Going to school to become a CNA

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Dec 5, 2013

Cna training is so easy you really dont have to brush up on too many things BUT, if you would like to, know common medical terminology such as qid, cva, mi, etc. Vital signs and the normal ranges for them. How to feed a patient, measuring I&O, making a bed (empty or unoccupied), bed baths, etc. Go on youtube to see a few examples and maybe practice at home. Good Luck.

superwholock · Dec 5, 2013

This is literally the burger-flipping of the medical world. You'll do fine. =)

One thing almost everyone struggles with is blood pressures. Buy your own, or borrow them from your school if they're any good, and get a Littmann stethoscope. Trust me on this. I nearly gave myself an ulcer trying to learn blood pressures, and having a good steth made SOOO much difference.

Other than that, just practice taking all of the vitals, make flash cards for the skills, and take your test soon as you can. I waited a couple of months because I couldn't scrounge up the money for the fee, which made it really hard to study without any mannequins or demonstrations. The Youtube videos saved my bacon!

slilly · Dec 5, 2013

Catheter care, peri-care, making a bed occupied or unoccupied, denture care, feeding a person, assisting a person who has a weak arm or something like that, bed baths, ambulating a person using a gait belt, measuring urine output, measuring vital signs, hand-washing, learning the importance of turning and repositioning, learning how to put a patient on the bedpan, nail care but not cutting nails, hair care. You will learn how to deal with alzheimer and dementia patients, how to communicate with them. Lets see when you go to clinicals if your instructor has used that facility multiple times and knows the patients ask if she could show you a patient with a colostomy bag, that is really interesting to look at, but as far as care I know in NC you have to be a CNA II which is what I am to change the bag and do care around the colostomy, I don't exactly remember if a CNA I can empty it.

Caliguy3165 · Dec 5, 2013

Thank you to all for the information and encouragement. The other question I have is this; would it be a good idea to go for being an LPN after I get my CNA certification or will it be better just to go for RN, considering the time factor.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Dec 6, 2013

I second Youtube videos. I have to renew my CNA license and taking the test next week. I orginally received my CNA license in 2008 and practiced with my mom and family to prepare for the skills part.

I'm now applying for my RN. I suggest getting your CNA and try to get into a hospital. Go for your RN if nursing is a passion of yours.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Dec 6, 2013

What part of California you from?

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Dec 6, 2013

Thank you to all for the information and encouragement. The other question I have is this; would it be a good idea to go for being an LPN after I get my CNA certification or will it be better just to go for RN considering the time factor.[/quote']
It depends on your situation, the job market for lpn employment, the cost of the lpn programs, if you need money now, RN school waiting lists, etc. If you are able to go straight for your rn to save money because a lot of programs (I live in PA) cost a lot to do their lpn program. However, if you dont have 4-5 years to do rn and or if you feel like you need money now, then do the lpn program then bridge over. Good Luck