CNA Nurse Assistant Training & Testing

Quickly increase your earning potential with a fulfilling career in health care as a CNA nurse assistant. This is the opportunity you've been hoping for! "My children get to see their mom helping people through my nurse assistant job, as well as providing for them. And they are excited and very proud of what I've accomplished." - Chelle, NAT graduate and single mother of three

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Overview

Start a New Career in the Medical Field with the American Red Cross CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) Training Program

Imagine a job that rewards you for caring about others…that is exciting and challenging…a job where you make a difference. Whether you’re just starting your career or ready for a change, now is the time to consider becoming a Nurse Assistant. In most states a Nurse Assistant is referred to as a (CNA).

As a CNA, you will be an important part of today’s world of health care, with knowledge and skills that are always in demand. The Red Cross CNA Training Program prepares individuals with the information and the experience needed to become a Nurse Assistant who will provide quality care for residents in long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health care and hospice settings.

The American Red Cross is the premier provider of Nurse Assistant Training (NAT) and has prepared individuals for work in the nursing field for over 100 years. The program is designed with input from educators, caregivers, and long-term industry representatives from across the United States.

Day CNA classes are available in which students learn in a hands-on environment under the eyes of caring and professional nurses, bolstered by a nationally developed Red Cross Curriculum that meets or exceeds state standards.

The program places a high emphasis on learning excellent communications skills and the Art of Caregiving to provide compassionate care for people in the health care system. Through lecture, DVDs, role-playing, and laboratory practice, students learn procedural skills such as vital signs, bathing, dressing and positioning. The classroom is equipped with hospital beds and medical equipment to practice skills prior to the clinical rotation.

An emphasis on academics and hands-on skills training, graduates of the NAT program are well prepared for the requirements to pass the state test as well as to be successfully employed in hospitals, long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings.

We offer one of the best NAT Programs* in the industry by using a combination of lecture, hands-on/on-site, and audio-video training.

*Based on % of our students passing State exam.

Course Benefits

Small Class Sizes

Accessible Locations (near public transportation)

Hands-On Experience

Licensed Instructors with Professional Experience

Course Length 4-8 Weeks

Course Requirements

Training requirements for the Certified Nurse Assistant varies from state to state, these listed items are required for all Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training courses.

Attend a local orientation information session

TABE (reading and math assessment) OR verification of High School diploma or GED

Must pass a Red Cross criminal background check prior to registration

Completion of Red Cross physical form/TB test

The Nursing Home Reform Act, adopted by Congress as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA '87), was designed to improve the quality of care in long-term health care facilities and to define training and evaluation standards for nurse aides who work in such facilities. Each state is responsible for following the terms of this federal law.

The State Competency Test is an evaluation of nurse aide-related knowledge, skills and abilities. The Pearson View test is made up of both a written and oral examination in addition to a skills evaluation. The purpose of the examination is to make sure that the student understands and can safely perform the job of an entry-level nurse aide.

Upon successful completion of the course students will qualify to take the State Competency Test to be a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). The course prepares students to seek employment in various health care settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, board and care/retirement facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and day care facilities for the elderly.

Description

The Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training Program helps students learn skills that will enable nursing assistants to provide quality care for residents in nursing homes, as well as supplemental information and skills that will enable graduates to provide quality health care for clients at home and patients in hospitals.

In this course you will learn the following:

CPR/FA/AED

Infection control

How to take vital signs

Range of motion exercises

How to be a valuable and adaptable employee

Communication, teamwork and diversity skills for the workplace

Important skills and techniques necessary to be a successful Nurse Assistant.

Our course curriculum includes textbook lecture and in-depth instruction in the following areas:

The Art of Caregiving

Promoting Safety

Providing Care

Special Care Instructions

Transitioning from Student to Employee

The Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training course has two components.

NAT Program Part 1 (Theory) The first part of our nurse assistant training takes place in the classroom. During classroom training, students will learn all aspects of patient care, through lectures as well as hands-on demonstrations and practice. Students are also certified in CPR.

NAT Program Part 2 (Clinical) Upon completion of the classroom training students will begin the second part of the program which consists of clinical training. During clinical training students will work directly with patients in a health care facility. You will be supervised by a licensed nurse, who is approved by the state as a Nurse Assistant Training Instructor. During your clinical rotation experience you will work side by side with other aides, nurses and medical professionals. You will learn what working as a certified nurse assistant is like every day in a long-term care facility.

Program Highlights

Textbook, Student Handbook, Study Guides & all Skill Supplies

2 year certification in CPR, First Aid and AED

State-of-the-art classrooms & medical equipment

Classroom instruction provided by licensed nurses OR Classroom instruction provided by licensed nurses (RNs, LPNs/LVNs as allowed by state)

Hands-on clinical experience at a local long-term care facility

Resume Workshop

Job Fair with local employers

Tutoring available before/after classes

Graduation ceremony with American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Pin

Lifetime Membership as American Red Cross NAT Graduate

Job Outlook

In 2004, there were 1.4 million nurses assistants employed in the US. Nurse assistants and CNAs are employed in a variety of facilities including hospitals, clinics, and home care.

The job growth for Nurse Assistants is faster than average, with an expected growth of 20% or more by 2020. A total of more than 300,000 additional employees will be needed. There are excellent employment opportunities for Nurse Assistants across the nation.

As the medical field continuously grows Nurse Assistants are on the front lines for providing quality patient care. Becoming a Nurse Assistant is a good idea for someone interested in the nursing field but not sure which path. A Nurse Assistant job will set you on the fast track to a quality career in the medical field.

Top Reasons to become a Red Cross Nurse Assistant

Over 100 years of nursing experience and an industry leader.

Our NAT instructors are state approved licensed nurses OR Our NAT instructors are state approved licensed nurses (RNs, LPNs/LVNs as allowed by state).

Flexible NAT course locations and schedule, including weekends.

Bureau of Labor Quick Facts: Nursing Assistants