How to Enroll In a CNA Training near Curtis Nebraska
So you have decided to practice as a CNA and enroll in certified nursing assistant training near Curtis NE. Once you have earned your certification, you will begin a rewarding career in one of the most rapidly increasing occupations in health care within the United States. Although it might seem like a challenging endeavor, it’s important that you choose the ideal CNA school to receive the proper training and education. A number of future students begin with the two most basic qualifications, which are the location of the school and the cost of tuition. You may additionally be pondering whether to attend CNA classes on campus, or enroll in an online course and attend them from home. More on that option later. But performing your due diligence before picking a CNA school consists of far more than comparing the price or location. Such things as accreditation and the reputation of the school must also be considered. We will be addressing those issues along with several other questions that you should be asking before you register in a CNA school. But to begin with, let’s discuss a little bit about what a nursing assistant does and the type of instruction and credentials that are offered.
The Job of a Nursing Assistant in Curtis NE
Certified Nursing Assistants are responsible for many duties in the Curtis NE hospitals, practices and other healthcare organizations where they are employed. Per their title, CNAs are not licensed by the state but rather are certified. Since they are not licensed, they work under the direction and management of either a licensed LPN or RN. And as nursing assistants, their main job function is to assist the licensed nurses that they work under. Their responsibilities are numerous and diverse, and in a hospital environment can include:
- Providing basic care to patients
- Checking patient’s vital signs
- Maintaining a record of patient’s health status
- Cleaning and dressing patients
- Serving and helping patients with meals
- Transporting patients to other areas
CNAs may also practice in Curtis NE nursing homes or long term care facilities. In those environments, nursing assistants are more engaged in assisting patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs are defined as routine activities that most people carry out daily without assistance, for example eating, dressing, or using the bathroom. Nursing assistants usually develop more of a bond with these patients since they typically stay in the facilities for extensive periods of time. Often, they can end up being the channel between the patient and the balance of the medical staff thanks to their relationships with their charges. Because of this, the CNA’s knowledge can be an useful resource for preparing the appropriate care and treatment of long term care patients.
CNA Training
Unlike many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants in Curtis NE do not have to attain a college degree. CNA training can be obtained at a community college or at either a vocational or trade school. The duration of the training can take anywhere from one to 3 months, leading to either a certificate or a diploma. Under the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are required to have at least 75 hours of training, 16 of which must be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum amount of instruction directed and that every state has its own requirements. So it’s necessary to make sure that the training program you enroll in not only satisfies the federal requirements, but likewise those for the state where you will be practicing. One suggestion is to contact the health or nursing board for your state to make sure that the training is state certified. In addition to the training, each state requires a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there can be additional prerequisites as well.
Online CNA Programs
Enrolling in CNA schools online is becoming a more popular way to receive instruction and acquire a nursing credential. Many schools will require attendance on campus for a component of the training, and virtually all programs call for a specified number of clinical rotation hours performed in a local Curtis NE healthcare facility. But since the rest of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more accommodating approach to finding the free time to attend college for some students. Regarding tuition, a number of online programs are cheaper than other on campus choices. Even additional expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more economical. And many online programs are accredited. So if your work and household responsibilities have left you with very little time to work toward your academic goals, maybe an online CNA training program will make it easier to fit an education into your active schedule.
Questions to Ask CNA Nursing Degree Programs
Now that you have chosen which nursing program to pursue, as well as whether to attend your classes on campus or on the web, you can utilize the following pointers to start narrowing down your choices. As you no doubt realize, there are numerous CNA schools and colleges within Nebraska and the United States. So it is important to decrease the number of schools to select from in order that you will have a manageable list. As we earlier discussed, the site of the school relative to Curtis NE along with the cost of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the first two points that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your sole qualifiers. So before making your ultimate selection, use the following questions to evaluate how your selection compares to the field.
Is the CNA program accredited? It’s important that the Curtis NE school and program that you enroll in is accredited. One of the more highly regarded accrediting authorities is the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). CNA schools and programs that have been accredited by the NLNAC are guaranteed to not only provide a quality education but to be state approved as well. Earning a certificate or diploma from an accredited school is also more likely to be credited towards a more advanced nursing degree at another accredited school. And finally, accreditation makes your training more valuable in the job market.
Is the CNA course state approved? Before enrolling in a training course near Curtis NE, make sure that it complies with the certification requirements for Nebraska or the state where you will be practicing. It should not only satisfy the minimum federal requirement of 75 hours, 16 of which must be clinical training, but any additional state requirements as well. As previously mentioned, if the CNA course is accredited by NLNAC it will be guaranteed to be state approved.
What is the Pass Rate for the State Exam? It’s preferable to enroll in a nursing assistant school near Curtis NE with a pass rate for the state licensing exam of at least 75% for its graduates. If fewer than 75% are passing, it may be an indication that the curriculum and/or the instructors are not effectively training the students. Nebraska posts a list of state CNA schools with their state licensing exam pass rates.
Is there an Internship Program? Find out if the schools you are considering sponsor internships with Curtis NE healthcare facilities. They are a great way to get hands-on clinical experience not available in a classroom or lab setting. As an additional benefit, they can help students establish relationships within the local medical community. They also look good on resumes. Also check to see if tutoring is available as needed. Other options may include an internet school forum or chat room where students can ask questions and share knowledge.
Is there a Job Placement Program? A job placement program can be of great assistance to a graduating student in finding that first nursing position. Find out how many students are being placed in jobs with the assistance of the school. If a school has a high job placement rate, it’s a confirmation that its reputation within the Curtis NE medical community is exemplary. It also confirms that the school has a broad network of contacts to assist students gain internships or employment after graduation.
Where is the school located? The campus will need to be within driving distance of your Curtis NE residence unless you are able to relocate. If you enroll in an online program, find out where the clinical portion of your training is available. If a school has an internship program, most likely the placements will be within its local area. Also keep in mind that if you enroll in an out-of-state school, or even out of area for many community colleges, the tuition costs as a non-resident may be higher.
How large are the classes? Ask the schools you are considering on average how large their classes are. Smaller classes usually provide more access to teachers when students have questions or need extra help. In contrast, larger classes tend to be more impersonal and limit one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of the classes before enrolling so that you can experience the level of interaction between students and instructors.
What is the Program’s total cost? CNA training and tuition can vary not only among schools, but from state to state depending on certification requirements. In addition to tuition, there are other costs such as commuting expenses, textbooks and other materials. When comparing schools remember to include all costs required for your education. If you do decide to attend an online school, some of the expenses may be reduced. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available in the Curtis NE area.
Can the Program accommodate your Schedule? Finally, you will need to make sure that the program you select offers classes at a time that you can attend. If you are still working and need to attend classes at night or on weekends near Curtis NE, make sure they are available. If you can only attend part-time, make sure that is an option as well. Even if you have decided to attend classes online, you will still need to confirm when clinical training hours are offered. Also, find out what the policy is for making up classes should you miss any due to work, illness or other obligations.
Considering CNA Classes near Curtis NE?
Curtis, Nebraska
Curtis is located at 40°37′57″N 100°30′53″W / 40.63250°N 100.51472°W / 40.63250; -100.51472 (40.632586, -100.514747).[10] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.20 square miles (3.11 km2), all of it land.[1]
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 939 people, 365 households, and 193 families residing in the city. The population density was 782.5 inhabitants per square mile (302.1/km2). There were 426 housing units at an average density of 355.0 per square mile (137.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.7% White, 0.6% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population.
There were 365 households of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.7% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 47.1% were non-families. 36.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.98.
Pick the Right CNA Training near Curtis NE
Deciding on the best certified nursing assistant training program is potentially the most important phase to starting a new career in the health care field. There are many aspects that you should think about when choosing a nursing school. These variables will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career goals, lifestyle, and financial status. As we have highlighted in this content, it is essential that you select a CNA school and program that are both accredited and have exceptional reputations within the health care community. By using our list of qualifying questions, you will be able to develop a short list of schools to choose from so that you can make your final selection. And with the right training, combined with your hard work and ambition to succeed, you can become a CNA in Curtis NE.
Other Cool Cities in Nebraska
Business Results 1 - 10 of 0
