| Some people decide to start their nursing career | | | | for vital signals etc. CNA's are also needed to |
| from the very beginning - as a certified nursing | | | | prepare patients for surgeries or transport the |
| assistant (CNA). This way they can observe the | | | | patients between the various wards, in stretchers, |
| nursing job with minimal training and decide if it | | | | wheel chairs or hospital beds. |
| suits them. Of course, there are also those who | | | | Most states will require a person working as a |
| will be satisfied with this minimal training with no | | | | CNA to be certified. Getting such certification |
| goals of advancing their careers, though for many | | | | involves going through a training course (usually |
| considerations, as interest, advancement and | | | | taught by a registered nurse), which will include |
| salary, it is advisable for those who can to | | | | both theory and practice, and passing an exam. |
| continue their studies by taking more extensive | | | | The exam will include both a written part - usually |
| nursing classes and become an actual nurse. | | | | in a form of a long list of multiple choice |
| So what is the work of a certified nursing | | | | questions, and a practical part where the learnt |
| assistant? A CNA will do the basic care giving for | | | | CNA skills will have to be displayed and tested. |
| the needed: a patient in the hospital ward, an | | | | Finding and registering to CNA classes is not |
| elderly person at home (a CNA in this function | | | | always easy, as there usually are long waiting lists |
| may be termed a "home health aide") or in a | | | | for these classes. Some places will be offering |
| nursing home (in this case the job may be called | | | | these classes for free, usually requiring that you |
| "personal care attendant"). A CNA may also be | | | | will be working with them for some time after |
| needed to take care of the invalid child, or the | | | | completion of the course. Other places will |
| mentally retarded adult living in a hostel. The job | | | | demand payment, which will usually be a few |
| description may include bathing, dressing, feeding, | | | | hundred dollars. Some of these courses may be |
| and toileting, as well as other basic functions of | | | | more expensive with the price range being |
| care giving for people who are unable to care for | | | | between $800 and $2000. |
| themselves. In hospital settings, a CNA may be | | | | CNA classes may be held in hospitals, retirement |
| required to answer patients' call signals, or to | | | | communities, and also in universities and colleges. |
| observe the patients' conditions: measuring and | | | | They are also given by the Red Cross and |
| recording of the food and liquid intake, checking | | | | various charity organizations. |
