A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, has successfully completed a training program to be qualified to assist the nursing staff of medical facilities. These include nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. CNAs are valuable members of any nursing staff with their ability to provide basic care to patients.
This can be such things as providing them with help in getting out of or into bed, helping them walk or exercise, and feeding assistance. CNAs often help a patient prepare for surgery, an exam or treatment while also tidying up the room. Many times, CNAs must transfer patients by wheelchairs or stretchers.
Becoming a CNA in the UK
A CNA is called by many titles in the UK. They can be nursing assistants, patient care associates, clinical support workers, nursing techs, healthcare assistants, and healthcare support workers. In the United States, they’re called CNAs, nursing assistants, or registered nurses aides.
Becoming a CNA in the UK requires certain conditions to be met. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 stipulates that CNA training courses must consist of 50 hours of classroom instruction with 100 hours of clinical training under supervision. When you successfully complete the entire course, you’ll be a CNA and become a part of the nursing aide registry.
Once you complete training, you must pass a practical examination. During the exam, a qualified tester will request that you complete a few specific clinical skills with the help of a volunteer. All hygiene protocol must be met and then the tests must be followed through. When the practical exam is concluded successfully, the written portion is completed next. Many times, the written section can be completed online.
After both sections of the exam are passed, a temporary license is issued to the student while the permanent license is sent from the licensing board. Also, the board will mail the CNA a notice 60 days before the license expires. The license can be renewed online, but if the license expires, you must have worked as a CNA within the last 2 years.
If you feel that the career of a CNA is for you, it’s time to begin looking into feasible training programs. Keep in mind that a CNA can also be used as a starting point for other medical careers.