Aceso offers a range of educational programs and courses, including a curriculum for nursing assistants that’s engaging and thorough and meets state and federal regulations. We offer a full course for students just starting their NA careers and a Nursing Assistant Review if you just need help passing your certification exam. Our helpful staff reviews everything to help you pass your CNA exam and ensure you have a positive experience.
What Is a Nursing Assistant?
NAs, who may go by the job title nurse aide, work with registered nurses to help provide patient care in many different healthcare settings for the elderly and/or disabled. They often perform basic tasks to free up RNs for other duties. A CNA is a certified nursing assistant and performs the same job duties. NAs must become certified to be listed on a state’s nurse aide registry and apply for jobs in this field.
How to Become a CNA
You must have your high school diploma and complete training through a state-approved program. Upon successful completion of your training, you must pass a competency exam. In the state of Florida, all testing is through Prometric, but licensing is through the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON). You must find an approved testing center and schedule with them. A list can be found on the Prometric website. On your testing day, submit your non-laminated Social Security card, driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification card, registration fee and completed application form. Once you have completed all sections of the exam, your results will be sent to Prometric and the to the FBON.
Getting Hired
Before you’re added to the CNA registry and get hired by a nursing home, Veterans Affairs elderly community or other long-term care facility, employers usually run background checks because they’re required by the state. Employers may request that you complete on-the-job training with a current employee before letting you work independently.
Aceso’s Nursing Assistant (NA) Review
Aceso’s NA course prepares you with the skills you need to begin a career in the health care field. NA program graduates who haven’t passed their certification exam often find our NA review helpful. Our talented staff reviews common tasks, such as taking vital signs, recording input and output, charting in an electronic health record, side effects of common medications, Foley care, therapeutic techniques and equipment and handling emergencies, among others. All our courses are approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and the Department of Education: Commission for Independent Education.
What Does a Nurse Assistant Do?
Nurse aides help care for patients under the supervision of RNs or LPNs. They may take vital signs, replace bandages and help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting and transferring or turning patients. CNAs answer patient questions, contact RNs if a patient’s status changes and complete other job duties their supervisor finds helpful. Communication with other employees is essential.
Is Being an NA Worth It?
Being an NA can be hard work, but it’s definitely worth it. Facilities typically offer many employment options, competitive pay and great benefits. They may provide employee benefits like health coverage, a sign-on bonus or other incentives to work for their company and may work around the school schedule of a college student. Overall, it can be a rewarding job with great coworkers and residents who become family.
Start your career as a CNA through Aceso’s NA course or take the NA review to prepare for your exam. Contact us at 850-792-2376 to enroll in the next available class or see if you find our CNA review helpful in passing your exam.
