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What is a CNA? - How to get certified as a nursing assistant in UK?

A certified nurse practitioner reviews medical records for patient well being

What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)? - A guide

A certified nursing assistant in plays major role in UK healthcare system. They help to make patients get better. Certified nurses fulfil the basic health needs of patients. CNA in UK could be the best career option for individuals who love to take care of patients directly. In this article, we discuss about certified nursing assistant and how individuals can become CNA in the UK. 

What is a certified nursing assistant in the UK?

Certified nurses works in places like hospitals or medical centers. They help lots of different patients with medical care and support. While doctors make most decisions, CNAs usually give patients most of their treatments and care during their visit. CNAs report to registered nurses, licensed practitioners, or other nurses.  

What are the steps to become a CNA in the UK?

• The first step to do to become a CNA in UK is to continue your education. It's a good idea to finish high school so you can meet the basic requirements for these training programs. Most CNA programs need high school graduation as a requirement.

• After you've signed up for a good course, the next thing to do to become a working CNA is to finish your training hours. The rules for passing your program can vary depending on the program and the minimum hours needed for classes and hands-on training in your area.

• People who want to become nursing assistants take the CNA certification test before they can get their license or certification. The test has two parts, one is a written part and the other is a hands-on skills part.

What are the responsibilities of CNA in UK?

•    Assisting patients with everyday tasks like eating, bathing, and moving around.

•    Writing down how each patient is doing health-wise.

•    Sanitizing medical tools and equipment.

•    Making sure safety rules and procedures are followed correctly.

•    Getting rooms ready for new patients to arrive.

•    Collecting and storing different medical supplies.

•    Helping patients with going to the bathroom.

•    Measuring and noting down how much food and drink a patient has consumed.

•    Collecting items for the nurse or doctor.

•    Examining and recording important body measurements. 

•    Responding to patient calls or alerts. 

•    Helping with medical treatments or procedures. 

•    Helping patients move around, like getting in and out of bed or a wheelchair. 

•    Washing, feeding, and helping patients get dressed. 

What are the qualities to become a certified nursing assistant in UK?

1.    As a CNA, you need to help patients and families dealing with tough health issues. Being caring and kind is really important. 

2.    Communication skills are important to become a CNA. Talking clearly and well with patients, families, and other healthcare workers.  

3.    Attention to detail, means writing down important details correctly and doing exactly what you're told. 

4.    Adaptability or being ready for surprises and changing to help patients when things change. 

5.    Helping patients who are hurting or upset needs you to be patient and caring. 

6.    Being Reliability means patients get the help they need and helps the healthcare team gain trust. 

7.    Physical Strength is also important quality. Being able to stand for a long time and help move patients when necessary. 

8.    Certified nurses should also have the quality of time management.  

What is the average salary of a certified nursing assistant in UK?

Nursing assistants make on average £11.09 per hour. However this can vary depending on the experience, where you work and further training you have. Become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and you might make approximately £30,652 year, or approximately £17.35 per hour as a registered nurse (RN). 

Where can individuals work as CNA? 

•    Hospitals 

•    Nursing home 

•    Assisted living facilities  

•    Memory care facilities  

•    Home cares  

•    Psychiatric 

•    Military bases 

•    Corrections  

•    Rehabilitation centers 

What is the greatest challenge as a CNA?

•  Being seen as the least important position in healthcare is the main challenge that certified nursing assistants are facing. One of the toughest things for CNAs is how often people don't appreciate their work—patients, families, and even colleagues can make their job feel less important. 

•  The salary of certified nursing assistants doesn’t reflect the hard work they are giving. Many CNAs struggle because their pay is low, and they have to work extra hard to pay their bills. 

•  Being in charge of most of the physically tough jobs. Nursing involves a lot of physical work, and CNAs do many tasks that could cause injury. 

•  Another tough part of being a CNA is not having many chances to move up in your career. 

•  Many CNAs work longer hours than usual, either by taking on extra shifts to cover expenses or because they feel they need to support their stressed colleagues. 

What is the difference between CNA and LPN?

A certified nursing assistant and licensed practical nurse have difference mainly in roles and responsibilities. CNAs generally provide their care under the supervision of licensed nurses. It includes helping with daily activities, taking vital signs, and ensuring patient comfort. An LPN helps nurses and doctors, and their job mostly involves medical tasks. CNAs complete a shorter training program compared to licensed nurses. On the other hand, LPNs can do more in their job, like giving medicine, caring for wounds, and doing advanced nursing tasks. CNAs typically complete a shorter training program. In contrast, LPNs can perform a wider range of duties which involves giving medicine, taking care of wounds, and doing harder nursing tasks.  

How can certified nursing assistants move into different nursing roles?

The skills and experience you gain as a CNA can help you get into LPN or RN programs. However, getting these nursing certifications means you need to finish different education programs. Your CNA background won't make LPN or RN training shorter, but it might make nursing school easier to understand. It can also be useful for your career because you'll already know people in the field when you finish school. 

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