CNA Training at Gateway Achievement, Where Better Training Means Better Care
Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, work under the direct, or indirect, supervision of a team supervisor to complete versatile and varied responsibilities that are needed to support a patient and increase their quality of life as they age, or during the recovery of an illness or injury. When you are looking for in-home senior care, a CNA with training is your best bet for comfort, honesty, and integrity.
CNAs are essential elements to a healthy and effective healthcare ecosystem by taking on some of the routine practices that a patient's loved ones, and their registered nurses, for example, would have to do otherwise. A CNA allows other medical professionals, such as nurses, to concentrate on patients' physical and mental health.
So, what activities does a CNA do? How can they help our loved ones stay in their homes? How does someone become a CNA? Where should they go for their education?
What Does a CNA Do?
A CNA is an incredibly important and necessary position that fulfills an essential need. A CNA's job definition remains wholly dependent on the patient's individual needs. Indeed, they can complete several jobs, including:
- Cooking, nutritional care, bringing food, and feeding (if needed)
- Light cleaning, such as dusting, decluttering, laundry, or taking out the trash
- Help with personal hygiene, such as using the restroom, taking a bath, brushing their teeth
- Support in movement such as with walking or exercise, and repositioning if someone is bed-bound or wheelchair-bound
- Medication reminders
- Disease management
- Monitoring vital signs and observing behaviors
- Assist daily routine and general activities as a companion
- Apply first aid and be present during an emergency
- Supply a ride, an ear, and a friend during a doctor's appointment
- Take a patient grocery shopping
- Be an advocate and monitor patient's day-to-day health changes
A CNA records everything that they do so a record of all care given to your loved one exists. In fact, during CNA training, they must attend a class and pass a test for state certification in Tennessee. The training is rigorous and the test ensures that they can safely and knowledgeably do their job.
How Does One Become a CNA?
Someone who wants to be a CNA should have their high school diploma or their GED, be able to pass a background check, as well as display an active interest in healthcare and support. Many times, a basic understanding of how to use a computer is useful and great oral communication skills is a great addition.
A great CNA can work independently and honorably, completing tasks under the direction of an agency. A sympathetic bedside manner, a tendency towards kindness, and a good memory are great attributes to have.
A CNA may work in a fast-paced environment, under higher-than-normal pressure. They must be calm, professional, and confidential. They must be prepared to enter an important profession, as it demands a strong sense of responsibility, but also puts an immeasurable amount of positivity in the lives of their patients and their patient's families.
Any person who believes that they can better themselves, and their clients, can enroll in a CNA program, such as Gateway Achievement, and work towards getting their certification.
The CNA Training and Test
The CNA class occurs with lectures, group discussions, and hands-on clinical time. The classroom's goal is to teach you how to best serve our patients mentally and physically, while also caring for yourself.
Passing the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Examination allows your placement in the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. This then enables you to work independently as a CNA anywhere in the state. However, first, you have to complete 75 hours of classroom training, plus up to 100 hours of direct experience.
The exam comes in two parts. First, is the written exam which consists of 75 questions taken directly from coursework. Then, a skills test where you will be tested on accurate handwashing as well as four more skills that can be chosen randomly. This can include feeding a patient, helping them bathe, helping them brush their teeth, etc. Someone observes you to ensure the client's ultimate safety.
An excellent way to get your license is to work as a caregiver for Senior Helpers. Indeed, we can sponsor your class, schedule your work around that class, and provide your clinical environment.
Learn More About CNA Training at Gateway Achievement
Senior Helpers of Knoxville, Madisonville, and the surrounding areas, offers a carefully trained and skilled care team that can provide you with the best care for your family member and peace of mind for yourself. If you are considering bringing in-home care into your loved one's life, rest assured that our teams always look out for your family's best interests.
Gateway Achievement is our own starting point in providing the best in-home senior care and in creating opportunities for caregivers to better themselves.