A Cna Job: Is It The Best First Step Towards A Nursing Career?

Many are interested in pursuing a nursing career, but not all are really determined that this is what they want. If this is the case with you, consider a job as a Certified Nurse's Assistant as your first step. Becoming a CNA only requires a few weeks' training which doesn't cost much, and once you get started on the job, you will get a first-hand look at just what registered nurses deal with on a day-to-day basis.

In most states, there are private courses which teach the basic skills required to be a certified nurses assistant. These courses usually run from around $250 to $500.

After the course is completed, the student will undergo a criminal background check and take a test at a testing center. The school will provide the student with the locations and contact information of testing centers in their area, and the school may even administer the test. The test will have a written portion where the examinee will have to answer several questions related to this field, as well as a practical type where the student will demonstrate the basic skills he or she learned in patient care.

CNAs work under the direction of registered nurses. The patients they care for may be elderly, paralyzed, mentally handicapped, or physically dependent in some other way. CNAs also do a lot of grunt work including emptying bedpans, cleaning and bathing patients, getting them dressed and into their wheelchairs, even feeding them if needed.

CNA jobs are easy to come by although they don't necessarily pay well, ranging from $7 to $15, depending on your state and length of service. There are numerous places that need CNAs: hospitals, schools, clinics, nursing homes, hospices, prisons, agencies that provide home health care.

Many registered nurses began their careers as Certified Nurse's Assistants. A lot of nursing students work part time as CNAs while they are in nursing school. Plus, they are able to make valuable connections in the health care field and get references from their employers.

One big advantage of being a CNA first before continuing to become a registered nurse is that you can witness first hand what it is that RNs actually do. A nursing career is not for everyone and it's better to be sure about this first before making the final decision. A nurse would have to exhibit the utmost patience and compassion, and certainly the job is not for the weak of stomach.

Those who want to experience working in the health care field before signing up for a nursing career will find a CNA job as an ideal first step. In fact, being a nursing assistant and caring for patients without the added responsibilities of being an RN has become such a good decision for some that they decide not to pursue further studies after all.

By: Travis Van Slooten

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Visit us to find out more about the certified nursing assistant training program and what you can do to get started today! You'll also find information on a variety of other programs for nurses that might be better suited for you if the CNA doesn't meet your needs.