Function of a CNA

CNAs work under an RN (registered nurse) or LPN (licensed practical nurse). They generally help patients with self-care needs, including eating, dressing/undressing and bathing.

Education requirements

CNAs must complete a American Medical Association (AMA) certified course. The Red Cross offers training, and at certain companies where there is a greater need for CNAs, paid training is available. Classes typically take two to three weeks to complete and cover basic care-giving requirements such as bathing a patient, looking after bodily functions and recognizing infectious disease symptoms.

CNA registration

Once an AMA certified training course is completed, CNAs must register with the federal Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB) and reregister after each certification.

Oversight

CNA licensing is overseen by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which controls education, certification and recertification, as well as disciplinary matters.

Considerations

A CNA is a good entry-level position for someone who wants to work in the health-care field, but the pay is low and opportunities to advance are almost nonexistent without further education in the medical field.

Source:

American Medical Association

National Council of State Boards of Nursing