The role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is one of the most vital and fulfilling in healthcare. CNAs provide essential care to patients, ensuring their comfort and well-being while working closely with nurses and other medical staff. If you’re looking for a fast track to enter this rewarding career, Brevard Nursing Academy offers a comprehensive program that can transform you into a certified CNA in just five weeks.
This blog will walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming a CNA at Brevard Nursing Academy, providing tips for success along the way. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to maximize your chances of success in the field of healthcare.
The Importance of Becoming a CNA
Certified Nursing Assistants play a key role in the healthcare system by providing direct patient care in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The demand for CNAs is on the rise, making this a stable and rewarding career option. The good news is that you can start working as a CNA in just five weeks with Brevard Nursing Academy’s intensive training program.
In this guide, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to become a CNA, from enrollment to certification, and offer practical tips to help you excel throughout your journey.
Step 1: Enroll in Brevard Nursing Academy’s CNA Program
Your journey begins by enrolling in Brevard Nursing Academy’s five-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. This accelerated program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to pass the Florida Nurse Aide exam and start working in healthcare.
Step-by-Step Enrollment Process:
Choose Your Session: Brevard offers both day (9:00 am - 2:00 pm) and evening (4:00 pm - 9:00 pm) classes to accommodate different schedules. Select the session that works best for you.
Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form, which includes a $25 application fee. Be sure to apply before the deadline (September 9th, 2024).
Take the Entrance Exam: To join the program, you'll need to pass an entrance exam, which comes with a $45 exam fee. Make sure to prepare well in advance.
Register and Make the First Payment: After passing the entrance exam, pay the $80 registration fee and the first installment of $520 to secure your spot in the program.
Complete the Remaining Payments: The second installment of $440 is due two weeks into the program.
Tip for Success: Start the application process early to avoid missing deadlines. If you feel unprepared for the entrance exam, Brevard offers resources and study materials to help you pass with confidence.
Step 2: Dive Into Classroom and Practical Learning
Once you’ve enrolled, you’ll spend the next five weeks immersed in both classroom instruction and hands-on training. This blend of learning ensures that you not only understand the theory behind patient care but also have the opportunity to practice it in real-world settings
Course Overview:
Class Days: Monday to Thursday
Clinical Days: Monday to Friday
Program Length: Five weeks / 120 clock hours
During the program, you'll learn a wide range of skills, including:
Patient care fundamentals: How to bathe, dress, and assist patients with daily activities.
Vital signs monitoring: Accurately measuring blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
Patient positioning: Safely turning and repositioning bedridden patients to avoid bedsores.
Patient assessment: Observing and reporting changes in patient health conditions to nurses and doctors.
Tip for Success: Stay engaged during both classroom and clinical sessions. Ask questions, take detailed notes, and practice as much as possible to reinforce your learning.
Step 3: Gain Real-World Experience in Clinical Settings
One of the most important aspects of Brevard’s CNA program is the supervised clinical experience. Here, you'll put your newly acquired skills into practice by working with real patients under the supervision of healthcare professionals in local nursing homes and hospitals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Excelling in Your Clinical Rotations:
Be Professional: Always arrive on time, follow the dress code (including required scrubs), and treat this experience as if it were a job.
Observe and Learn: Watch how experienced CNAs interact with patients and staff. Ask for feedback and advice whenever possible.
Apply Classroom Knowledge: This is your opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve learned in a real-world environment. Practice everything from patient assessments to assisting with mobility.
Document Your Experience: Keep a log of your clinical hours and key experiences. This will help you prepare for your exam and job interviews.
Tip for Success: Build strong relationships with your clinical supervisors and peers. Networking in these settings can often lead to job offers once you complete your program and earn your certification.
Step 4: Prepare for the Florida Nurse Aide Exam
After completing your five-week program, the final step to becoming a CNA is passing the Florida Nurse Aide exam. This exam is administered by Prometric, and passing it is necessary to become a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant in Florida.
Step-by-Step Exam Preparation:
Review Study Materials: Brevard Nursing Academy provides ample resources to help you prepare for the exam, including study guides and practice tests.
Focus on Key Skills: The exam will test both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Pay extra attention to high-demand skills like taking vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and understanding infection control protocols.
Schedule the Exam: Make sure to register for your exam well in advance. The exam fee is $155, and you'll need to complete it before you can start working as a CNA.
Practice with a Study Group: Studying with fellow students can help reinforce your knowledge and provide moral support before the exam.
Tip for Success: Practice your skills repeatedly in a mock exam setting. Simulating the test environment will help you feel more confident on exam day.
Step 5: Start Your Career as a Certified Nursing Assistant
Once you pass the Florida Nurse Aide exam, you’ll officially be a licensed CNA and ready to begin your career. The demand for CNAs is high, meaning you'll have plenty of opportunities to find work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare settings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your First CNA Job:
Polish Your Resume: Highlight the skills and clinical experience you gained during the program. Brevard’s career services team can help you create a professional resume.
Network: Utilize the connections you made during your clinical rotations. Reach out to supervisors and ask for references or job leads.
Apply to Local Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies are always looking for qualified CNAs. Be proactive in sending out applications and attending interviews.
Continue Your Education: If you’re interested in furthering your career, Brevard offers additional programs like Practical Nurse (PN) and Phlebotomy (PHL) training to expand your qualifications.
Tip for Success: Consider starting with per diem or part-time work to gain experience before transitioning to full-time employment. This allows you to ease into your new role while expanding your skill set.
Achieve Your CNA Certification in Just 5 Weeks
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is a rewarding career choice, and with Brevard Nursing Academy’s five-week program, you can quickly transition from student to healthcare professional. By following the steps outlined above—from enrollment to certification—you’ll be well-prepared to enter the workforce and make a meaningful impact in the lives of your patients.
Brevard Nursing Academy’s combination of classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and exam preparation ensures you have everything you need to succeed. Take the first step today, and in just five weeks, you could be starting your new career as a CNA, helping those in need and securing a bright future in healthcare!
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