Red Cross CNA Training

Pursuing Red Cross CNA Training

What is Red Cross CNA Training?

A nursing assistant is responsible for helping the nurse with daily patient tasks, and so this position is usually in close contact with the patients and helps develop strong care skills. Many nursing assistants later continue their education to become a registered nurse.

If this is something they know they will pursue in advance, ideally they should take red cross CNA training. It is offered in most states and it follows a nationally recognized certified nursing assistant's program to train students to care for the elderly in nursing homes.

It is a 171-hour course and it is designed to encourage nursing assistants to later become registered nurses and work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, retirement homes, psychiatric facilities or elderly day care centers.

Elements of the Program

The red cross cna training program has an intensive practical component and so will require extensive physical exertion. For this reason, applicants must complete a health check and cannot enrol if they have any health problems.

Some of the skills covered include taking a patient's temperature, blood pressure and pulse, helping the patient with daily tasks and mobility, like bathing, exercising and dressing, helping the patient get around, positioning the patient safely and moving a patient's limbs when they can't do it themselves, as well as maintaining all charts and paperwork. Additionally, in a red cross course, students will also take CPR to better handle emergency situations.

Red Cross CNA Certification Test

The American Red Cross Nurse Aide Competency Exam is what you need to take to become certified, and it is a one day test that is completed in about 5 1/2 hours. It has 2 parts, a written and a practical part, and the practical part needs to be completed first. You will be tested on the skills you studied in class and evaluated by a medical professional.

The written component will follow up with theory based questions. Re-certification is usually required every year, and there is a 24 hour American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training Program that provides it.

If you are interested in becoming a nursing assistant, and your aspirations are to one day advance your studies, or you would simply like a more extensive training program, red cross cna training is highly recommended. It follows the same nationally recognized curriculum, but it adds a more intensive practical training program along with CPR courses.

Once you have graduated, you are also automatically associated with the Red Cross, which is a nationally recognized program and helpful to your career. It is an ideal solution for serious students who want to get ahead and start Red Cross CNA training.