CNA II classes worth the time

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i am currently a CNA 1 interested in cna 2 so that i may do catheter insertion and things like that. but i was wondering do cna 2s get paid more and do more. i currently work as a cna, so i didnt know if i would get a bonus or raise or how that works, or if cna 2 was even worth my time.

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

so do you live in Oregon? if so, i would say yes, get a cna 2, it allows you to work in a hospital where there is more learning and you work with professionals.

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no i do not live in oregon, actually.... way on the other side of the us. but i already work with "professionals" as you implied. and in my state hospitals hire nurse aide 1s. i just didnt know how it all worked with my current job. i guess ill need to ask my DON. thank you!

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Hi EmCNA - You know me from the other thread LOL! I hope you get replies as I would like to know the answer to the same question. I finish my CNA I at the Cloverleaf Extension in March and was planning to enroll in the CNA II class in April, or as soon as I can pass the test, and then be finished with CNA II by the end of August. The lady at RCCC said the CNA II class takes 14 weeks to complete. The only thing I can say that I have noticed is that there appear to be fewer job listings for CNA II's and the only ones I have seen appear to be in hospitals. That is why I really want to get hired at RCCC, Northeast, or VA as CNA I so that after I get my CNA II listing I'll be able to transition when a position comes open. Someone told me that there is not a huge pay difference in I versus II and I want it more for the clinical experience, but a tiny bit more pay would always be welcome LOL!

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CCU, Alzheimers, Med-Surg.

Is a CNA II the same thing as a PCT, or PCA? As in, CNAs work in LTC, and PCTs work in hospitals? If this is not the case, then please correct me, I'm still a little confused on the level I versus II thing.

From what I have seen, only certain hospitals have different levels of CNAs (not introducing nurse techs into the equation). I imagine though, that if there is a level II that they would be paid more due to having more education, or being able to perform more skills.

If you are interested in becoming a nurse I would definitely say that becoming a CNA II is worth it. I would say to get as much experience as you can get. I took a class at a CC that sounds like it is similar to a CNA II class. I think it shows hospitals that you are serious about advancing yourself.

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From what I read on the NCBON site a CNA II can do a few more things than a CNA I. A CNA II can do some suctioning, some ostomy care, insert urinary catheters, flush tubing on IV's and monitor flow rate, break up or remove fecal impaction, change sterile dressing on 2 day or older wounds, and remove naso-gastric feeding tubes.

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In looking at the Novant job search website it appears that they do not hire CNA I for ICU or ED - only CNA II so I would think that getting your CNA II and getting hired into one of those departments in that position would really set you up well for an RN position once you finish NS!

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thanks! i will deff check into getting my cna 2 then!

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