There have been many students that have decided to take the route of becoming a health care team member, through the training which is provided for the CAN or certified nursing assistant or the CRNA, certified registered nursing assistant.
The potential for earnings through completing the CNA or CRNA programs is between $8.00 to $12.00 per hour. Increasing the education through the use of LPN courses and continuing the education can increase the earning potential upwards of $12.00 to $15.00 per hour.
What is taught through the CNA Program?
There are many skills which are taught through the CNA programs which are required to assist with the care of patients in a daily setting. These skills have a focus on personal support and care, rather than medical intervention. The CNA provides these services to allow the LPNs and RNs to carry out the duties which are associated with the health and the wellness of the patient.
Here are some of the basic skills which are taught throughout the course of the program which lasts between six and twenty four weeks, depending on the class schedule that has been chosen by the student:
- Tasks are demonstrated to increase the capability of patient care. This includes moving the patient or assisting the patient with dressing, going to the washroom etc.
- Cleaning the patient if they require, from bodily fluids or other accidents that may occur.
What can the CNA expect to learn from the LPN Training courses?
In the case that the CNA decides to undergo the continued education that is required to become an LPN, the following procedures and skills will be obtained through the various training that has been undergone by the nursing student.
- Measures that should be reported to RNs and other members of the care team including any changes in behavior or any indications that can come from medications or illnesses which are experienced by the patient.
- Sterile procedures are completed through the course program to enable the CNA to learn the process of keeping objects, instruments and medications sterile.
- Documenting the information which should be included on the chart.
- Glucose testing and monitoring the glucose of patients with diabetes or other insulin disorders.
- Ensuring that IVs are properly inserted to the patient and that they are in working order causing the medication or fluids to be delivered to the body.
- Knowledge of injections as well as delivery of medications will be discussed throughout the course program and may be completed through the place of employment under the discretion and supervision of an RN.
Where are CNAs Employed?
The majority of CNAs can find employment in elder care facilities, or care facilities which complete care for patients that require care with everyday tasks such as dressing, eating and completing other personal care measures.
There are some employers that have programs implement incentive programs for CNAs to continue their education to become an LPN while providing funding for the nursing student in return for services rendered to the place of employment for a specific amount of time after the student has graduated from the LPN program.
The student can than study while working as a CNA while taking courses part time on the evenings or weekends or through the use of distance education or even take a leave of absence from the position while studying, to return to the place of employment after the courses have been completed and the student has successfully made the transition to an LPN.
Making the transition from CNA to LPN
After completing the courses which are required to become an LPN, the CNA can often see the increase in pay, as well as the increase in responsibility. Most important, the CNA can take advantage of these opportunities through a variety of means including various opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge which are required to become an LPN.
An LPN is a licensed nurse and therefore the heightened sense of responsibility can be an effective way to increase earning potential while increasing the self esteem of the student. When the student is able to increase the potential for education, the student can fulfill the career goals and objectives that come with obtaining a position that comes with a high opportunity for advancement as well as giving the student the opportunity to further their education, even striving to bridge the programs and obtain the education which is required to become a registered nurse in the future.