Is it worth it to take an Acute CNA class?

[LilGumble]

Hello CNAs! I'm going to be starting a CNA course next week and I need some help gathering more information on if I should sign up for an Acute CNA class after. I applied to a BSN program but was put on the wait list due to lack of experience, so I want to work as a CNA in a hospital setting. I will complete my clinical hours in a long term care facility, so I didn't know if I can apply for jobs at hospitals when I am done...? Also, what are the differences between medical telemetry and surgical?

Thank you so much!!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

What is an Acute Care CNA?

[texastaz]

Yes-the classe is Very Worth it. Acute care is your general population in the hospital - patients just out of Post Op or ICU, sent on the floor from emergency. Lots of foleys, bedpans., monitoring, not much lifting. Helping nurses during procedures.

[caliotter3]

I happened to be within earshot of a conversation between the hiring manager and a job applicant in an office one time. The hiring manager was providing positive feedback to the CNA about the fact that she had taken an acute care CNA course at the local community college. I would think that such a course would make one stand out, especially if one is applying to acute care hospitals for work.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I guess that this title is not offered everywhere...I never heard of it here in New York. If I were a CNA and this was offered, I would take it, also!

[SoulFood]

Yes, here we have CNA II (Acute Care) certification which is required to work in a hospital setting. The class here is offered to CNA I's who hold an unencumbered certification and are on the State Registry. I am definitely doing that after securing my CNA I status.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

What do they teach that is different from the traditional CNA class?

[JumpingIn]

In Maryland we don't have CNA II registry, but a patient care technician certificate. That is what CNA's here do to advance as a CNA in a hospital. With that you're able to do venipuncture(phlebotomy & IV's), insert foleys, EKG's and some other somewhat invasive procedures in addition to the normal CNA duties.

Is the Patient Care Tech in Maryland, similar to CNA II and Acute Care CNA's in other areas?

[LilGumble]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm realizing that its probably better that I didn't get into the BSN program right away because I have so much to learn just about how the hospital operates in general. I have so much respect for all of you guys!

[SoulFood]

What do they teach that is different from the traditional CNA class?

According to the Oregon State BON:

CNA 2-Acute Care

Under the supervision of a licensed nurse, the CNA 2- Acute Care may

only provide care and assist clients with the following:

1. Tasks associated with responsive observations:

* Vital signs:

(i) Temperature;

(ii) Pulse;

(iii) Respirations;

(iv) Blood pressure- manual and electronic on upper arm, thigh,

and lower leg, including orthostatic blood pressure readings;

(v) Pain level;

* Pulse oximetry.

* Warm and cold therapies:

(i) Warm and cold compresses;

(ii) Ice bag, ice collar, ice glove, or dry cold pack; and

(iii) Heated soaks and whirlpool or sitz baths.

2. Tasks associated with technical skills:

* Add fluid to established post pyloric, jejunostomy and gastrostomy

tube feedings and change established tube feeding bags;

* Apply topical over-the-counter creams and ointments for

prophylactic treatment of skin conditions;

* Apply pediculicides;

* Apply sequential compression devices;

* Assist patients in and out of Continuous Passive Motion machines;

* Assist patient with coughing and deep breathing;

* Interrupt and re-establish suction (with the exception of chest

tubes);

* Remove cast in non-emergent situations;

* Set up traction equipment;

* Suction oral pharynx;

* Turn oxygen on and off at pre-established flow rate; and

* Use of an incentive spirometer.

3. Tasks associated with interpersonal skills and communication.

4. Tasks associated with safety.

5. Tasks associated with infection control:

* Clean ostomy sites and change dressings or appliances for

established, non-acute ostomy;

* Collect clean-catch urine specimen;* Discontinue foley catheter;

* Measure, record and/or empty output from drainage devices and

closed drainage systems;

* Obtain rectal swab [for Vancomycin-Resistant Entercococcil];

* Obtain sterile urine specimen from port of catheter; and

* Perform clean intermittent straight catheterization for chronic

conditions.

This is of course in addition to CNA I dutues (which obviously also include vital signs- not sure why the mention that again!). There is also CNA II certification in Restorative Care and Dementia Care. In the state of Oregon, CNA I programs are 150 hours (75 lecture/lab, 75 clinical) in length and CNA II programs are an additional 88 hours of lecture/lab and clinical.

[CNA1991, CNA]

I was wondering the same thing myself! I am a CNA in home health care and my goal is too work at a hospital so I can have an "in" when I graduate as a RN. I think it's a great idea especially if your area has strict nursing assistant standards. thanks for asking the question!

[boogalina, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN]

From personal experience, I would say it's worth it to pursue the CNA2.

I got my CNA1 license in April, started first CNA job in May (after completing a CNA2 course as well). Had pretty much given up on getting a hospital CNA position because of my lack of experience, but kept applying for positions anyway.

I was hired this month for a hospital CNA position! I am sure that already having my CNA2 was an important factor in getting the job.

CNA2's can straight-cath patients if needed, but one of their major delegated duties is performing blood glucose checks.

CNA2 program costs vary from about $750 to $900 depending on where you go for training. A good investment if hospital training is your goal!