• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

CNA Training Tips

  • Home
  • Free CNA Training
  • CNA Certification
  • CNA Classes
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

CNA Guide

January 9, 2011 by Catherine Leave a Comment

How to Handle Stress as a CNA

Some people are uncertain about becoming a certified nursing assistant when they hear that the job can be very stressful.  Don’t let this discourage you- nursing is a very rewarding and valuable career with far more benefits than stress.  The trick to being successful is knowing how to deal with the stresses that come with the job.

The first step is to understand your stress level- you have to recognize when you are becoming stressed before it becomes unmanageable.  Knowing what the warning signs of stress are can help prevent you from feeling depressed, angry, or burned out.  Warning signs can include fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, headaches or migraines, sleeplessness, crying, chest pains, and difficulty focusing.  If you start to feel these symptoms, you need to evaluate your stress level.

Once you have determined what is causing you stress, you need to learn how to manage situations so that they do not become exceptionally stressful.  One way to help deal with situations that are very stressful is to separate yourself from the situation long enough for you to take a break, clear your mind, and then reorient to the problem.

Keeping your stress level down before you are involved in a stressful situation can help you remain calm and focused.  Begin by getting enough sleep, and on as regular a schedule as you can manage.  Find ways to relax when you are away from work.  You need to learn how to leave your job at work.  Many people find it relaxing to spend the first half hour after they are home from work meditating, praying, or doing yoga or deep breathing exercises.  The more you can separate yourself from the stress inducing situation, the better your body will be able to recover.

Try to remember that many things are out of your control, so it does you no good to worry about them.  You can control your reactions, so focus on those instead.  When you are overwhelmed, start with the smallest problem you can, and solve that.  It will help you to feel that you will have control over the situation when you have made progress on a single problem.  Start taking good care of your body physically as well.  Eating foods that keep you feeling light and healthy will help you to reduce stress because your body feels good and is functioning well.  Eat regular meals, and try to eat them properly.  Sit down at a table, eat your food slowly, and enjoy the down time.  If possible, eat with friends or family to make the experience more enjoyable.  A good exercise program is another requirement for a healthy lifestyle.  You need to keep your body active so that you can handle the physical demands of your job.  This doesn’t mean that you need to spend hours in the gym, many healthy exercise programs such as yoga classes or even leisurely walks can help you stay in shape and be relaxing.

Another thing that can help you deal with stress is to have someone to talk to about your feelings.  This can be a friend, a mentor, a family member, or a coworker.  Make sure that you do not use this time to complain, but instead to be constructive in your discussions.  Be positive; remember that what you are doing is very important and that stress is only temporary.

Recommended Articles:

How to write a convincing CNA Resume

Salary expectations working as a CNA

Filed Under: CNA Guide

August 2, 2010 by Catherine Leave a Comment

Salary to expect working as a CNA

It is important to educate yourself about the CNA salary and pay scale if you are considering or starting a career as a certified nursing assistant.  Generally speaking, this is an entry level career choice.  You will earn more than minimum wage but will be limited in your earning potential even after years of employment.

In many areas of the United States, the average cna salary and pay scale falls between about $23,000 and $28,000 per year.  Some nursing assistants will make a little less than $23,000 and some nursing assistants will be able to earn more than $28,000.  These are just average pay rates.

Most nursing assistants in small town areas do not earn a high income.  In fact, some of the nursing assistants in those areas will only earn about $20,000 per year.  Incomes tend to be lower in communities will the cost of living is not very expensive.

You might find that your salary is higher as a nursing assistant if you live in a city (or even a larger town).  In addition, you might receive a higher salary or pay scale if you live and work in a community where the cost of living is quite high.

Most certified nursing assistants earn a higher income with more years working in the field.  For instance, CNAs often receive a raise after their first year of work.  Most employers will give their nursing assistants a slight increase in pay each year.
After working for four or five years as a CNA, you might see a more significant increase in your salary.  This seems to be particularly true if you work for the same employer for an extended period of time.  Individuals who have worked as nursing assistants for more than ten years typically see the highest wages.

Traveling nurses often have a higher pay scale and salary than nurses who work within a healthcare facility.  Nurses who travel between more than one nursing care facility or nurses who travel to see more than one patient each day (or week), can expect to earn a higher salary.

Nursing assistants who work for home health agencies can often earn as much as $15 per hour.  Individuals who cover night-shifts with clients can sometimes earn even more money per hour.  The same is often true of certified nursing assistants who work in healthcare facilities; employers pay more for individuals who must work overnight.

It is not unheard of for a nursing assistant to earn as high as $35,000 per year in some situations.  Individuals with advanced training or skills can expect to earn a higher salary than nursing assistants with the most basic training.  CNAs can earn a high rate of pay if they work in supervisory positions over other nursing assistants.

You will want to give careful considerations to the average salaries for nursing assistants in your area.  You can search for statistics online to provide you with a general idea of what you might earn when you start to work as a CNA.

Filed Under: CNA Guide, Introduction to CNA

July 30, 2010 by Catherine Leave a Comment

CNA Training Program Information

Work as a certified nursing assistant can be rewarding but also quite challenging.  If you are considering a career as a CNA, you will need to know that the job is not always glamorous.  You will be providing basic level care for individuals who are ill or who have serious health problems.  But you will have the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of individuals who are ill.

You will need some cna training program information before deciding if you will pursue nursing assistant training.  There are several sources where you can find information on CNA training.  To become a nursing assistant, you will need to attend a training program that is approved in your state.  After the program, you will need to sit for a certification test.

A good place to start looking for information on CNA training programs is by contacting the State Board of Nursing or the Nursing Aide Registry Board in your area.  These agencies can help you to find accredited nursing assistant programs and to learn more about the programs.

Of course, you can always look online for details on nursing assistant training courses.  You can also contact nursing care facilities in your area to inquire about the process of becoming a nursing assistant.  Many of these facilities will actually offer CNA training programs.

There is a lot to know about CNA Training Program information.  A certified nursing assistant training program prepares individuals to work as nursing assistants.  The program provides students with the training they need to start their new career as well as to pass the certification exam to get to that career.

CNA training programs will consist of 75 hours or more of training hours.  The number of hours depends on the state where the program is conducted as well as the structure of the program itself.  All program must meet (and can exceed) the state’s curriculum requirements.

Nursing assistant training programs usually last for 3 or 4 weeks.  Some programs last even longer.  It really depends on whether you are going to school on a part-time or a full-time basis.  There are some training programs that can offer weekend or evening courses.

You will have classroom instruction, lab studies and hands-on clinical training during a cna training program.  All aspects of the training program are designed to provide you with the knowledge you need to pass the certification test and then to work as a nursing assistant.  You will learn the procedures you will perform as nursing assistants.  You will also learn to provide compassionate care and to communicate well with patients and other employees.

A good certified nursing assistant training program will prepare you will to offer ideal care to patients at all times.  You will also learn the skills and information you need to successfully pass the certified nursing assistant competency exam.  Take your time when searching for a cna program to find one with the best options and a good reputation.

Filed Under: CNA Guide

July 12, 2010 by Catherine Leave a Comment

Become a Certified CNA

A certified CNA is a nursing assistant who has obtained certification.  In order to become a certified cna, an individual needs to complete training requirements according to both state and federal standards.  Certification requires training classes designed for individuals who want a career as a CNA as well as a CNA competency exam.

Education Process

It only takes a few weeks and several hundred dollars to train for work as a nursing assistant. The length of training time will vary from one state to another.  Courses must include at least 75 hours of study though many training programs offer much more training time than that.

Anyone who is interested in working as a certified CNA must take a training program that is approved by the state and meets all federal and state requirements.  A nursing assistant training program provides individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to take (and pass) the certification exam and to work as a certified nursing assistant.

Job Duties

An individual who works as a certified CNA will provide a variety of basic care services to patients in healthcare settings.  Nursing assistants are seen most frequently in long-term care facilities and other nursing care facilities.

Nursing assistants help patients with a wide range of activities of daily living including:  bathing, dressing, grooming and eating.  Nursing assistants often help patients to remain mobile and help to rotate patients in their beds if they are not mobile.

A CNA will help to monitor a patient’s vital signs and to record any other important details about their care and condition.  Some nursing assistants are also responsible for helping individuals with their range of motion exercises.

Nursing assistants who work in home health settings often have some additional duties.  They are often responsible for proving their patient’s with some light household duties.  Home health nursing assistants sometimes provide companionship for clients and will also accompany clients to doctor’s appointments and therapy appointments.

A nursing assistant must provide kind and compassionate care for their patient’s at all times.  CNAs help to keep patients comfort when they are in a healthcare setting.  They answer call balls and provide a range of basic care services for patients.

Maintaining Certification

It is usually necessary to apply for recertification every two years when working as a nursing assistant.  Nursing assistants must fill out recertification paperwork (some of which is completed by the employer) and submit it to the State Board of Nursing or the Nursing Aide Registry (as required by the state).  Every year nursing assistants will need to complete some continuing education credits.  CNAs must work 150 hours each two years to be eligible for recertification.  If a certified CNA allows their certification to lapse, they might be required to retake the certification exam or to complete a training course again (it depends on the state).


Working as a certified cna can be a rewarding career especially for individuals who like to help others.  Some nursing assistants will go on to become nurses or other healthcare professionals.

Filed Under: CNA Guide, Introduction to CNA

June 26, 2010 by Catherine Leave a Comment

CNA Training Programs

CNA training programs are designed to prepare you for work as a certified nursing assistant.  If you want to become a CNA, you must complete a training program that is approved by the state.  You will then need to sit for the CNA competency exam.  It will be necessary to pass this exam before you can be granted your certification.  CNA training programs will teach you the skills you need to help provide care for patients who are sick or ill.  In most cases, you will work under the direction of licensed or registered nurses.

Requirements for Entering CNA Training Programs

The requirements to enter a CNA training program can be a little different depending on the state where you live.  However, most states have some basic criteria that must be met.  There might be an exception or two, but most CNA training programs will require you to be at least 18 years old even if you already have a high school diploma.  It is typically necessary to be a high school graduate or to have your GED before entering A CNA program.

You will need to consent to a criminal background check if you want to train to become a certified nursing assistant.  Most crimes will prevent you from entering into a training program. If you have ever worked in a healthcare setting , your work record will be viewed.  You will not be accepted for training if you ever abused or neglected a patient.  The same is true if you ever stole from a patient or client.  Most CNA training programs will require you to have a physical.  You will need to be in general good health to be admitted for training.

A Look at the Programs

CNA training programs are taught by professional nurses.  Other qualified healthcare professionals can also be involved in training.  The training programs prepare students to take and pass the certification exam and to work successfully as nursing assistants.  Students learn to develop the skills they need to complete nursing assistant tasks and duties.

CNA training programs include both classroom work and clinical experience.  The classroom time provides students with the background and foundation information they need to work as a CNA.  The clinical experience provides students with the opportunity to work with and interact with patients.  Students learn what it will be like to work with patients in a healthcare setting on a day to day basis.

Some CNA training programs are on a full-time basis and only last for about 3 or 4 weeks.  Other programs are on a part-time basis and take several weeks to complete.  After you complete the training program in it’s entirely, you will be eligible to apply to take the nursing assistant certification exam.  The exam will have both a written portion as well as a portion where you will be graded on your ability to demonstrate a few different nursing assistant skills.

CNA training programs will prepare you for a career working in a variety of healthcare settings.  You will want to take your time to find a good quality program that will prepare you well when it is time to take the certification exam.

Filed Under: CNA Guide

Primary Sidebar

Get Started

  • CNA Certification Information
  • CNA Classes by State
  • CNA Courses
  • CNA Exam Information
  • CNA Job Description
  • CNA Job Training
  • CNA License Information
  • CNA Online Training
  • CNA Programs
  • CNA Salary and Payscale
  • CNA Skills Information
  • CNA Training and Certification
  • Free CNA Training
  • Free HHA Training
  • Going from a CNA to a LVN/ LPN
  • Going from being a CNA to RN
  • How to write a Convincing CNA Resume
  • Nurse Aide Registries By State

Recent Posts

  • How to become a CNA Instructor
  • If you fail your CNA Exam, what next?
  • Travel CNA Job Description
  • Free CNA Training via Scholarships and Grants
  • Free CNA Training from Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
  • Travel Position for CNA
  • CNA Resume Examples for someone with Experience
  • How to receive Free CNA Training from Nursing Homes
  • How to get Free CNA Training from State Nursing Boards
  • CNA Job Interview Tips
  • Free CNA Training from the Job Corps
  • CNA Resume sample for someone with no experience
  • CNA Interview Questions and Answers
  • CNA Ethical and legal issues
  • How to be Professional as a CNA
CNA-Training-Tips-Expert-Author002

Copyright © 2022 · Executive Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in