The American Red Cross is an internationally recognized humanitarian association headquartered in Washington D.C. It has been providing disaster relief and other much needed aid since Clara Barton founded it in 1881, and its symbol is recognized all over the world as a beacon of hope for those in need of emergency healthcare. The Red Cross offers CNA training to those who want to become certified nursing assistants in the U.S. It’s not the only source of training for this role, and it’s not free of charge, but it is increasingly popular. CNA's provide essential care for people with health problems in various environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, care facilities and private residences.
CNA Training Locations
As of May 2010 there were Red Cross CNA classes available in 36 U.S. cities. Courses differ slightly according to variances in local state nursing regulations. Information about the nearest center to you can be found via the American Red Cross website.
The Purpose of CNA Courses
According to the Red Cross, students on their CNA courses are trained in effective procedures to monitor and record vital signs such as pulse, respiration, blood pressure and temperature. Trainees learn how to assist patients with essential activities such as grooming, bathing, using the bathroom and exercising. Nurses learn how to correctly assist patients who are trying to walk, reposition themselves or simply move around. They learn the correct ways of transporting patients and ways of preventing sores for those who are bedridden. They learn how to change dressings and how to cope in stressful situations.
Red Cross CNA Training
Training is conducted at genuine healthcare facilities under the supervision of a qualified Red Cross instructor. Trainees work with patients and get hands on experience of all the activities they’ll be required to perform when they’re out in the workforce after successful completion of the course. Classrooms for training are equipped with modern facilities for learning. Each classroom typically has 4 beds, mannequins, a Hoyer lift, wheelchairs and other equipment with which nurses will need to be familiar. Training covers healthcare for patients of all ages, from infants who need diapers changing up to geriatrics who need help with bathing. There’s also training in post mortem care. Life-saving techniques are learned on the course, such as how to save someone who is choking. Training includes necessary procedures for ensuring a sterile environment for patients.
Duration of Red Cross CNA Courses
CNA Courses are designed to provide intensive training and get nurses into the workplace quickly. The lengths of Red Cross courses vary but they usually take around one month to complete. One typical course involves 114 hours of training, with 43 of those being theory/lectures, 29 hours of hands on practice or lab work and 42 hours of genuine experience in a clinical environment.
CNA Examination
The Red Cross certifies students who pass an exam at the end of the course. There are 2 parts to the exam, a skills test and a written test. The exam can be completed over the course of a day and takes around 5½ hours. Candidates must pass the skills test before attempting the written test. Candidates are informed of whether they’ve passed on the same day and those who are successful will receive their Certified Nursing Assistant certification soon afterwards.
Those wishing to take a CNA course with the Red Cross must meet certain criteria, such as being 18 years of age or older. For many it’s an ideal course because it leads quickly and directly to the workplace and focuses on vital, primary duties and responsibilities in healthcare.