Important posts of this blog

January 31st, 2010

More and more people are reaching this post through the homepage. To facilitate easy discovery of content, I have grouped them into the important headings. Click on any to go to a post of your interest.

American Red Cross CNA Training

  1. American red cross cna training courses
  2. Red Cross CNA Class

CNA Training and Free CNA Training

  1. CNA Training
  2. Everything to know about Free CNA Training
  3. Benefits of CNA Training

CNA Certification

  1. The CNA Certification Test
  2. Complete details of CNA Certification requirements

CNA Classes

  1. How to identify good CNA Classes
  2. What to expect in a CNA class?

Let me know how I can make it even easier for you to find content of your choice.

free cna classes online

March 27th, 2010

Free CNA Classes has been one of the most popular topics on this blog. I have already dealt with the topic on my previous posts about points to consider before joining a free cna class. For obvious reasons, the other popular topic relates to cna training online. Obviously online is the medium of choice when it comes to provide free cna classes. Then the idea of this post is to combine the concepts of the two most popular topics and talk about free cna classes online.

Free CNA Classes are real

As mentioned in my earlier post, not all free cna training classes are really free. One needs to be extra careful about the small print while joining a free cna class. At the same time, I shall use this opportunity to tell you that not all free cna training is fraud. There are large number of cna classes which are really free to the student. While some of these programs may require you to pay in kind, some of them act as scholarship funds and help students without any expectation.

Why free cna classes online

Online medium seems to be one of the most prefered medium to conduct free cna training classes. I am not surprised since online method helps to minimize the cost of training and helps participants learn according to their own convenience. However there are several more reasons for the popularity of online cna classes including

  • Some of the best cna instructors can contribute to these courses without worrying about harming their own paid programs as the target customers for both are separate.
  • The online medium has allowed individuals like me and you to create cna training program as well, thereby increasing competition and reducing the price to zero in many cases.

Websites offering free cna classes online

This part of my research is still incomplete. Please leave your email addess in the comments below. We shall arrange to send the relevant information to you as soon as our due dilligence gets over.

Free CNA Classes online

CNA training online

March 20th, 2010

I had talked about free cna training in a previous post. While researching for that I had come across several posts about cna training online and being an online person myself, I was quite determined to do a detailed post on that topic. Finally after about 2 months I got the chance to write about online cna training classes.

Some myths about CNA Training online

  • Most of the new concepts on the internet suffers from suspicion by the users and the case is same for online cna classes as well. The fact that there are some dishosnest guys who are trying to dupe people does not help either. However I can say with convistion that not all cna training online are frauds. Some of them may be but most of them are genuine courses which are as good as any other cna class that you may join.
  • The other popular myth is that cna training offered online is expensive. Again that is not the case and it is possible to find some really good and not so expensive cna classes online as well.

Advantages of Online CNA Training

The most important advantage of cna training online over traditional cna classes is the fact that you get attend the lessons from the comfort of your house at a time of your choice. You can learn it at a speed that suits you and you do not have to worry about falling behind the class or about others in the class slowing you down. You can get any stupid doubt of your clarified online without having to worry about looking stupid.

Problems with CNA training online

Not everything is great with online training classes for CNA and the classic classroom form scores over it. No amount of googling can beat the learning from an experienced instructor. The weakest point of online classes lies in the practical aspect of cna training. Watching videos can give you an idea about how to take care of patients but it can never substitute for hands on practice.

If you are suffering from a lack of time then online cna classes is the best option for you. To get the maximum benefit from the classes, try to enroll as a volunteer in a local nursing home and get the practical experience as well. Finally do remember to conduct the basic background check before joining any online cna training as well.

Free CNA Training and reality

March 10th, 2010

Free CNA Training is one of the most popular ways for people considering to join a CNA Training program without having to take out an education loan. The concept of free cna training is undoubtedly a noble one as it enables people without the financial strength to attend CNA classes and become a certified nursing assistant.

Not all Free CNA Training programs are frauds

Unlike what you may have come to expect after reading the title, I am not saying that the free cna training programs are frauds. There are a large number of genuine free cna training programs available. As with all things good, a little more effort is required to find these genuine free cna training programs. More than the effort what is required is an awareness that the fine print may have some hidden cost inside it.

Most free cna training programs require a payment in kind

I am aware that there are no free lunches and I am not complaining that most organizations ofeering cna training for free, expect some benefit out of the program. The reason I am highlisghting this points is that many youngsters do not make the effort to understand the real cost of cna training and are taken by surprise after completing the course. As soon as you come across a free cna training program, try to find out what you need to give in return. This simple trick has proved extremely useful on a number of occasions.

Hidden costs of free cna training

This is one of the worst methods employed by many cna classes. The students are told upfront that they are getting into a free training program. But mid way through the course they are asked to pay for development of the organization or a huge fee to be able to attend practical sessions. The potential candidate does not have any option other than paying the fee as otherwise he/she risks losing precious time spent in the cna classes. This is the issue that has been giving bad reputation to free cna training classes.

Do not join a cna training simply because it is free

Your time is infinitely more important than money and please do basic checks on the organization before joining it. Many students have blindly joined training classes as they did not have to pay any money. But they were not able to attend the certification exam as the college was not approved by the regulator. Do you basic due dilligence before joining any training program.

Please share your experience of searching for free cna training

Sample questions for CNA Exam

February 5th, 2010

Answering a number of sample question papers for CNA exam is a really smart way to prepare for CNA examination. Here is a goos sample question paper that you can download and start answering.

Link

Duties of a cna

February 4th, 2010

I think this post about duties of a CNA should have come much earlier on this blog. Unfortunately I had taken it for granted that the duties of a certified nursing assistant shall be obvious from the post about what is a CNA. That does not seem to be the case and hence I am going to deal with the topic in more detail in today’s post.

Why do we need to know the duties of a CNA?

I think knowing the exact duties of a certified nursing assistant is important to first of all decide if you really want to become a CNA or not. A knowledge of your duties will help you to prioritize lessons in the CNA classes as well. You need to be aware of your duties even after you start working as a CNA. Otherwise you may miss certain things that you are expected to do and your patients may suffer.

So what are the duties of a CNA?

Unfortunately that simple question does not have a simple answer. Why? Because the jobs of a CNA differgreatly from each other depending on where you work. Tasks that you have to do in a hospital are significantly different from tasks that you shall be required to perform while taking care of an old man in his home. Having said that there are certain duties that you shall be expected to perform irrespective of your job and we shall discuss about those aspects.

  • First and foremost, you are expected to take of your patients. As a CNA, you are responsible for the routine care of your patients. This may include helping your patients to move from their bed to their wheelchair and in doing their daily activities like brushing their teeth or taking a bath.
  • You shall be responsible for regular observation of your patients health. You shall have to check their blood pressure, body temperature etc. You will have to report any adverse change in these vital signs to the nurse or the doctor.
  • If you are caring for an old person in his/her home then you shall have to know what are the likely emergencies that may arise and you need to be ready to deal with them on your own. For example if your patient is a heart patient then one of your duty is to be ready to take care of him in case of a heart attack.
  • Please remember that it is not sufficient to complete your tasks only in letter. The attitude with which you do your duty counts for a lot. Please always treat your patients with dignity and do not get irritated. They need you precisely because they are not able to take care of themselves.

The duties of a CNA can be quite challenging. Especially so when you have to attend to multiple patients. However you shall find it enjoyable, if you start taking pride in what you do and treat this as a fun activity and not as a task.

Points to consider before joining free cna classes

February 2nd, 2010

We had already talked about free CNA training and how lots of people are interested in them. However on second thoughts I just realized that free CNA classes are not at all as simple as they seem. There seems to just too much in the fine print of most free CNA training programs. Missing some of these points is known to have become quite expensive (in the literal sense) for a number of people who had enrolled for these CNA training programs.

There is nothing that is absolutely free. Any organization that offers you free CNA classes is expecting something back from you. That has to be the basic philosophy with which you need to analyze all offers for free CNA training classes. The question to ask yourself is What is in it for them. If you do not find an immediate answer to this question then better be careful. You may be missing something important.

As we had talked in out previous post as well, a good place to start looking for free training is the local hospital or nursing home. Typically these people offer free classes with an objective of getting trained employees. Hence one common clause in all such offer of free cna training is that the person has to work for them for a minimum period of time. There are few important points that you must consider before signing on the dotted line.

  1. Are you sure that you want to work as a CNA? Unlike people who join a paid CNA training, you do not get till the end of the certification to decide. Once you agree to join the training program, you must have to work for them.
  2. Are you sure to work as a CNA for long enough? Let us say the nursing home is asking you to work with them for 3 years and you were planning to have a baby in 2 years. What will you do if your spouse gets a really good job in some other city? The idea is not to scare you. If you are not expecting any such thing to happen then you may go ahead and join the course. The issue can be handled when it rises. However please consider your options if any such event is highly likely.
  3. Is the salary being offered good enough? Some times the nursing home may pay less to the employees who have joined after attending one of the free cna classes, knowing fully well that they will not be able to leave. Go through the compensation clause carefully and see to it that you are going to get market rate.

The basics of selecting a CNA class holds true for free CNA classes as well

We have already talked about how to select good cna classes. Please note that the basics remain the same even when you are joining a free cna class. There is no point in joining free cna classes that do not have necessary approval. You must not compromise on the quality of education to save a few hundred dollars either.

The idea of this post was not to make you scared of free cna classes. There are really good cna classes available for free. Use these guidelines to just evaluate all available free cna training classes and make a smart choice.

Benefits of CNA Training

January 30th, 2010

Are you one of the thousands of visitors of this blog who have been wondering if the CNA training is worth the expense and the effort? The benefits of CNA training can be split into 2 parts. 1. The immediate benefit of getting a job and 2. the avenues of growth and further study that a CNA certification that it opens up.

JOB opportunities after CNA training

  • Certified nursing assistants was one of the few jobs in the economy that did not see much downsizing during the recent recession and perhaps the worst one in quite sometime. Healthcare industry in general has been quite immune to economic downturns. Because no matter what happens, people are not going to reduce expenses on healthcare. Especially since health expenses are paid by insurance companies in a large number of cases, the change in income of a particular person does not reduce his ability to spend on healthcare in general and CNAs in particular.
  • It is a common knowledge that the American population on an average is aging. All these people are going to need someone to take care of them. That is opening up new and attractive opportunities for people who have completed the CNA training. Onike most other jobs, the job of a CNA can not be sent to some third world country like India. The service has to be performed in the USA. That means CNAs do not have to worry about offshoring.
  • If you are looking for a career that will be fulfilling and give you plenty of room for advancement then you should consider CNA training. When you become a Certified Nursing Assistant, you will have a career like no other. CNAs are in high demand and the demand is expected to grow over the next ten years. However, you must possess certain traits to be a good CNA.

But what about the cost of CNA Training?

I have not forgotten that our discussion started from that point only. CNA training is good but is it good enough for the price that we have to pay. In my humble opinion if anything it is one of the best things that you can at that price point. If you are really hard pressed for money then you may consider joining one of the free cna training classes. If you do your homeword without having to pay much of a fee. Please remember that you can become a CNA is 6-8 weeks and then you can easily earn anywhere from USD 19,000  to $30,000 per year.

Growth options for CNAs

Completing the CNA certification, allows you to get into the health care industry. CNA is a great place to start if you intend to become a nurse in few years. In all probability, your nursing home may sponsor your nursing training program. Let us know your motivation behind joining the CNA training.

What to expect in a CNA class?

January 27th, 2010

A number of readers of our earlier post about how to identify good CNA classes have been asking us queries that can be summed up as What can I expect to learn in a CNA class?. We shall attempt to answer that question through this post.Before I go ahead let me remind you that the basic purpose of any CNA Training including that of the red cross CNA training is to enable you to pass the CNA Certification test. As a result you will find that what you learn in a CNA class is largely governed by what is expected in the certification examination.

As we have discussed earlier as well, the CNA certification test has both a theory and a hands on practical test. The curriculum of the theory part varies from state to state. Hence even what you learn in the CNA class is different depending upon in which state you are getting your training. For the hands on part you shall need to prepare by actually performing the tasks that are expected of a certified nursing assistant.

Once you complete both the theory and practical parts of the certified nursing assistant class, you shall be able to measure vitals signs like temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate etc of patients. Additionally you shall be taught how to record these case history in the patient file. CNA class will help you develop practical skills of moving patients to and from their health chair, how to help them to take a bath or brush their teeth etc.

What they will not teach you in the CNA class?

Ithink, some of the most important aspects of the CNA job are not taught in any CNA class. Taking joy and pride in helping others, maintaining your patience even when patients are being stupid are two of the most important qualities. You need to develop a habit of talking respectfully to the patients as well. I have not heard of any CNA class in US teaching these skills.

Finally a CNA class helps you to get to know some really amazing people. This is one thing that has been the most important thing, ever since I completed my CNA certification.

Complete details of CNA Certification requirements

January 24th, 2010

We shall split the CNA Certification requirements into 2 categories i.e 1. technical requirements of CNA certification and 2. Practical requirements of CNA certification.

What are the technical requirements of CNA Certification

For anyone to be eligible to join the  CNA Training, he/she must meet certain criteria laid down by the state. Most of the time these criteria vary from state to state. However the important requirements to become a CNA remains the same in all states. We shall discuss about these important criteria for CNA certification in this post.

  • A person must have at least 75 hours of training before appearing for the CNA certification test. Most states take oneline training into account as well.
  • As with any other education, attending the classes is not sufficient to get the CNA certification. The person must appear for a CNA exam and pass it successfully to get the certification. This final exam consists of 2 parts i.e a written exam and a skill based practical examination. One needs to clear both of these to obtain the CNA certification.
  • Last but not the least, a CNA needs to have good physical strength as the job involves tasks requiring physical stamina. A physical fitness test is mandatory for completion of the CNA certification.
  • Unless you opt for a free CNA training, you will have to pay the fee for the CNA training and the examination. Even the red cross CNA training is no more free.

Understanding the practical requirements of CNA Certification

As my professor used to say repeatedly, the technical CNA certification requirements are necessary but not sufficient conditions for one to become a successful CNA. Please appreciate the fact the job of a CNA can be quite tedious unless you have got a natural interest in helping others. The job requires you to behave in a matured manner with people who may be sometimes irritating. If you do not have the right attitude please do yourself and all your future patients a favor and stay away from any form of CNA training.

How to identify good CNA Classes

January 16th, 2010

CNA Classes are the starting point of a person’s career as a certified nursing assistant. The cna class that you join will determine the quality of cna training that you will be getting. There are many organizations that are offering cna classes but there is a really wide variation in the quality of training provided by them. That makes it important that you must find out the best cna classes in your locality and join one of them.

Step 1: Prepare a list of CNA Classes

Before you caan find the best cna classes, you must prepare a list of all cna classes happening in your area. Preparing the list is a really tedious work. You must consier collaborating with 2-3 other people who are planning to join a cna class as well. Next you should go to some people who have recently completed the cna certification and ask them to give you a list of cna classes they are aware of. Next enquire in local nursing homes. Typically the nursing homes conduct cna classes themselves or they know other cna classes as they are the recruiters for CNAs. Complete the list by going through the classified pages of local newspapers.

Research the cna classes

Now that you have prepared a list of cna classes that you may join, start collecting some more information about them. First and foremost, figure out which of these do not have required certification and strike them off the list. There is no point in joining a cna class that is not recognized by other organizations. After that find out the fees demanded by the different cna classes. No point in investigating classes that we shall not be able to join. If you are looking for free cna training, then the list will go down to only a few classes.

Next talk to the previous students of as many classes as possible. Ask them about the quality of instructors and the depth of training at these institutes. You will do well to take into account the traveling that will be required for attending each cna class. Finally select a cna class that offers detailed training and one that you shall be able to attend regularly.

Let us know how are you going to find your cna classes.

The CNA Certification Test

January 6th, 2010

The CNA certification test is the last hurdle that must be passed before you can successfully complete your CNA training. The CNA certification test is in general administered by the State Board of Nursing and the certification is valid in the state that administered the test. Some aberrations like Red Cross CNA Training, do exist, which is administered by the State. Most importantly such a certification is recognized in the country. Licensing is done by the state, so you will want to register for testing in the state you expect to work in.

The CNA certification test consists of two parts i.e a written exam and a practical CNA skills test. The written exam is in general administered first. The written part of the cna certification test consists of approximately 100 multiple-choice questions and the candidates are given up to two hours to complete them. There is no need to worry about the written exam as almost everything in it will have been covered in the CNA training.It is a good idea to get some sample testing questions for the CNA exam and practice them beforehand.

After the written portion is over, candidates are called on for their skills test. Some states may require the candidate to bring another person as a model. This model would act as your patient for you to demonstrate your skills on. The practical exam covers the most common skills that a CNA will encounter on the job. This may include performing measurements of vital signs; demonstrating the proper way of making a bed; and responding to emergencies.

It may be noted that the skills test is not about performing the tasks that are asked of you, alone. How you perform them matters a lot. So make sure to treat the patient with dignity. It may include respecting their privacy, getting the patients permission before doing any task etc.

The outcome of your test will be mailed to you. Anyone who has been attentive during the CNA training will not have much problem in passing the CNA certification examination. Once you get the CNA certification, you can then start working in your state.

Everything to know about Free CNA Training

January 3rd, 2010

Free CNA training is a really wonderful solution for people who are looking for CNA training but will not be able to afford the cost of it. Before we get into details of how to find a free cna training for yourself, let me make one point clear upfront. There is no can training that is absolutely free. What we mean by free CNA training is that you will not be required to make any cash payment. However you may be required to work for the organization for free or you may be required to commit to work for them for certain number of years after getting your certification.

Places to look for free cna training

Before you can start searching for a free cna training opportunity, you need to know training institutes that provide the cna training for free. Based on my discussion with many students who have passed previously we shall suggest that you start your search for cna training at hospitals, local vocational training organizations and online training centers. Hospitals or nursing homes in your locality may be conducting free CNA training provided you agree to work for them. We shall be providing some of the institutions that we are aware of. However the best way is to inquire with your local hospitals and/or nursing homes whether they are providing free CNA training or not.

You may try for CNA Scholarship Programs usually administered and funded by the states Department of Public Health. These scholarships typically take care of the full cost of training and the CNA state certification exam.

Points to consider before joining a free CNA training

  • The fine print rules. Getting the cna certification requires several payments including that for the training, courseware and the final exam. Ensure that the institute is not charging you more for the free CNA training!!!
  • Try to contact the State Board of Nursing to ensure that you are joining one of the approved CNA training programs.
  • CNA certifications, other than red cross cna training, are mostly state specific. Make sure that the CNA training that you are joining will allow you to practice in the state of your choice.

BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR SEARCH OF FREE CNA TRAINING

American red cross cna training courses

December 14th, 2009

American red cross cna training

We have already talked about red cross  cna class and cna training, so I guess it is time to talk about american red cross cna training courses. I do not think I need to tell you about Red Cross as it happens to be one of the most important organizations in the world. We are going to discuss the training courses offered by red cross for certified nursing assistants. One of the most important advantages of going for american red cross cna training is that unlike many other CNA Certification programmes, the cna certification is recognized nationally. That means once you get a cna certification through american red cross cna training, you can work any where in USA.

Read the rest of this entry »

CNA Training

December 2nd, 2009

CNA training is one of those small number of activities where the benefits far outweigh the effort required. It is relatively easy to go for CNA Training either online or offline. Once you complete the training you are effectively ensuring job security and a really exciting and satisfying job for yourself. I think that is a dream come true in today’s world.

Benefits of CNA Training

Before we go on to the details of CNA Training, let us get the benefits and hence the motivation for joining any CNA training clear.I assume there is no ambiguity that successful completion of the CNA training will lead to you becoming a certified nursing assistant. The most important benefit is the fact that you have as secured a job as it can be. Demand for medical help is not going to go down whether the economy is doing well or not. Most importantly as a CNA you will get the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of people which is possible with few other jobs. Hope I have convinced you adequately to join the next CNA training programme.

How to join CNA Training?

The best way to get CNA training is to go for an online course. A desktop with internet connection is all that you need. There a large number of colleges offering the CNA course However make sure to select one that has its approvals in place. Else you may not be able to pratice!!

Any CNA training class will cover basic patient support as part of the curriculum. What else you need to cover depends upon the requirements of the state in which you intend to practice. Make sure to check these state specific requirements and then make sure your selected programme meets them. Also it is a good idea to select a CNA training class that will contain some hands on practice sessions as well.

You will be typically required to spend 75-100 hours in training programme before you can become a CNA. The last hurdle is the examination. If you are taking an online CNA class, you will be required to appear for the examination in a well monitored facility.

Best of luck with your CNA Training