The Certified Nursing Assistant exam involves a written test and the practical or skills test.  This set of tests examines your understanding of the basic concepts and skills required for becoming a proficient Nurse’s Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant.

The CNA written test is comparatively easy to get through if you have been diligent in taking notes during the classroom sessions and are able to revise and recapitulate it all and you have gone through the nursing manuals supplied for the course, before appearing for the written test.  It covers all the fundamental concepts, the medical and pre- and post-surgical procedures that form the basis of the CNA training course.

The written test is easier than CNA Skils test to attempt.  This theory test generally covers medical knowledge of basic medical theory and medical procedures.  A CNA course takes a period of between a few weeks and three months to complete.  This includes theory classes conducted in the classroom along with practical training that gives guidance in clinical application to put the skills learned in the classroom to practical use.  Under the supervision of a guide, who is usually a registered nurse, the clinical training is conducted with real patients.

The clinical aspect of the CNA skills test is comparatively more of a challenge as it tests the individual’s clinical skills.  The examinee is requested to get a model patient to demonstrate their skill as a part of the practical examination.  The examiner then puts the examinee to test by asking them to display any of the various skills they have mastered during the course of their training sessions.

The clinical skills tested in the CNA skills test may include anything like taking a patient’s temperature, changing wound dressings of a patient, moving a patient from the bed to wheelchair, making the patient’s bed, holding a bedpan, grooming a patient or even just washing hands to display personal hygiene or knocking at the patient’s door before entering to demonstrate patient privacy.

All the demonstrated skills are observed carefully by the examiner who makes the evaluation. As a matter of precaution, it would be prudent on the part of the examinee to be calm and not stressed while performing any of the given tasks for evaluation of their clinical skills.  Your success in course completion is dependent on your composure and ability to stay calm under the most stressful conditions.

The supervision of the CNA exam is undertaken by a state examiner who carefully observes and evaluates every step of the examinee’s presentation.  The examiner may also evaluate the examinee by giving him a mock case and making him go through the motions of handling the model patient as if it were for real.  Recalling the minutest of details helps a great deal to demonstrate your skill at being in control of the situation.

CNA Skills Test Practice

So, are you ready for taking your CNA certification exam?  Well, if you have attended all your theory and practical classes sincerely, you should not be afraid to take the CNA exam. However, we recommend the following two books for your CNA Skills Test practice as well as for written CNA Test preparation.  Your confidence will boost up after using these valuable books and DVDs on written as well as skills test for CNA, and you will fare much better in these tests.

1.  Competency Exam Prep and Review for Nursing Assistants

2.  Mosby’s Textbook + Video Skills for Nursing Assistants

For more information, check this post on CNA Test preparation

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The National Association for Home Care and Hospice also provides voluntary certification. This is mostly for states that need nursing aides to have a license.  Some high schools also provide free training for CNA certification test.

American Red Cross trains and tests CNAs but it is not free.  However, it is relatively less expensive in comparison to most paid CNA training programs.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) along with Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education is offering to cover cost of training of approximately 1000 CNA students for the year 2010.  All the money to fund this program has been collected form nursing homes that have defaulted by providing sub standard care.  CNAs working with long term  patients in a  nursing home and skilled facilities are eligible for these CNA training classes.

There are close to 66,000 CNAs who are certified and registered in the state of Oklahoma.  These 66,000 are eligible for applying  for free training as CNAs.  Since in 2010, only 1,000 students are going to be funded  the competition is very high.  If accepted, the students are given instructions on immunization.  Also, a criminal background check as well as a drug screening test is done as an eligibility criteria to undergo the CNA training classes.

The CNA training is for 30 hours.  It has 11 modules each of which is 3 hrs long. This  five day training focuses on teamwork, safety, nutrition, aging, dementia care, illness, importance of family, restorative care, dying and spirituality.  For CNA certification the student needs to pass after taking the state exam.

Another choice would be free CNA classes that are available online.  But these only cover certain topics and may not have everything that is necessary for passing the exam.  So be sure whether the site you refer to is showing topics to pass CNA exam or just general information.

The projected rate of job growth for nursing aides and assistants is 28% between 2006 & 2016. But although the job growth is tremendous, opportunities for advancing may be less as compared to an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).  Hence it is recommended that CNAs continue their studies and education to certification as an LPN or RN (registered nurse).  Online LPN classes are also available.

We hope this answers most of your questions about free CNA training classses. You may also read another post  on Free CNA Training for more details.

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CNA Practical Exam
In the practical exam for CNA, the state examiner asks the student to carry out a few clinical tests on a volunteer.  The student must follow fundamental measures of sanitation and patient hygiene before starting the test as the examiner watches.  Results of the CNA exam are usually declared by the examiner on examination completion.

CNA Theory Exam
On completion of the practical exam, the student takes a CNA theory test on topics covered in the clinical training coursework.  These tests can also be taken online on numerous websites for free.  Theory exam results are declared within fifteen days and a temporary license is issued followed by permanent registration by the State licensing board.  Most permanent registrations have a year’s validity, to be renewed annually.

The initial license registration fee is a large amount; annual renewal charges vary in different states and costs far less.  In some states there is a requirement for continuing education or remunerated employment of a minimum number of hours in a health facility, based on which the license is issued.

The State board sends intimation to the primary license holder at the registered address about sixty days prior to CNA license expiry date.  Change in address should be intimated to the State licensing board, or else the license will permanently elapse. CNA License renewal can also be made online.  Nearly half the CNA licenses are renewed online and the payment system is secure.

Basic requirement for renewal of an expired CNA certification is work experience as a CNA within the past two years.

If this criterion is fulfilled, information in a CNA License Renewal Form should be submitted to the Nurses Aide Registry for consideration.

In case the criterion is not fulfilled:

• Fill up the Nurse Aide Registry Renewal Form – 1st part giving personal details and 2nd section to be filled by one’s past or current health care employer.
• Date and sign the application and mail to the State address
• Allow 2 weeks process time or check online status of renewal
• If not employed at a health care facility in past 24 months, take the state certification exam again.

Visit the website for your state-specific information for more details on renewing your CNA license.

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Many who wish to become nurse aide or health-care professional like CNA do not have the opportunity or time or to undergo a campus based nursing assistant course or CNA training, as these courses may not be available near the place they reside or have schedules which may not be convenient to the candidates.  Some candidates may find the course fees to be not affordable.  For all such cases, undergoing online CNA training course can be the right choice, but one has to also consider that it also has some cons.  Some drawbacks of the online courses for CNA are the lack the live interaction with trainers, other students, and professionals. Moreover, you would not get any practice with clinical equipment, procedures, patients and the direct hands-on clinical exposure.

In order to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, you will have to take and pass the CNA exam for your state.  CNA training programs vary from state to state. You will first have to inquire about the requirements of training for being able to take the CNA test in your state.  Depending on the state, some states require you to undergo clinical training and theory courses for several months while in other states aspiring CNAs only need to undergo training courses for just two weeks, without any formal education.  However, it is mandatory in all states for a CNA to have learned and mastered a set of basic skills related to nurse aide.   Apart from course work in physiology and anatomy, these skills include activities like measuring vital patient parameters, communication and documentation skills related to patient care, and moving patients.

In some states, Nursing Boards have created extensive training programs to facilitate CNAs to advance their career beyond the typical nurses aide.  CNAs who go through these training programs can get advanced positions such as Advanced Unlicensed Assistant, Patient Care Technician, or CNA-2.  CNAs who undergo such advanced training may perform procedures such as tube feeding or catheter insertion.  Many of these advanced certification training programs are taught online, but will often require additional direct exposure to clinical training.  Some online programs can help you arrange for volunteer work or apprentice at a local nursing home facility or hospital to assist you in getting your clinical training.

Online CNA courses can also make an excellent refresher course and are useful for CNAs who have been certified before but whose license may have expired or lapsed.  Online CNA training courses also ideal for those individuals who may be caregivers working at homes or on private duty.

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Red Cross CNA training programs are offered in  the US across thirty six cities.  This is a great opportunity for beginners who are considering health care as a career.  For many health care professional, CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) is a stepping stone to becoming a RN (Registered Nurse) .

American Red Cross makes sure that it meets the federal standards for CNA training.  Every chapter has its program designed to meet the licensing requirements of the state.  This includes training hours, standards, practices and procedures.  The hours and cost of different programs will differ as per state licensing requirement.

The cost can be anywhere between 1,000 to 2,000 dollars depending on the state and can vary in different cities.

The Red Cross chapters providing CNA training programs are as follows:-

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Age: The age requirement for a candidate applying for a certified nursing assistant course is over 18 years.

High School education: Some states require the candidate to have finished a basic education of at least eight years inclusive and covering courses relevant to applied knowledge and essential biological awareness of the human physiology or display proof of familiarity of the subject.

English language: Knowledge and understanding of the English language is essential in order to be able to speak with patients and their families in the language.

Transcripts: Ensure all official college curriculum transcripts are available at hand to show to the licensing authority to prove authenticity.

Background checks: The state undertakes to carry out a background check to establish no criminal record.  Ideally the candidate should not have been involved in situations like driving under the influence of alcohol, domestic violence, or any kind of careless behavior that could place the lives of patients or their relatives in jeopardy.

Wrongdoing: There should be no administrative record of findings in the local, state, or any other CNA registry showing instances of neglect or abuse or else the application will not be considered for a license.

Course Duration: The complete course takes a minimum clinical training of 40 hours and a maximum of 75 hours under the supervision of a trained nurse in a medical facility along with the necessary theory required.  There is no pay during this period.

Aptitude test: On completion of the course, a written exam is required to be undertaken to prove competence.

Requirements for an Aid scheme nurse license ensure that a qualified nurse will be issued a certificate for the special treatment that they are trained to give for a particular medical condition by standard common procedures and practices.  The safety of patients, the medical staff and the families of patients is the primary requisite for the position of a nursing assistant.

The tests conducted for qualifying for a CNA position involves two aspects – the theory test and practical test. The training and tests are conducted for academics and clinical training. The theory can be done online, but clinical training involves working part-time with a health care facility, a nursing home or a local hospital.  Training may differ according to state requirements and could range from a couple of weeks to a few months.  Completion of the course prepares one to take the CNA as  a career, and to be able to give care to the mentally or physically sick, hurt, or disabled patients at a nursing home or a hospital.

The clinical part of CNA training for a Certified Nursing Assistant prepares the CNA to be able to check the vital signs of a patient like pulse rate, temperature, respiratory rate and blood pressure, moving patients in the correct manner, making and maintaining patient records, following exercise routine instructions as given by the Physical or Occupational Therapists, administering wound dressing for patients, inserting food tubes or feeding patients, inserting and removing catheters as advised, helping with disinfecting the room and belongings of the patient, explaining the routine to patient’s family, if asked and updating the doctor or registered nurse on the patient’s progress on a daily basis.

Working as a CNA will make you gain expertise in administering care and give you the confidence to assist and give care at any health care facility or hospital.  The CNA training also includes stress management, ability to judge patients’ emotional and mental needs, dealing with death and terminally ill patients and their families, and communication of both verbal and nonverbal nature.  It also includes techniques and skills to make a patient comfortable, make his bed, and assist with his bathing and dressing.

The curriculum for the academic or theory aspect involves physiology and anatomy, whereas practical tests involve the testing of your ability to handle any given situation.  Each patient is admitted with a different medical condition.  How you react to a given situation and the confidence you display in being able to deal with the patient’s needs form a part of the practical tests.  Even your keeping the surroundings neat and disinfected are subject to assessment under practical tests.

There is a growing demand for Certified Nursing Assistants today, mainly due to the rising numbers of the aging population.  There are plenty of job opportunities in this field at clinics, health care centers, hospitals and private homes, which is gratifying both from a humanitarian perspective as well as for gaining financial rewards.

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Free Red Cross CNA Training in Michigan

Free Red Cross CNA training is also available in the state of Michigan.  A new program known as  No worker Left Behind has just been launched.  They train you free for becoming a CNA, LCP or PCA. If you ate making under $40000 a year you can qualify for it.  More information is available with Michigan Works office or Red Cross Office in Detroit, Southeastern Michigan.

CNA Training Programs in Michigan

Colleges in Michigan State that are offering CNA training courses  include Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Lansing Community College in Lansing,  and Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.  CNA Training Programs offered by these schools can be completed within few months or weeks.

1.  Schoolcraft College, Livonia

Located in Livonia, the Schoolcraft college offers program to almost 12,000 students.  For aspiring CNAs it gives training so that can get into entry level position with its program called Nursing Assistant Training Skills Certificate.  Syllabus compromises pharmacology for nurses, physical assessment, pain management, dementia care, diagnostic tests and diabetes management.

Address: 18600, Haggerty Road
Livonia, Michigan 48152
Ph No:(734) 642-4400

2.  Henry Ford Community College,Dearborn

The Henry Ford community college is located in Dearborn.  For those interested in becoming CNAs it has a Certificate of Achievement in Nursing Care Skills program. It is an 11 week program.  Syllabus covers basics of Nursing in 90 hours theory, 128 hours lab practice & 52 hours practice in a clinic.

Address: 5101Evergreen Road,
Dearborn, Michigan 48128
Ph No: (313) 845-9600

3.  Washtenaw Community College,Ann Arbor

Based in Arbor, Michigan the Washtenaw Community College has a nursing program which gives students the required training to begin their career as a certified nursing assistant or a registered nurse. . You can take up either the Nursing Transfer Associate in Applied Science or Nursing Assistant Skills Training Certificate.

Address: 4800 E. Huron River
Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone No: (734) 973-3543

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Certified nursing assistants who are particular about their personal hygiene clearly show their commitment to their profession.  Since, CNAs are in the profession of maintaining the daily well being of others, it is necessary that they show their ability of maintaining their own hygiene.

You can perform your duties as a CNA with ease if your clothing are comfortable and suitable for your job requirements.  Being in an appropriate dress is required for nurse and other clinical personnel.  Nursing assistants have to wear nursing scrubs while performing their daily job.  The style or color of scrubs may vary according to the employer but wearing scrubs is a must.  It is better to have enough sets of so that you always have a clean set of scrubs for you to wear.  As wrinkles give unprofessional look, always wear properly washed and pressed scrubs which will give you a smart appearance.  You can get sets of scrubs and accessories for nurses and nursing assistants at affordable price in different stores.

Clog style nursing shoes are usually used in almost all working environments.  Open toed shoes are normally not allowed for CNA jobs.  Compression hosiery is recommended for persons having troubles with their legs.  This will relieve thigh and calf pain caused from long periods of standing.  Wear sturdy footwear so that you will feel comfortable while performing your duties.

Make sure you are dressed appropriately for your job as a CNA.  As a Certified Nursing Assistant has to clothe, feed and help patients all day, you need to tie your hair properly.  Your hairstyle should not be a barrier for your work. Keep your nails dirt-free and neatly trimmed.  Avoid wearing real or faux long nails which collect bacteria and germs particularly during the cleaning or changing of a patient after defecation or urination.  Take a shower or bath, brush your teeth, and wash your hair everyday.  Avoid wearing colognes or perfumes as emitting odors is not healthy.  Even your patients or co-workers who share close spaces with you may not like such an unpleasant odors.  Wear minimum jewelry so that it will not disturb you while treating a patient.  And of course, you need to abide by the simplest health precautions like washing your hands properly before and after dealing with patients, to control infections.  Each and everyday, you should strive to make yourself an example of utmost personal hygiene.

They may not teach about persoanl appearance in the CNA Training Programs, but if you wish to be a successful CNA, you should invest time make sure you are appropriately dressed for the job and maintain a high level of personal hygiene yourself.

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The basic pay structure of CNAs differs from state to state.  CNAs are normally paid on hourly basis.  Working in a city as CNA can be rewarding as you can get higher hourly CNA salaries  compared to that in rural area.  Certified Nurse Assistant also gets paid on the basis of his or her experience.  More the experience better chances of getting higher hourly CNA salary.  Less experienced or inexperienced CNAs can still expect to earn a hourly wage between $8 to $11.  For example any CNAs with working experience of 1 year can expect to get hourly salaries of around $12 to $14.  Many nursing homes provide attractive benefits to CNAs and also pay hourly salary comparable to that in other big hospitals.  Displayed below are typical average hourly salaries of CNAs in a some popular states.

* Pennsylvania $11.64
* California $11.58
* Florida $10.75
* Illinois $10.45
* Texas $9.84
* North Carolina $9.73
* Georgia $9.22

CNA salaries also depend on the experience. Typically the CNA salary range is as follows

How To Increase Your salary as a CNA?

To get CNA certification all the aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants have to undergo training as well as pass CNA certification exam.  By becoming a certified nurse assistant, one can easily get better salary compared to that of  non certified nursing assistants.  So, how can a certified nurse assistant increase his or her CNA salary? According to the Pay Scale.com , CNA Salary statistics clearly indicate that gaining on-job practical working experience can definitely help to increase your CNA salary.  Other important factor to increase your CNA salary is Education.  In this current scenario of slow economy, completing your CNA education and additional training is very important.  If you are already employed as a CNA, you may need to take up  advanced courses for getting promotion or negotiating your salary.

After completing the basic CNA training, you can undergo any of the various related certification and training programs available to enhance your chances for a better salary.  CNA Certification Salary report by PayScale.com illustrates how certifications like Certified Nursing Administration or Basic Life Support can influence your salary.  It further discloses the difference between the salaries of Advanced Certified Nurse Assistants and regular CNA certification.  If you wish to get promoted as a registered nurse (RN), you could also consider investing your time and money in a 2-year or 4-year Nursing Degree.

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