C.P.R. and Y.O.U.

 October 24.2018

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 Do you have to have your CPR certification to take the state CNA test? No. CPR (also known as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification is not required for the CNA test – but there may be questions on the written exam that deal with emergency care. Getting your certification in CPR and First Aid can provide the knowledge that makes these questions easier to answer.

 However, most employers DO require CPR and First Aid certification before you can begin work.  In most healthcare facilities, everyone who works with patients must be familiar with emergency procedures. That’s because there is no way to know when a patient is going to have a medical emergency – and there are not always nurses hanging around when that happens. If there is a nurse in the area, the nurse will handle the emergency. But if not, handling the emergency will be up to you until a nurse or other medical professional arrives.

 Whoever you choose as a CPR and First Aid instructor, make sure all your questions are answered before you leave and that you are comfortable with your skill level. The worst time to figure out that you had a crappy CPR instructor is when there is a dead body at your feet and you need to know what to do about it!

What Other Jobs Can You Do With a CNA Certification?

October 24, 2018

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Many people love being a CNA and view it as a goal unto itself. But others get their CNA as a stepping stone, the first rung on the ladder of healthcare success. Starting with your CNA certification gives you valuable experience, helps you get to work quickly, and allows you to understand healthcare from various backgrounds. These are invaluable benefits as you progress in the healthcare field.

So what other jobs can you do with a CNA certification? Most other jobs will require additional training or certification, but your employer may be willing to help cover tuition and other education costs. If you want to move up the healthcare profession ladder, consider these other jobs you can do with a CNA certification.

From CNA to LVN or CNA to LPN

Did you know that the biggest difference between an LVN and an LPN is the name? LVN is the term used in California and Texas, while LPN is the term used in the rest of the United States. LPNs work under the direction of RNs and doctors. They are more involved in the medical care of their patients than CNAs. As an LVN or LPN, you will be responsible for injections, dressings, vital signs, monitoring patients, and managing CNAs. LVNs and LPNs make between $24,000-48,000 per year and must complete a state-certified program and pass the NCLEX-PN, the licensing exam.

From CNA to RN

Many CNAs use the LVN or LPN position as a stepping stone between CNA and RN; others go straight back to school to become an RN. RNs work in all areas of healthcare, addressing the medical needs of a wide array of patients. They administer medication, keep records, monitor patients, and educate patients and families. The average RN in the US makes $67,930 per year. They must complete additional schoolwork and pass the licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN.

From CNA to Healthcare Management

Once you have attained your RN, you will be able to become a nurse manager. If you don’t get your RN, you could consider gaining additional education to become a nursing home administrator or geriatric care manager. Both of these positions are licensed and have different education requirements depending on your state. Working in management requires less direct care of patients, but it does require excellent leadership skills and an ability to manage workflow for multiple people.
Regardless of the path you choose to take, a taking a CNA program

and getting your certification is a great way to start gaining experience in the healthcare field quickly. Another benefit of starting as a CNA is that you can make sure that healthcare is really what you want to do before investing years of time and money into a lengthy education process.

CNA in a Hospital vs. Nursing Home

 

ByCovenant CNA School
On October 24,2018

There are a lot of places you can work as a CNA. Most CNA's start out working in nursing homes because there are so many readily available jobs. Many go on to work at hospitals or start out there. What’s the difference between working as a CNA in a hospital vs. nursing home? Read on to learn more.

Working as a CNA in a Nursing Home

Most CNAs start their work in a nursing home or other long term care facility. These jobs are demanding, but they are a great way to gain experience. Many CNAs start in these facilities planning to move to the hospital setting, but then find they enjoy working with the same patients daily. Nursing home care varies from facility to facility, but CNAs tend to be worked pretty hard in this environment. You will likely be responsible for anywhere from 12-24 patients.

What Does a CNA Do in a Hospital Setting?

CNA jobs in hospitals can be difficult to find unless you know someone, have built up some experience, or have taken the time to volunteer at the hospital. They tend to be a little slower paced than nursing home jobs, and while you may have a lot of patients at once, you will usually have more help than you would in a nursing home. But there are some unique challenges in the hospital setting, as well. As a hospital CNA, you will see different patients every day.

The turnover means that your daily schedule and to do list changes every day. Your hospital may also require additional training so that you can complete additional medical tasks like help with EKGs.
Did you know that CNAs can work in many hospital positions that may not even have CNA in the job title? Find out about the other jobs you can do with your CNA.

CNA Salary Hospital vs. Nursing Home

One of the reasons that hospital CNA jobs are so highly sought after is because they tend to pay better than nursing home jobs. According to Salary.com, the average CNA (who works in a hospital or similar setting) earns $31,487 per year. They also have access to hospital benefits which tend to be some of the best available to workers. On the other hand, the average nursing home CNA earns $26,354 per year. While they do have access to benefits, they may not be as extraordinary as hospital benefits packages.

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3 Ways to Advance Your Career as a CNA

By Covenant CNA School
On October 24, 2018

Congratulations! You’ve been hired as a CNA; now it’s time to show your new job your skills. Read on to learn 3 ways to advance your career as a CNA. With these tips, you’ll be climbing the ladder towards your goals.

Be Professional

Some healthcare facilities can vary in levels of professionalism, especially smaller offices. Never settle for unprofessional behavior. Dress and act according to the job you want to have, not just the job you have. You should always be courteous to coworkers and supervisors, even when you disagree. You should know what you are supposed to be doing and execute your tasks to the best of your ability. If you have questions, ask for help. Leave slang conversations, unkempt appearances, and drama at home. When you’re at work, be the best version of yourself, and you will find plenty of opportunities for advancement.

Be Dependable

Ask anyone in management what their hardest job is, and they will all tell you the same thing: finding reliable help. Show up when you are supposed to show up, and be ready to work when you get there. If you must miss work for illness or emergency, contact your supervisor as soon as possible so he or she can cover your duties. Showing up really is half the battle, but be dependable once you’re there, and supervisors will take notice. Be flexible and reliable in your execution of tasks, and you will do well.

Keep Learning

One of the most important aspects of advancing your career as a CNA is to continue learning while you work. The healthcare industry is changing dramatically, and those who take the time to stay current with best practices, emerging technologies, and new forms of care will have an advantage over their peers when it comes to advancement opportunities.

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