In our most recent article, we discussed six of the most common myths about CNA certification and certified nursing assistants themselves. We discussed the myth about CNAs having no medical responsibility (which they do), the idea that getting CNA certification is a dead end (certainly not true), the idea that night shifts are easy (playing cards is not how you’ll spend your nights), and that CNAs work in nursing homes (when, in fact, they work in hospitals and doctors offices as well. On top of that, we talked about taking CNA courses, namely the myths about it being hard to fit into the average person’s schedule (anyone can make it happen), and that all CNA programs have to take place in the classroom (CNA online courses can constitute a portion of your training time).
But those aren’t the only myths and misconceptions about certified nursing assistants. Because there are more CNAs needed than ever before, that also means that there’s more false information that gets around regarding the profession. Today we’re going to look at a few more myths regarding those who have CNA training.
MYTH: CNA Work Is Mostly Technical
A lot goes into getting CNA certification, and there’s no doubt that there is quite a bit of technical work involved. Being a certified nursing assistant requires quite a bit of training in taking patient vitals, as well as the proper way to document these vitals so that doctors and nurses can review them. This has led some people to think that CNA work is mostly just technical.
As we discussed in this blog, being a CNA is as much about being compassionate as it is about the technical aspects. In a nursing home setting, CNAs spend more one-on-one time with patients than with any other person, simply because the needs of patients is so constant. Being a CNA requires a great deal of compassion, because those in nursing homes are — understandably — quite needy. While the technical work of a CNA is vital, being a caring and understanding person is just as important.
MYTH: You’re Guaranteed An Immediate Job
We hesitate to bring this up, but it’s important to do so. Yes, there is a nursing shortage in the country, and CNAs are in constant demand due to Colorado’s growing population and the increasing age of baby boomers.
But just showing up to a hospital or nursing home facility and saying “give me a job” probably isn’t going to cut it. Both of these institutions are still looking for the best CNA candidates available, hopefully ones with experience. During CNA training, a prospective graduate should study as much as possible in order to get top marks on their CNA test. Someone who has received their CNA certification should still have a well-written, up-to-date résumé and consider taking interview training.
Of course, attitude is a huge part of getting a good CNA job at the facility you’re most interested in. If you go into an interview thinking that they have to hire you because you’ve heard they’re short on CNAs, that will probably come through and turn them against you. It’s very important for a candidate for an interviewee to highlight both their technical training and their interest in helping people. As we mentioned before, hospitals and nursing homes are looking for someone with heart to take care of those in their facilities.
MYTH: You’ve Got A Job, So You’re Done
Not necessarily. There are always additional training opportunities for CNAs who are interested in furthering their career. Yes, the basics might get a job, but additional training can get you a better job!
What does that better job look like? It’s not just more money. You could get to work at a higher-prestige hospital, or get better benefits. For some people, getting to choose a facility that’s closer to their home is the primary interest. You could also find that working with a particular set of people is more fulfilling. In short, more training means more options for your current and future career.
MYTH: “You’re just a CNA.”
Few things bug us more than hearing the word “just” put in front of a person’s profession. It plagues society as a whole, because some of our most important citizens are often belittled with the word “just.” We simply never want to hear it from anyone, let alone those in our CNA classes!
Think of it this way: Nurses and doctors couldn’t do their jobs without certified nursing assistants. Without CNAs, patients would get about one-fifth the amount of care that they normally do. Patients and nursing home residents wouldn’t get their vitals taken as often, which would lead to a considerable increase in deaths. The infirm wouldn’t get talked to nearly as often, which would lead to more depression. Patients wouldn’t get turned in their beds as often, which would increase the incidence of bedsores (and more deaths due to them). Nursing homes literally couldn’t stay open without the help of CNAs.
Ready To Start CNA Classes?
We want you to know exactly what you’re getting into when you take CNA classes with us in Northglenn and Loveland, and we hope this pair of blogs has helped to shed some light on the dark misinformation that has gotten out there regarding CNAs.
At Northern Colorado Training Institute, we’re ready to help you get the training you need to get your CNA certification in Colorado. Click here to find out more about our upcoming classes!