CNA clinical instructors must plan, implement and evaluate hands-on programs for students who are pursing certified nursing assistant certifications, according to OICW, a non-profit job training center in California. They observe students who are working at sites such as extended care facilities and evaluate their progress through testing and assessments of the skills attained. They also teach students about nursing assistant theory. Duties they teach might include feeding patients, escorting patients and taking patients' pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate and blood pressure. CNA clinical instructors must be able to research and develop teaching materials and lesson plans and deliver their institution's prescribed program curriculum in a timely manner, according to Monster.com. They also have to complete and submit required paperwork such as grade reports on time.
CNA clinical instructors must maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current state and federal requirements related to the certified nursing assistant field and adjust their curriculum accordingly. In addition, instructors must maintain their own professional growth by attending seminars, reading related professional publications and becoming members of professional organizations. These steps allow CNA clinical instructors to hone their instructional skills and nursing expertise as well as become privy to administrative training program changes implemented by the government.
Communication is key in this field. CNA clinical instructors need to be able to communicate effectively with students, fellow team members and prospective employers of CNA students. They also must be able to provide a stimulating environment that encourages students to actively participate, understand the concepts of good patient care and improve their interpersonal skills. In addition, CNA clinical instructors should be computer literate and have a strong knowledge of web applications, Microsoft Word and email. They additionally must be organized and detail-oriented, and they must be able to handle confidential information. Instructors need to be good leaders who can direct individuals and groups and remedy dysfunctional behavior as well, according to Career Builder.
CNA clinical instructors typically must have a valid and current licensed practical nurse or registered nurse license. They also might need to be eligible for a teacher's credential from the state in which they plan to teach. To get a valid nursing license, students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
To be a CNA clinical instructor, an individual must have completed an accredited associate or bachelor's degree program in nursing. Many programs also require students to have at least two years of nursing experience, one in a long-term care services facility within the past five years, according to Career Builder. In addition, some schools want instructors who are eligible for and willing to obtain a director of staff development certification, and many prefer instructors who have teaching experience. Clinical instructors also are expected to have current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification. Some states, such as Missouri, additionally require instructors to complete train-the-trainer courses.