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As a Certified Nursing Assistant or CNA, you have a world of opportunity at your fingertips. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology of Altamonte Springs offers the best jumpstart for your healthcare career with our Nursing Assistant Program. You’ll enter your career with the training and experience necessary for success.
What Is a Nursing Assistant?
A certified nursing assistant or CNA assists LPNs and RNs with patient care. A CNA provides assistance to patients such as dressing, eating and personal hygiene. CNAs might also take blood pressures and help LPNs and RNs perform simple medical procedures. A CNA’s responsibilities will change depending on the needs of the nursing staff.
CNAs work in various facilities including hospitals, long-term care facilities and clinics. CNAs are often hired in doctor’s offices to be involved in a wide range of care including hands-on care and clerical duties.
Is a Medical Assistant the Same as a CNA?
Medical assistants or MAs and Certified Nursing Assistants or CNAs differ in their roles. They both assist with the care of patients; however, each has their unique duties as defined by their scope of practice.
For example, MAs are able to draw a blood sample for laboratory testing and are more hands-on in the treatment of the patient. CNAs assist with bathing, feeding and the wellbeing of their patients.
Medical assisting training takes one to two years to complete, differing from the CNA program that is completed in weeks.
How Do You Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
To become a CNA, you’ll first need to complete an accredited CNA program to receive your certification. Through Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, our CNA program takes five weeks to complete, 120 clock hours.
After you achieve your certification, you’ll be prepared to take and pass the Florida Nursing Assistant certification examination. If you pass, you’ll become a licensed CNA, ready to work in a variety of facilities.
How Much Do Nursing Assistants Make?
According to Payscale, the average pay for a Certified Nursing Assistant is $11.68 per hour. The per hour pay ranges from $9.71 to $15.68 depending on location and the type of care facility. For example, CNAs who work in operating rooms often make more per hour than those who do not.
What Do CNAs Do in Hospitals?
CNAs help LPNs and RNs in all aspects of a patient’s care while in the hospital. They respond to patient calls, help move and clean bedridden patients and often monitor vital signs. CNAs help move patients on gurneys and hospitals beds and assist in the maintenance of hospital rooms.
CNAs may also be involved in answering phone calls, entering chart data and watching for concerning symptoms from patients.
What Do CNAs Do at Retirement Homes or Assisted Living Homes?
At retirement homes or assisted living facilities, CNAs work with patients in all aspects of their wellbeing. From helping to feed and nurture to assisting in activities, CNAs care for their patients’ mental, physical and emotional health. CNAs also assist in taken vitals and checking in on patients throughout the day.
Is Being a Nursing Assistant Hard?
The certification will require math, anatomy and hands-on experience required for licensing. The career itself is rewarding work that requires dedication and some basic technical skill, depending on the type of care you’re giving.
Curious to Learn More?
At Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, we provide all the required training and work to help you succeed in your new career. To learn more, visit the program page for details.