The CNA Program and Nursing Home Employment?

Answer 1

Working with the elderly population can be a rewarding career. There are numerous employment opportunities that can allow an individual to work with the elderly population. One such career opportunity is working in a nursing home, or long term care facility. Many opportunities are available in long term care, but the CNA, or certified nursing assistant requires that the individual complete a CNA program. Many community colleges offer a comprehensive CNA program which allows the graduate to work under the direction of either an LPN, which is a licensed practical nurse, or an RN, which is a registered nurse.

Upon completing the CNA program and successfully passing a certification test, the CNA is allowed to administer basic care to patients in hospitals and to residents in nursing homes, skilled care facilities and long term care facilities. These basic care skills include bathing, dressing and feeding. In addition, the CNA will assist the patient to and from the bathroom, and may be called upon to offer physical rehabilitation services such as walking and exercising with the patient. The CNA also becomes proficient taking vital signs.

The student that has completed a CNA program is eligible, in some nursing homes, to work in a physical therapy or occupational therapy department. Employment opportunities also are available in the areas of physical and occupational rehabilitation departments as well. The CNA program will also required that the student become certified in CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Upon completion of the program, the student will become CPR certified and will receive a CPR card. The CPR certification card, is usually a requirement for employment for the CNA when working at a nursing home or hospital.

After completing the CNA program, the student may also be able to administer simple blood tests. In some nursing homes, the certified nurses assistant will also be allow to administer accuchecks, which are a type of finger stick blood test that checks for levels of glucose in the patient’s blood. This is a common test that is administered to diabetics. In addition, they are taught how to care for urinary catheters.

Opportunities for certified nursing assistants are numerous. As the population continues to age, more and more opportunities will become available for graduates of an accredited CNA program. Healthcare is a thriving industry and CNA’s will also enjoy the option of working in the home health industry as well, where they can work in a private duty health care setting.