CNA Training Tips

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How to become a CNA Instructor

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Instructor can be a very rewarding position for a licensed nurse. Teaching and helping to develop individuals into caring, compassionate and competent CNAs is a way of assuring that clients in the health care arena receive the quality of hands on care that they deserve.

One must keep in mind that each state has specific requirements for those that become Nursing Assistant Instructors. Some states require that the instructor be a Registered Nurse (RN) whereas other states recognize the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) as a qualified candidate.

Most states require a version of the Train-the-Trainer Certification course. A Train-the-Trainer course simply means that the student is being trained to be a trainer of CNAs.  This course is designed to meet federal requirements for CNA training programs and is specific to the state in which CNA instruction will be taught. Principles of adult learning are emphasized along with curriculum development, methods of teaching, utilization of tools in teaching and other useful skills to assure that educating the new nursing assistant is successful. Train-the-Trainer courses may range from 15-25 hours in length and may be taught in 3-4 days or over a weekend. The CNA educator must be a mature, knowledgeable professional that truly has a desire to prepare individuals in their role as a new CNA.

The CNA Instructor candidate will need to meet specific requirements in order to partake in the Train the Trainer course. Depending on the teaching facility many instructors are required to have a minimum of three years in the field before they can teach. Experience can be obtained from working in a hospital, emergency room, private office or clinic. The more experience that the candidate has, the more likely they are to obtain a position as a CNA instructor. Instructors are expected to have a working knowledge of the expectations and responsibilities of a certified nursing assistant and must also be able to communicate and demonstrate various procedures and tasks required of the nursing assistant. A desirable teaching candidate will demonstrate good character and be able to pass a background check.

CNA instructors can find employment at many different establishments offering training to students and staff, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Vocational Schools
  • Nursing Homes
  • Assisted Living facilities
  • Career Centers
  • Community Colleges
  • Online Colleges
  • High Schools
  • Health Departments

The average salary range for this profession is approximately $42,800 to $69,000 annually but will vary according to location, demographics and experience. In many situations, the RN will become a CNA instructor in addition to a regular nursing position. Information related to specific state requirements, the RN should contact the State Department of Health or State Board of Nursing.

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If you fail your CNA Exam, what next?

You have completed your C.N.A. training and have excelled in learning your skills.  All that is stopping you from your certification is one pesky little exam.  It is the final exam.  You had 3 cups of coffee this morning and put on your happy face. You even had oatmeal and fruit for breakfast in an effort to boost your brain cells.  Shakily you enter the examination room with your 12 #2 pencils sharpened.  Is the shaking due to nerves or all of that coffee that you drank? The thoughts are reeling in your mind.  What if I forget?  What if I miss? What if I fail my C.N.A. exam? What next?

First of all, a little preparation may prevent a potential test failure.  There are 2 parts to the C.N.A. exam.  You will be tested on your skills in which you will be asked to perform your skills properly and safely.  This may consist of making a bed properly, shaving a patient, or transferring a patient while using proper body mechanics and exercising proper safety techniques.  Go through your skills checklist as you may be tested on any of them.  Don’t forget to wash your hands prior to each skill or state that you have just washed your hands so your instructors know that you haven’t forgotten that important little detail.  The second part of the exam will be the written test.  Generally, you must score 80 percent or higher to achieve a passing grade, though this may vary from state to state.  You will be asked questions about safety, proper body mechanics, patient confidentiality and other legal issues regarding HIPPA.  These are just a few of the topics that may be covered.

The best way to prepare for the C.N.A. exam is to practice your skills on your class mates or on a friend or family member until you become comfortable performing them.  You can also take a C.N.A. practice test which is usually offered at most training facilities and there are also practice tests available online. You should also review your study guide and if there is something that you don’t know or are not comfortable with then you should ask for clarification.

If you take the exam and you do happen to fail the first time, try not to beat yourself up about it too much.  The exam is set up to ensure that you can work with a patient in a safe manner.  Passing the exam is a good indication that you are ready to safely accept the responsibility of caring for a patient. If you do not pass, simply examine your mistakes, study harder, and try to focus on the areas in which you are deficient.  Some schools will allow you to go back and correct your mistakes right away and sometimes you will have to retest.  If you only fail one portion of the test then you will only have to repeat that portion.  You have up to 2 years and 3 tries after receiving your training to pass both sections of the exam.  If you fail the third time within that period then you must go back to school and repeat your C.N.A. training.

It sounds like a lot of pressure, doesn’t it?  Just take a deep breath and take your time to study and focus on what you don’t know.  Have your coffee, have your oatmeal and fruit, put on your happy face and try to remember the little details like putting the brake on the wheelchair, speaking to your patient and exhibiting good bedside manner, even he is a mannequin, and you should be fine. Good luck!

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Travel CNA Job Description

Have you ever been envious of people who get to travel for work?  They hop from place to place and get to see new destinations while they simultaneously earn a living.  Did you know that there are travel positions for Certified Nurse’s Assistants and other members of the medical staff as well?  Before you leap at the opportunity let’s find out if it’s for you.

A travel career is not for everyone.  You should examine your personal life to find out if you are cut out for a travel position as a C.N.A. before you apply.  Do you have children or pets that require you to be available for them on a daily basis?  Do you have a relationship that may be impacted significantly by your absence?  And finally, do you have any obligations or commitments that may impede you from being away on a regular basis?  If you answered yes to any of these then you should develop a plan for these needs to be met before you consider a travel position.  Are you more outgoing or more of an introvert?  Lastly, do you enjoy being away from home and staying in a hotel or are you more of a home-body?

If you decide that you would like to experience a career as a traveling C.N.A. then you need to find a reputable place of employment.  The best way to find a reliable agency is by word of mouth.  It can be beneficial if you know someone who works for a particular agency and has given them satisfactory feedback.  If this isn’t possible then you should seek out an agency that has been long established and can provide you with a list of references which includes a record of the facilities that they have assisted.   Avoid any agency that does not appear legitimate and doesn’t offer a contract or one that asks anything unreasonable such as meeting in an obscure location or at a residence or wants you to work on the promise of payment.  Basically, steer clear of anything that just doesn’t feel right.

Once you find an agency that you feel comfortable with you will be asked to undergo a background check and may be asked to submit to a drug screening test which is pretty standard.  You should examine the contract very closely and read the fine print before you sign it also.  A reputable agency should be required to pay for your mileage and travel expenses such as lodging at a minimum.  Some agencies will pay for meals or give you a meal allowance up to a certain monetary sum.  If you exceed that amount then you are responsible for the rest of the tab.  Sometimes you will be required to produce receipts as well.

The purpose of these agencies is to help other facilities who may be experiencing a staff shortage for whatever reason or the agency may assist a new facility who hasn’t yet established a full time staff.  Staffing assignments can last anywhere from several weeks up to a year.  Assignments may be closer to home or may be in some luxurious tropical location. It is up to you to discuss with your agency in advance to let them know what you are willing to contribute and what your preferences are regarding travel and the type of facility that you prefer to work in.  Once you complete your first travel assignment you will probably be asked to do another.  You will go where you are needed and perform your duties as a C.N.A. in whatever facility or place that you are directed to per the agency.

In a travel position you will not only get to see the world but will enhance your experience as a C.N.A.  You will strengthen your skills by rotating through various specialty areas and different types of facilities and you will definitely avoid the boring hum drum that working everyday at the same location can bring.  If you are up for a change of scenery and like the idea of seeing the world then a travel position may be just what the Dr. ordered.

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Free CNA Training via Scholarships and Grants

Did you know that you may qualify for a scholarship or a grant to help you to pay for your education as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant?  There are grants and scholarships available in every state and you just have to know where to look.

The Department of Health and Human Services sets aside monies to be distributed to colleges and vocational schools with the sole purpose of making C.N.A. training attainable to those who may require financial assistance in the form of scholarship and government grants.  There are also scholarships and grants available via the Department of Education.  You just need to meet the requirements to qualify.  Requirements may vary from state to state but essentially are very similar.

Typically, you will have to fall within a certain income bracket or have your living expenses exceed your means in comparison to your earnings.  Also, you may qualify for assistance if you are unemployed due to losing a job or have had little or no success landing a job.  You must be a legal resident of the United States and in most cases will be required to possess a valid Social Security number.  You will also be asked to produce proof of your current living situation, i.e. your current pay stub and sometimes your last 3, and an itemized list of you your living expenses to show a deficit.  This helps to establish proof of necessity. Males between the ages of 18-25 are urged to register with Selective Service and you must have a High School diploma or a G.E.D., although, depending upon your state, you may be eligible to take a competency test to determine whether or not an education at that particular establishment would be beneficial to you without a H.S. Diploma or G.E.D. and then there is Federal Aid available for obtaining your G.E.D. as well.

Unlike a Student Loan, Scholarships and Grants are money that doesn’t have to be paid back. However, you must maintain your grades and show proof of your progress.  Some states may require that complete a certain number of credit hours or pass an equivalency course geared toward your certificate or degree.

There are several types of federally funded financial aid available.  One of the most common is the Pell Grant.  The Pell Grant has certain requirements that must be met as well and can be very beneficial to a student who requires financial assistance.  You have to check with the Financial Aid Department at the school of your choice to find out if you may qualify for benefits.  The Pell Grant can pay anywhere from $100 – $4000 depending on your course of study and your financial need.  Typically, for the C.N.A., I would assume it would be on the lower end as the C.N.A. program last only 2-3 months and requires a minimum in study aids.

There are several other Federally Funded Grants available and some non-federal as well.  You can check into fafsa.ed.gov on the web to find approved grants and loans for your state and you can always check into your local financial aid office at the school which you plan to attend. Scholarships.com offers a search engine to assist in finding aid specific to your vocational choice and state.

If you want to further your education or are just starting out and hope to find a great career then the C.N.A. program may be the perfect opportunity to help you to become self sufficient.  There is financial aid available in many forms and there are scholarships and grants set aside to help you along your way.  You just need to inquire about the financial aid in your area and get on your way to an exciting new career as a C.N.A.

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Free CNA Training from Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

It is possible to receive free training to become a Certified Nurse’s Assistant due, in part, to the Workforce Investment Act.  You must meet the predetermined qualifications in order to be eligible to access these benefits. For those who meet the requirements for the programs offered the WIA can offer a means to help further an individual’s education.

The Workforce Investment Act was developed by the Federal government and passed under the Clinton Administration in 1998.  The WIA was established to assist the American Citizen to fulfill his or her full potential to become a valued, working member of society.  In short, the WIA was established to ensure that every individual regardless of financial status or situation should be able to have a fair chance at obtaining an education that might otherwise have been out of reach due to the monetary costs associated with pursuing an education.  The WIA was also established in order to ensure that the workforce would have an abundance of adequately trained and qualified workers for hire.  In effect, better qualified workers means a more successful business and a more successful business would eventually stimulate the economy.  People who earn money are able to spend money.

The WIA’s proposed intent is to offer assistance to the unemployed or to those who are employed but have a limited means of income in relation to their living expenses.  The WIA targets to contribute to men and women who may need a form of career or job training in order to assist with finding or holding employment.  Free C.N.A. training can be obtained to those who meet the requirements.

There is an Adult and a Youth Program available.  For the adult program you must be at least 18 years or older. The WIA can offer assistance and training opportunities to those who have lost their jobs or those who are struggling financially and are unable to find employment due to lack of training. The Youth Program allows for an individual to be aged 14 – 21 years.  This program can be beneficial to teenage mothers or those who are currently pregnant and can also be beneficial to young adults and kids who have had a criminal background or to those who come from an underprivileged environment. The WIA also caters to assist at risk young people via job fairs and training opportunities while they are still in high school with the goal of keeping them in school and assisting them to connect to the workforce in an effort to prevent future drop outs.

Basically, the WIA offers aid to anyone who does not have the financial means to obtain an education or training. One of the free training programs offered by the WIA is the C.N.A. program as it is a relatively short training program, typically 2-3 months and touts the prospect of higher pay than a job that offers minimum wage employment at start up.

If you are interested in free C.N.A. training or another type of free certification or job training via the Workforce Investment Act then a good place to start would be the Department of Labor for your state or your local Unemployment Office.  Either of these offices should be able to direct you in your query and offer some information about the programs available to you in your area.

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Travel Position for CNA

Most Certified Nurse Assistants might assume that they are limited to working in a health care facility close to home, but have you ever considered the possibility of seeing the world while maintaining a steady and profitable career?  Most health care professionals are aware that there are travel contracts available to Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses but what most of them don’t know is that there are traveling jobs available for the C.N.A as well.

Imagine seeing the world as you broaden your working experience.  How exciting would it be to learn new skills in various locations and do some sightseeing on your down time? There are agencies who will hire you under contract to provide health care staff to a facility in need.  What this means is that you will agree to work at a specified location for a set amount of time and then move on to the next location.  These agencies provide services to various health care facilities by sending a C.N.A., L.V.N/L.P.N., R.N. or even a P.A. to assist them with staffing problems.  The agency may assist a new facility that has just opened and isn’t yet fully staffed, or it could be something as simple as filling for an employee who is out on maternity leave.  Temporary positions may last from 13 weeks up to a year.

These agencies often require that a background check be performed and that a drug test be taken. They most definitely will require that your state certification is up to date and that you have a little working experience under your belt.  Most of these agencies pay very well and many offer exciting benefits for travel.  If the travel is a far distance from your home, the agency will most likely pay for your flight to and from the location, will pay for your accommodations, which are usually very chic, and will provide a rental car for your transportation while there.  This is separate from actual hours worked.  A good agency will pay a set amount for you hours worked, including per diem and overtime, and some agencies offer a healthy bonus just for referrals.  If your working destination is closer to home, then the agency should pay for your travel time and fuel expenses. They should also pay for housing if required and will sometimes pay for meals.  There are also often other perks for the traveler such as free movie rentals and discounts for dining and entertainment as well.  A good agency should provide the contract in writing for your approval and signature. Read it carefully.  You may get to travel to a variety of luxurious locations or you may simply take a paid trip to see the Midwest.

If you decide that a traveling job is for you, be sure and do your homework first.  There are agencies out there who will hire a C.N.A.  The best way to find one is by word of mouth.  If this is not possible you should try to find an agency that has been around for awhile and that has references from the facilities they have assisted.  Also, steer clear of any shady dealings, such as no contract, or a place that doesn’t require you to submit to any screening or testing, or basically anything that doesn’t feel right.  You want to have a pleasant employment experience and your safety should be your potential employer’s top priority.

Traveling health care positions for the C.N.A. are not usually highly advertised but they are available.  You often have to be vigilant in your search to find a travel position for a C.N.A. as they are not as prevalent as those for the R.N. and L.V.N / L.P.N.  Serving as a traveling health care professional can be a wonderful way to see the world while strengthening your medical training and enhancing your work experience.  A traveling position is not always for everyone, but if think you may enjoy traveling to various locations and have the freedom to do so, then a traveling C.N.A. position may be just what you are searching for.

Written by Stephanie Dubenezic RN, LPN