If you are looking for ways to improve your income and look for more employment opportunities, then you should look at certification to become a hospice CNA. There are many levels of nursing assistant certification and, once certified, a nursing career professional can choose a position in any number of areas in a medical facility or setting. It is important to find a level of nursing in an area that matches your personality and skills, as well as your career goals, since each area of nursing requires a specific type of person and certification for success – such as palliative care CNA.
What is a Hospice CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant/Aide (CNA) is a health care provider who works with patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). They can work in a number of facilities, including hospitals, assisted living facilities, adult day care facilities, or in a patient’s home. The focus of the care provided by a CNA is on the quality-of-life needs of a patient.The role of a CNA is also to act as a liaison between an RN or LPN and the patient. Since a CNA has a stronger one-on-one interaction with a patient, the CNA can make sure the RN or LPN has all the information about the patient that is needed.
Hospice is one area a CNA may work to take care of patients. Hospice care is a specific philosophy of health care provided for patients who are terminally ill or injured. At many times, the purpose of hospice care is to make patients as comfortable as possible during the end of their lives. Because of the sensitive nature of hospice care in dealing with patients and, often, their families, a hospice CNA must exhibit the type of care and compassion that is not seen in most other areas of nursing care.
How do I become a CNA?
Before working as a CNA in a hospice or other facility, you must go through a certification program and take a licensing exam.
The first step to become a hospice CNA is to go through a certification program. There are a few options for certification programs. You can attend a program through a college or university, attend a program through a hospital program, or enroll in an online certification program.
By attending an online program, you are able to get the education you need to become a CNA with the flexibility of taking courses that work around your schedule. This is particularly beneficial for those who are working and taking classes to change careers.
The length of these programs vary. Accelerated programs may allow you to complete your educational requirements in as little as four weeks, while other, more traditional curriculum programs may take an academic semester or longer. The length of time to complete the program is also dependent on your schedule. Online programs offer more flexibility, allowing you to meet your requirements while still meeting your outside responsibilities.
CNA programs provide you with the educational foundation you need to work as a CNA, providing high-quality care to patients. Not only do learn the processes and procedures needed to undertake daily responsibilities, but you learn how best to interact with patients based on their needs. For CNAs who want to work in a hospice setting, understanding how to interact with patients is an important aspect of the CNA education.
After going through the certification program, you are eligible to take the licensing exam, which certifies you to work as a CNA in your state. Some states have additional requirements to become a CNA. Be sure to check with your state licensure board to meet the requirements in your state. Your state may also have continuing education requirements in order to renew your license after a period of time. This ensures that CNAs continue to learn and adapt as medical advancements are made.
Once you are licensed, you can seek a position in a hospice setting. Some positions may require experience in a similar area, such as at an assisted living facility, prior to working in hospice. Because of the situation hospice patients are in, CNAs working in this field must have a unique combination of skills and personality traits in order to meet the care needs of patients, both physically and emotionally.