A certified nursing assistant is one of the most basic certifications. You can use solely it, or add to it. Learn more about Maryland CNA training.
If you want to become a health care provider in Maryland, one option is to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). This position is also known as a nurse's aide. All states require training and the passing of an exam. Maryland CNA training leads to the CNA exam. By earning your CNA certificate, you can start a new career in the health care industry.
CNA classes give you the education and skills you need to be an effective nursing assistant. As a CNA, you work in hospitals, medical facilities, nursing homes, adult day care centers or private homes. Your immediate supervisors are either registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Your job is to help the nursing staff.
In most cases, you provide direct care to patients involving daily personal support. Most patients you work with aren't able to perform these tasks for themselves. In hospitals, nursing homes or hospice houses, you will probably help patients and residents with bathing, using the bathroom, putting on clothes and combing their hair. You may also have to help them eat and drink and administer medications.
There are several ways to pursue your education. The American Red Cross offers a CNA training program. However, most CNA programs are available at junior colleges or community colleges, technical schools or nursing schools in Maryland.
For convenience, there are online CNA courses you can take, but classroom instruction is also available, usually in the evenings or on weekends.
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Most schools offer financial aid to qualified students. This is important because the programs often cost several thousands of dollars. You should also inquire if they offer certification renewal courses. You must renew your CNA license every two years.
Maryland CNA certification programs are different in scope, but all teach the courses necessary to pass the exam. Most programs last from 6 to 12 weeks. In addition to coursework, you have clinic hours as well. This gives you firsthand experience in dealing with patients. The classes you take cover such topics as human biology, anatomy and physiology.
Your CNA education teaches you how to take a patient's vital signs and to record the measurements on a chart or computer. The vital signs include heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.
As a nursing assistant, you also need to learn how to collect samples of blood or urine and label them properly without exposing yourself to these bodily fluids.
Good communication is part of the job. There are courses on how to talk to patients with compassion and respect.
After you complete the required coursework, you are eligible to take the CNA exam. After passing the exam, you can start looking for a job in a nursing home, hospital or assisted-living center.
The first step toward a new career is taking Maryland CNA training courses. Get started today so you can add the title "Certified Nursing Assistant" or "CNA" after your name.
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