ready to take on those nurse aide training classes and get started with a fulfilling, remarkable career? No need to search for “CNA training programs near me.” The answer is here. Make that significant change in your life—and eventually, the lives of others—today by enrolling at Mildred Elley!
New Yorkers could receive hands-on training and more at Mildred Elley, and in just a little over a month, you could be ready to take your CNA Certification Exam. Are you worried about your schedule? Our classes are flexible to suit your needs. We could help you out after the fact too, as we offer a free career assessment and lifetime job placement assistance!
Pursue your CNA Training at our Albany,NY campus.
Whether your medical training leads you to a long career as a CNA or acts as a catalyst to a future as a nurse, doctor or whatever other path entices you, enrolling at Mildred Elley today could be the career kick-start you’ve been waiting for. Let’s get started!
Learn more about Nurse Aide Training at Mildred Elley
Sources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-2
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-4
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-3
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-6
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