Nursing Home CNA Training
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are responsible for the care of residents in nursing homes throughout the United States. They provide assistance with incontinence issues and personal hygiene, as well as aiding in the feeding, mobility and activities of residents. A qualified CNA plays an important role in the health and safety of elderly patients.
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Qualified Training
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Certified Nursing Assistants must attend a qualified training program in order to earn certification. Programs vary in length--anywhere from one to six months--and include the study of the body, proper care techniques and laws pertaining to their role in the health care field. A state-approved program will provide an education that meets or exceeds the requirements for certification and licensing in your state.
A list of CNA programs that meet state requirements are available by contacting the Nurse Aide Registry in the state in which you plan to work. You may obtain information from the Nurse Aide Registry by visiting their national site (see References).
Physical Care
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CNAs provide a host of specific duties in the nursing home setting, and proper training is necessary for the fulfillment of these tasks. A CNA training course will cover both written and clinical training, giving potential CNAs the opportunity to practice what they learn before they enter the health care field. Understanding the physical needs of elderly residents is part of the training that a CNA will receive, and will include learning how to assist with the duties of daily life in a nursing home. These duties include matters of personal cleanliness and grooming, bathing, dressing, assistance with movement, feeding, and taking vital signs.
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Mental and Emotional Care
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Caring for nursing home residents involves more than just physical care. There are mental and emotional needs that must be considered, and part of a CNA's training is to learn to recognize these needs and know how to respond properly. Residents may suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's, be disoriented, or experience depression. Learning to handle these issues carefully will create safer and more comfortable living conditions for the resident.
Understanding the Elderly
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A nursing home CNA will work almost exclusively with the elderly. A significant aspect of the training will include specifics pertaining to the elderly population, and will require that a CNA be sensitive to issues that are common to aging (such as inability to communicate, difficulty hearing, and inability to control physical action). Working with the elderly requires patience and compassion. As one of the most fragile demographics of society, the elderly are vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Proper training and a commitment to professionalism can help a CNA to overcome these issues.
Continuing Education
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A Certified Nursing Assistant will continue to build upon his education by attending regular opportunities for training at the facility where he is employed. Mandatory meetings and yearly testing may be required, which allows a CNA to stay current on laws and practices pertaining to the career field. A CNA may choose to further his training by becoming a Medication Aide, or continue on to study nursing.
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References
Resources
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