Becoming a Nursing Assistant

© copyright DRK 2011

Becoming a Nursing Assistant

The healthcare field, without a doubt, is "where the action is." The statement simply means it is a definite growth field where jobs can be found. The demand for qualified personnel can only increase due to the increase in senior citizens and the aging of the baby boomers. There is one group of workers the hospitals and nursing home facilities are relying on, in particular, for assistance. That group of workers is certified nursing assistants. Certified nursing assistants can be relied upon to be the vital link between the patient and the registered nurse who has responsibility for the patient. A certified nursing assistant is a caregiver who helps patients with their daily living activities. These activities could include feeding, dressing, bathing, taking vital signs and giving comfort. Of course, proper training is necessary to become a certified nursing assistant. What are the necessary steps to becoming a certified nursing assistant?

The first step is to look for schools or programs in your area that provide certified nursing assistant training. The training may vary from state to state. Some states require only 40 hours of class work, while others may require 12 weeks of education. Most states require candidates to be at least 18 years old. You can enroll in a program at a community college, vocational school, hospital or nursing facility. Some of the subjects the prospective nursing assistant will be taking are anatomy, basic nursing skills, nutrition, physiology and infection control. Any hands-on training can be done under supervision at a hospital or nursing facility. Once your education is completed, the certification exam can be taken. Certification requirements also vary from state to state. Some states may require certification for employment, while others may not. If the facility is receiving funds from the government, the nursing assistant must be certified. All states require nursing assistants to work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. The average beginning salary for a newly graduated or certified nursing assistant is approximately $26,000. Additional continuing educational classes maybe necessary to maintain your certification status in some states.

There are two aspects of becoming a nursing assistant that prospective candidates must be aware of. First and foremost, it is a physically demanding job. You must be capable of lifting and turning bedridden patients and standing on your feet. Another thing to take into consideration is your temperament. You must enjoy working and interacting with different people and personalities.

To summarize, becoming a certified nursing assistant can be a stepping stone to a higher level nursing career or it can be an enjoyable job that brings much satisfaction from helping and comforting patients in need. All this can be done while knowing your profession will always be in demand.