Generally, CNA programs last only a few months.
Nurse assistant programs are typically offered at community colleges, universities, adult schools and occupational centers. A typical course of study includes: basic anatomy and physiology, infection control, body mechanics, communication skills, taking vital signs, patient transport and safety, basic first aid, documentation, basic hygiene and grooming. A high school diploma, or its equivalent must be completed prior to admittance.
In the United States, CNA training programs must offer 75 hours of training, including a clinical component. Students must complete 16 hours of supervised clinical training in hospitals and long-term care facilities. In addition to this, he must complete 12 continuing education hours each year to keep his certification current. A valid CPR certification is required at all times.
A CNA must be in good physical health and are required to have yearly physical examinations, up-to-date immunizations and test negative for tuberculosis.
A criminal background check and fingerprinting is also required.
The nursing profession dates back to 1633, when St. Vincent De Paul and Louise De Marillac first established the Daughters of Charity Servants of the Sick Poor in Paris. They recruited young, single women from the country to formally train them to care for the sick in hospitals and homes. After receiving nursing training from St. Vincent De Paul and Louise De Marillac, Florence Nightengale assembled 38 women to care for sick and wounded soldiers during the Crimean War in the mid 1800's. It was during this time that Miss Nightengale developed a modernized approach to nursing care, Evidence Based Nursing, a belief that health care must be based upon the validity of present and past research.
Shortly thereafter, a hierarchy began to develop within the nursing profession: student nurses, staff nurses and matron nurses.
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According to the Department of Labor, nurse assistants earn a salary of approximately $23,000 per year, and can expect employment growth "much faster than average for all occupations through 2016."
Without additional education, nurse assistants have little opportunity for growth. Since the position does provide introductory experience in the nursing field, many certified nurse assistants decide to continue their training, opting to enroll in a licensed vocational or registered nursing program. High school students wanting to become nurse assistants should take courses in biology, algebra, health, nutrition, chemistry and computer literacy.
Work as a nurse assistant is physically demanding, as it requires long hours standing and walking.
There is also significant risk of back injury from lifting, transferring, turning and positioning patients.
The work can be quite unpleasant: emptying bedpans, changing soiled or wet linen, often dealing with violent, disoriented patients, and administering incontinent care.
Nurse assistants are particularly exposed to germs and viruses; there is an increased risk of contracting hepatitis and other infections, therefore special biohazard precautions must be taken.