What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
A Certified Nursing Assistant is an individual who has successfully completed an approved training program and meets the certification requirements prescribed by the state board of nursing. Nursing Assistants are also referred to as Nurse Aides and are important members of the health care team. Nursing Assistants are needed throughout the nation in a variety of health care settings. You will find working as a Nursing Assistant very gratifying. The work is demanding and you may find yourself stretched thin at times. The number of patients and other staff, and medical needs of the patients are variables that change every day, making the job unpredictable and challenging.
Role of the Nursing Assistant
As a CNA, you will work under the supervision of the nursing and medical staff to provide direct care to clients in hospitals, nursing homes, health care facilities, clinics, private homes, and community health organizations. Duties include maintaining patient hygiene and supporting doctors and nurses in diagnostic procedures and technical treatments, patient charting, and patient instruction. Nursing Assistants are the primary providers of activities of daily living for patients. Exact responsibilities will vary depending on the agency you work for.
Who Can Enroll?
The Nursing Assistant course at CWC is available to anyone 16 years of age or older. Nursing assistant certification is a prerequisite for entrance into many registered nursing (RN) programs. Becoming a Nursing Assistant could be a stepping stone for continuing your education and becoming a registered nurse, or seeking out other types of health care positions.
When is the Nursing Assistant Course Offered?
Central Wyoming College offers the Nursing Assistant course during the fall and spring semesters, and the summer session. The course is not restricted to a semester schedule, which makes course offerings more opportune. It doesn’t take long to become a Nursing Assistant and you will continue to learn once you find employment.
Check the spring schedule of courses for class offerings.
Course Delivery Information
You will attend a classroom learning environment prior to receiving hands-on training in a clinical agency where you will be under the supervision of a clinical instructor. The classroom component of the course comprises approximately 64 hours, and the clinical component is 36 hours of actual patient care. The combination of classroom learning and clinical training will ultimately prepare you to enter the job market as a Nursing Assistant. You will be required to independently work through lecture presentations in the online classroom outside regularly scheduled meeting times. The on-campus meeting times will be for skills instruction and test taking. Absence from scheduled class times is discouraged since frequent absence is associated with poor performance and being unsuccessful in the course. There can be no absences from clinical.
Your Nursing Assistant training will cover:
- Handwashing
- Application/Removal of Protective Wear
- Oral Care
- Hair, Nail, and Foot Care
- Care for the Bedridden Client
- Transfers
- Ambulation
- Active Assistive Range of Motion
- Client Positioning
- Measuring Vital Signs
- Serving a Meal, Feeding a Client, and Recording Intake
- Measuring Weight and Height
- Elimination and Output Measuring/Recording
- Application of Protective Devices/Restraints
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification must be by American Heart Association for Healthcare Providers. CPR is required prior to the first clinical day and will be taught during class time. You will not be allowed to attend clinical without current CPR status.
Physical Requirements
Nursing Assistant students must meet the physical requirements of the respective clinical agency. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor if a potential problem exists in meeting these requirements.
Immunizations
Nursing Assistant students are required to have a tuberculin (TB) skin test within the past 12 months. The record must include date given, date read, reaction, and signature of a qualified health care provider. If positive result, you must provide chest x-ray interpretation or a symptoms review/questionnaire. Students must also have documentation of two doses of MMR vaccine, or a positive rubella/rubeola titer demonstrating immunity to the disease.The hepatitis B vaccine series is strongly recommended for Nursing Assistant students, but is not required at this time.
Cost Considerations
Most Nursing Assistant courses are four to six weeks in length, and the cost is affordable. Some community agencies may offer assistance with the costs of completing such a training course. Some employers may either pay for your training or reimburse you upon successful completion. At times, the clinical agency that provides clinical opportunities for Nursing Assistant students will offer employment to students who demonstrate ability.
Cost considerations include tuition and fees, textbook, stethoscope, goggles, uniform or scrubs, immunizations, background check, drug test, CPR card, and certification fees upon completion of the course. Supplies and equipment are available in the college bookstore.
Background Check and Drug Test
Per clinical agency requirements, a criminal background check and drug test are required prior to participating in clinical education. In addition, the Wyoming State Board of Nursing requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting upon application to take the certification examination. Information regarding how these are obtained will be provided the first day of class.
Certification Process
Upon completion of the Nursing Assistant course, you will submit an application to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing. The certification examination is conducted monthly at various sites throughout the state and the cost is $223. Your instructor will provide you with a schedule. You have two years from the time of course completion to take the certification examination; however, faculty encourages you to take the certification examination soon after the completion of the course. The Wyoming State Board of Nursing determines eligibility to take the certification examination and is responsible for the oversight of nursing in the state of Wyoming.
How Do I Register?
For registration information, contact the Nursing Assistant Program Coordinator at the college at 855-2128; or toll free 1-800-735-8418, extension 2128.
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