Any CNA Teachers here?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Community Health, School Health.

I am an NP with an opportunity to teach a CNA class for high school students. I have many years of precepting students in a clinical setting, but have never taught theory in a classroom setting. Can anyone tell me how you began your job teaching students to prepare for being CNA?

Thanks

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Specializes in BNAT instructor, ICU, Hospice,triage.

I began teaching students by applying for the job, never dreaming I would get hired. But I did and I guess it was meant to be!

In my state we have to turn in a master schedule to IDPH and we have to follow it perfectly. You can't let class out early or cancel. If there is a snow storm, we can send a revised schedule to Illinois Department of Public Health, who regulates CNAs.

If you are required to take Train the Trainer in your state, that will help you tremendously.

My favorite part is connecting with the students and telling them all of the funny stories from my experience.

I try to really make it interesting because my kids are also high school students. They are used to being entertained and they just can't learn like my generation did. I mix it up with videos, we do play dough for wound care, I bring in wound Annie, we do Quizlet, i-clickers, and Kahoot. We also have workbooks they do for extra credit points.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Specializes in BNAT instructor, ICU, Hospice,triage.

I asked one of the other high school teachers "how do you motivate high schoolers?" She said "you figure that out, you let me know!!" LOL

I've had some difficult groups to teach, they are very busy! Some of them work until 11 at night and they are exhausted, some of them play volleyball, basketball, etc. They are stressed. And they have senioritis!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Community Health, School Health.

Thanks so much! Seems like a great opportunity but feeling overwhelmed when I think about it. I'm in MA so will have to look at the requirements. My interview next week is kind of informational for me as well, and I asked that one of the other faculty RNs be there so I can ask questions about the course, syllabus, etc. I'm a huge planner so the fact that this sort of fell into my lap unplanned is part of my hesitation. I am also at a job I started last September (school nurse) and I am happy so would need to really be sure before leaving. Do not want to job hop. I took time off to have my kids and have eased back into nursing slowly so I can be around before and after school, etc. Anyway, I appreciate your response. I sent you a PM as well before I posted this so feel free to ignore since you answered this post :)

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Specializes in BNAT instructor, ICU, Hospice,triage.

Same here. I was in hospice and I was leaving the house at 4AM and getting home after my family was in bed. I wanted to be home more. My high school CNA class meets from 7:30 AM to 9:15 Monday thru Friday. I love the fact that I am home before noon and can have supper ready for my kids when they get home the house smells yummy for them. It has been the best job I have ever had for my family. I would ask how your employer handles IEPs and if they require a certain reading level before they can enter the class. It seems like we require a lot out of these CNAs. But they have a very important critical job. I wish they could get paid what they are worth!!!!

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