How to Become a Certified Care Giver

A certified care giver is generally a certified nursing assistant. This health care professional works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). CNAs can be found in nursing homes, medical centers and assisted living facilities. They work closely with patients and help with their daily living tasks such as bathing and feeding. They also check vital signs and assist nurses with medical equipment. Additionally, CNAs provide patients with emotional and social assistance.

Instructions

1. Get a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma.

2. Enroll and finish a certified nursing assistant course. You will need to complete a three- to four-month program for certified nursing assistant education, which is offered in most states. You can find programs via the yellow pages or Internet. See link below in the resources section for a directory of institutions that offer the programs in your area.

3. Receive training in the following: first aid, CPR and using an automated external defibrillator. Having these skills prepares you for emergency situations and will help to expand your resume and increase the chances of employment.

4. Read review books for the certified nursing assistant exam. Studying the material in advance will help you get through your course more easily. Additionally, these books can help you prepare for and pass the certified nursing assistant exam.

5. Take the certified nursing assistant exam in your state. Contact the college or institution where you graduated from for information on how and where to apply for state certification, because regulations vary from state to state.

6. Look for a job as a certified nursing assistant. After passing the CNA exam, you can begin to look for work. Send resumes to nursing homes, hospitals and health agencies. If you would like to work in a medical facility, you can get faster results by submitting your resume directly to the human resources department.

References

• American Red Cross: Nursing Assistant Training

Resources

• CNA Training programs
• CNA Certified Nursing Assistant Exam Cram
• American Red Cross: CPR, First Aid and AED classes